The Rise & Grind Blog, From Pure Grind Coffee
I Lost My Special Purpose
Take A Step Back
As simple as it sounds, taking a step back from your daily routine can really help you understand where you are in your goals. Open your eyes to all that you’ve accomplished in recent months, even though you’ve felt like you’re without purpose. Step back, reassess, and keep on pushing. This means take a break — yes, we know hustlers don’t relax. But in the middle of the chaos, you need to take a deep breath and analyze where you are so you can create a new path. Goals don’t just appear out of thin air; you’ve got to develop a plan, man.
Attribute Daily Tasks To Long Term Goals
When you make your daily schedule, start putting a long-term motivation behind everything you do in your day. For instance, “go to the gym” turns into “go to the gym to hit my one-year weight loss goal.” Apply this attitude to your professional life. “Book clients” should be “book clients at least six months to one year out.” Simple adjustments in your mindset can help you maintain your motivation. Train your brain to think positively, then release that energy into everything you do. Fuel up that passion and freaking kill it.
Switch That Shit Up.
Finally, it could be as simple as changing things up! Instead of going to your typical lunch spot for a meeting, try a new place that puts you out of your comfort zone. Being uncomfortable is part of our necessary human challenge — that’s when growth happens. As humans, our brains tend to get bored quickly, so making sure we keep our environments interesting is important to our success as grinders. Keep it fresh, like your daily coffee.
See? It’s that easy! Now go out, rediscover your freaking purpose, and grab your cup of Pure Grind badass coffee so you can be ready to make the day your bitch.
You need these small batch coffee beans in your life. They’re bold. They’re delicious. They don’t apologize for being their awesome self. Our kick-ass beans come from the mountains of Central and South America and boast low acidity with an amazing bold flavor profile that will probably change your life.
Each batch of Pure Grind is meticulously roasted in small batches so your beans will be amazingly fresh AND awesome. Enjoy a 16oz bag today!.
A Hustlers Toolkit: Technology Entrepreneurs Should Use
You’re a damn entrepreneur in the 21st century, an era of technology. There is no freaking reason why you should be out there hustling and not using technology. How do you expect to network? How do you expect to take your brand to the next level? Technology is rapidly advancing — like you are, and every day, there are better solutions for modern businesses. Your clientele needs to be aware that you know what the hell you’re talking about. Know what’s out in the world and how you both can benefit from it. Take it from us, Pure Grind Coffee, the purists, the snobs, the no-nonsense, no-bullshit brand of beans. Not only do we have good coffee, but it comes with a side of entrepreneurial wisdom. You need to be keeping up with tech tools if you want to save money, make a living, and be successful. Blow your audience away by incorporating these tech tools in your everyday hustle.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Remember the movie “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” in 2001? Take notes from one of the entertainment industry’s most notable hustlers. Steven Spielberg is truly a God and always ahead of his time. The film gave us an advanced look at the future of robotics. Yes, freaking robots! AI can come in many forms, including Siri, Tesla’s self-driving smart cars, and home assistants by companies like Amazon’s Alexa. AI assists in fraud detection, personalizing your shopping experience, and so much more. Ditch the mindless, time-consuming tasks and hand them off to your digital assistant, make that digital assistant your bitch. Every second is power and money you don’t want to lose or waste. Futuristic technologies like AI have been picked up by tech giants years ago, so what the heck are you waiting for?
Virtual And Augmented Reality (VR/AR)
Virtual and Augmented Reality has been around for some time, but have become widely popular fairly recently. The entertainment industry is being advanced with VR movies and games. Products like Google Lens allow your camera to explore what you see. Translate text, add events to your calendar, call numbers, and do so much more. Are you curious about a business you passed by? Snap a photo of it, then let Google Lens do the work for you. The function will pull up the name of the business, ratings, and other information. Could this be a potential partner? Let Google grab the creds and let you know. It’s magic in the palm of your hands.
Drones
Drones are everywhere now. Do you have one? If you work in transportation, logistics, agriculture, or security, you seriously need to get on it. These industries previously used helicopters, cranes, and more human, expensive labor. The product is growing in the market and if you want to be an expert in your field, you need to be up to date. Even if you’re not in those commercial work, drones can be used for leisurely activities or professional gigs, such as photography. They are affordable, so it’s time for you to capitalize on it. Stop horsing around and go for a serious ride. We’ll be on the other end waiting with the best damn coffee you ever had.
It’s time to get focused and research tech products for your hustler’s toolkit. So, pour a cup of Pure Grind and get going. Don’t forget your coffee grinder and French press, perhaps some of the most important freaking technologies of all!
LOW Tech Essentials
You need these freshly roasted, small batch coffee beans in your life. They’re bold. They’re delicious. They don’t apologize for being their awesome self. Each batch of Pure Grind is meticulously roasted in small delicious batches, fresh, delicious, whole beaned goodness. Our monthly subscription plans are the bee’s knees, each month, you’ll receive freshly roasted bag(s) of our original whole bean small-batch roast. 16oz of whole bean awesomeness.
You're A Freaking Purist
On a swampy, sweaty, humidity laden JANUARY afternoon in Orlando, I rolled up to an appointment in my pickup with the AC blowing and the AC/DC cranking. This meeting was a long time coming. It wasn’t going to be easy. It wasn’t going to be comfortable. It was flat out going to suck ass. It was time. It was time to end a relationship that started out all nice and fluffy and ended up being lipstick on a pig.
