DEVELOP YOUR HUSTLE MUSCLE
How Difficulties Strengthen and Teach Perseverance
I was reading an article earlier this week that was speaking about “imposter syndrome”. Specifically the article was speaking about attorneys, but I think it’s applicable to all of us.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Basically, imposter syndrome is the fear that you are a fraud and not deserving of the job/position you are in. You have substantial doubts about your ability to handle things – or a specific problem – and believe that at any minute you’ll be exposed as a charlatan and shown the door. For most, these episodes are sporadic but for many, it is a chronic problem. In a profession that seems designed to induce stress and insecurity, throwing bouts of imposter syndrome on top of the pile just feels unfair.”
The article lists 10 helpful tips on overcoming “imposter syndrome” which include (i) realizing that perfection is impossible, and (ii) the importance of not comparing yourself to others.
It’s worth checking out.
That said, one of the things that I’m big on is innovation - and being on the cutting edge of life and business; and one of the biggest impediments to this is succumbing to the pressure(s) and opinions of other people - whether that be your family, peer group, or professional colleagues.. basically, caring too much about what other people think.
I’ve learned that adulthood is really like high school all over again; and I have this theory that most people don’t grow out of their high school / college personas.
It’s funny - because in high school, even though everyone is still living with their parents, their brains haven’t fully formed, and they have no clue on how the world actually works - most kids, due to the fear of others opinions, are scared to stand out and be different.
That’s because their awareness level has not exceeded the environment in which they exist on a daily basis.
This shows us that if we want to think differently, we have to push ourselves to exist outside of our natural environment and comfort zones. If we want to do more, we have to develop and challenge ourselves to become more - and expose ourselves to more!
You cannot permanently possess anything beyond what you’re able to conceive; and whatever you conceive is what you already possess - for better and worse.
Be careful..
Think Different
This is why we should embrace difficulties and challenges. I’m not talking about foolishly throwing yourself into fires, but I am speaking about having the confidence to say: “if a mountain shows up in my path, I’m running through it!”
What often keeps us from getting to this place is a lack of self confidence or “imposter syndrome”. Many times, we’re suspended in self-doubt and unbelief because we haven’t seen any, or many, do it like we want to do it.
But the truth is - that’s the opportunity life presents to each and everyone of us. It’s the challenge to express our individual gifts, talents, and abilities in unique ways.
“Be different, do different things. Don't do it like he did, cause he ain't what you is; but we can win… ”
Kendrick Lamar, ‘Kush and Corinthians’
We’re all different. We each have different gifts, talents, and abilities. We all see the world differently; and we were all born to stand out. If God wanted us all to be the same, He would have made us the same.
Just because you’re a doctor doesn’t mean you have to practice medicine the way it’s been practiced for 200 years.
Point guards played a certain way until Steph Curry came and changed the game..
That’s what I’m talking about. It’s ludicrous to shrink yourself in order to fit in.. why?
“There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living”
Nelson Mandela
There’s no glory to be found there.
Greatness lies outside of our comfort zones; and it’s often the difficulties we go through which develop us, make us stronger, and open our eyes to the opportunities we truly have available to us.
I remember when I was getting my ‘Master of Public Administration’ degree. I couldn’t find the job I wanted, and ended up doing two unpaid internships for a year.. with a master’s degree.
Oh yeah, I didn’t have a car either and I used to have to take the bus and walk a couple miles everyday for work - rain, sleet, and snow. But I learned so much from that experience, and it set the foundation for the focus that I would bring to law school, and the early years of my legal career.
The truth is that experience (and other similar experiences) taught me more than I learned through the “successful” events and experiences.
It’s like Bill Gates said,
“Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose”
See, it’s the difficult times which lead to successful events. It’s the practice sessions which lead to (near) “perfect” performances
HUSTLE MUSCLES
Difficult seasons develop what I call our “hustle muscles”.
Your hustle muscle is like an extra gear that you can shift into at any time - whenever the occasion calls for it. While other people around you may max out at gear 3, those with" “hustle muscles” can shift into gear(s) 4, 5, 6, and 7.
It’s not something you’re always born with; it’s something which has to be developed - and difficult experiences are the primary ways in which we develop those muscles.
So I encourage you to lean into your struggles. Don’t shy away from them. Go the extra mile, and watch where it leads you.
Maybe that difficult situation is meant to teach you something?
WHAT IS ‘SPIN THE BLOCK’?
In the days to come, I’ll be following up with more information on what you can expect from this platform.
I was recently watching an interview with Kevin Hart and Jay Z - in which they spoke about the lack of information which they, and many other entertainers face and continue to face - often, not being able to realize and actualize significant life and business opportunities.
That’s essentially what Spin the Block is about.
I’ve been fortunate enough to do some interesting work in my short career. I’ve been legal counsel for Fortune 500 companies, unicorn startups, media/entertainment professionals. I've also accomplished some things faster than I thought possible.
I didn’t even know what an entertainment attorney was until 2013.
And even though, I’m still on my way and haven’t arrived - I’ve realized that many people don’t have access to much of the information and insight that I often take for granted. Spin the Block is a way for me to provide access to information and insights about the business of media (sports, music, entertainment), technology, and career / personal development in general.
Spin the Block is about learning how to take the route you need to take in order to accomplish what you want to accomplish. It’s not cookie cutter, and we’re not playing by anyone else’s rules.
Most importantly, Spin the Block is about believing in yourself.
Believe that!
Most of the things I write will be free, it’s never about the money for me; but some of the more time consuming content (group consulting sessions, business reports, research papers, and long form articles) will be for premium subscribers.
I’m still brainstorming, but I’ve gotten some good feedback thus far; and I’m looking forward to what comes of this.
Feel free to hit me with any additional suggestions - elijah@thrivesportsent.com
Peeaaacceee!
Elijah Adefope is a media, entertainment, and technology consultant and attorney. He is Lead Counsel at Substack, a media technology platform for creatives, and has written two books on the music and sports industries. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia and can be reached on LinkedIn or at elijah@thrivesportsent.com