Can’t Knock the Hustle
This journey we call life is hard work. Besides juggling personal responsibilities, family and goals, add a career in high tech and you know that it takes a lot of effort to get shit done. You have to put in time, energy, and commitment to everything you do. And right when you feel like you’re in the zone, excelling, something happens to knock you down. I call these lessons learned. But the key to life is to get up and keep going. And this takes a certain mind set. As we enter the new year, how will I keep putting one foot in front of the other?
If you know me, at the beginning of each year I pick a word and a song that guides me through the next 365 days. Last year, my word was PASSION. And the song? You can read the blog here.
So, what is my word for 2019?
HUSTLE
Yes, this word has been overused. But I haven’t spoken about it as it relates to my life. Perhaps because it’s already ingrained in my psyche. Sitting there, pushing me to succeed. Hustle requires you to think outside the box. Turn on your creative juices. Be innovative. Never take “no” for an answer. Show passion in everything you do. Network whenever possible. Read. Watch. Listen. Learn. Share. And most importantly, give back. But you also have to be able to pivot and change when you’re thrown a curve ball.
The one constant in life is change. And you better be able to hustle to keep up. The world will keep on spinning regardless of what you are doing in it. And if you don’t keep moving forward, growing in new directions, no one else will do it for you. Everyone could use a little hustle in their lives. And that is how I define my hustle mentality.
What is my theme song? This year, it’s Weezer’s Can’t Knock the Hustle. Now, don’t get all preachy on me with talk of the original Jay-Z version. Nor whether this song is really true to what you’ve come to expect from Weezer. Yes, this song is gimmicky. And plays directly into today’s millennial culture. It talks about the gig economy. The video features Pete Wentz as an Uber driver. Trying to make some money on his own terms (perhaps as a side-gig) but he has to deal with some unruly passengers. For me, this song is representative of where we are today as a society. One in which there are those who fly under the radar and expect success. And those of us who work extra hard to get what we want, sometimes taking on side-gigs. That is a mindset we should respect and not knock down.
With my career, I’m a creative, a marketer, a strategist, a sales person, a negotiator, a manager, and most of all a storyteller. As the head of our global influencer marketing, my goal for 2019 is to create a world class program that helps SAP become a Top 10 Brand (we’re currently #17). I truly want to see my company succeed. And the only way we’re going to do it is by infusing influencers into everything we do and by collaborating with all the various teams within SAP. It takes a village to accomplish this goal. And at times, it will require me to take on extra work that demands some blood, sweat, tears…and yes, a lot of hustle.
2018 was a crazy, busy, and successful year for me. Filled with a ton of passion for everything I did both professionally and personally. People following my socials ask how I’m able to do so much? It takes a lot of effort and a lot of hard work. Join me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to follow my journey for 2019. And perhaps it will inspire you to add some hustle into your life or share with me how you hustle.
Hasta luego, adios…