I’m not normally a confrontative person, in fact, I pretty much steer clear of conflict wherever I can. But This. This could wait no longer. I had to tell this person how I felt he had failed me and several others by getting greedy. He had a great thing going, but he got greedy. A pretty cool networking group with some pretty cool people that was started for some pretty cool reasons had turned to utter shit and turned out to be NOT SO different than any other. Self-serving.
We sat down and I endured some rather BURNT coffee from a national chain. He chose to recline outside, so the 150 degree coffee and the 92 degree, chunky humidity drenched Central Florida air started to work together to cause extreme discomfort. Dripping with sweat, I spoke up, hoping to get this over with and get back to my tunes and air conditioning. As I expressed my disdain for the shift of the group that I was well entrenched in, my contact was gracious and politely heard me out. He massaged his unkept beard a few times with his hand and then looked me dead in the eyes and said, “you’re a freaking purist, you don’t cut corners. Sometimes, Tom, you need to cut corners.”
I was just called a purist. My brain scrambled to put meaning to this. Purist… Was this an insult? Had I upset him so much that he resorted to name-calling? Did an epic war of words just begin? I stared at him as I continued to drip with sweat and process what had just happened. He went on to explain that as the group had grown, he had to start cutting corners to accommodate the growth. He had less great speakers, less classy venues, he had to control the narrative a bit more as it got more popular. Quantity over quality. Ok. I get it, I think. But…
I’ve owned a digital marketing agency for over 14 years. On Target works with some high-end companies who expect some high-end results. As we grew, we learned. We made mistakes. We made bad hires. We made some poor financial decisions. BUT, we always, always, always put the customer first. No matter what, we’d make certain that they always got our best. They paid our paychecks. They kept us afloat. They spread the good word about us and help us grow the agency even larger. If that’s what being a purist is, I’m ok with that. Cutting corners helps no one long term. Doing it the right way, sticking to your guns, and seeing a long term gain as opposed to a quickie, is the only way for me, my agency, AND my coffee company.
So, I raise a mug of Pure Grind coffee to the purists, the ones who seek quality always. The ones who don’t settle. The ones who live by a high set of standards. Here’s to the ones who don’t muddy the waters with excess nonsense. Here’s to the ones that appreciate a great thing when they see it. Here’s to the ones who don’t cave and cut corners to jack up their profits. Here’s to the freaking purists, everywhere. I salute you.
Hi. My name is Tom and I’m a freaking purist and the name for this coffee was inspired by this very interaction. Do it right or don’t do it all. Thanks so much for reading and sharing this with a friend.
Get Pure Grind.
You need these small batch coffee beans in your life. They’re bold. They’re delicious. They don’t apologize for being their awesome self. Our kick-ass beans come from the mountains of Central and South America and boast low acidity with an amazing bold flavor profile that will probably change your life.
Each batch of Pure Grind is meticulously roasted in small batches so your beans will be amazingly fresh AND awesome. Enjoy a 16oz bag today!.
Entrepreneurs Don’t Bitch About Mondays
You hear it all the time — “I don’t like Mondays.” We heard The Boomtown Rats sing it in 1979. It’s a line made famous because it was graffitied on the walls of Shermer High School, the set of “The Breakfast Club.” But the cool thing to do isn’t to bitch about Mondays; it’s making the best of Mondays. The first day of the week is a fresh start, a new day to conquer the life you are trying to build. Instead of complaining about Mondays, find a solution or change to overcome your blues.
Take a Walk
If you’re feeling stressed, one of the best ways to clear your head is to go for a walk. Walking helps you wind down, boosts your brain capabilities, and stimulates creativity. It’s a healthy activity that gives you a break from the everyday stresses of your hustle.
Love What You Do
It sounds so cliché, but don’t do things that you really hate. You are in control of your life, so you get to call the shots. Eliminate any toxic or unhealthy attitudes, environments, and relationships. There are going to be days that feel like the end of the world, but a bad day isn’t a bad life. Sometimes our passion for what we do can make us feel frustrated. Don’t confuse frustration with toxicity. Your hustle should be something you feel passionate about.
Learn Something New
Like we say: Never stop learning. Be curious. If you feel like your hustle needs a bit of a boost, seek ways to step it up. Go the extra mile. Read blogs, watch YouTube videos, listen to podcasts, absorb any and every information you get your hands on. This refuel will kickstart your motivation and make you hungry for the win.
Make the Best of It
Make the best of your situation. If you have long commutes, find good music or podcasts to make the ride more enjoyable. If you have back-to-back meetings, take a few moments in between to step outside and breathe. If you aren’t feeling motivated at the office, redecorate with uplighting decor. This is the hand that you’ve been dealt with, so work with it.
Do Something Creative
While drinking your Pure Grind coffee, write down creative ideas that will restore your spirit. Use Mondays to plan out a successful week. What is one creative thing you can accomplish each day that will make you feel happy? Challenge yourself. Get ahead of the game by mapping out your own rules.
Hustlers Don’t Complain. They Figure It Out.
You work with someone who complains too much. Your wife complains too much. Your kids complain too much. Hell, you even complain too much. But you need to dial down that negative noise, as it has no space in a hustler’s realm. OK, so your car broke down, you didn’t close that deal, and you feel like you’re just not hitting it out of the park. But sit down, hush up, and identify the problem and create solutions. That’s how you’ll figure shit out and keep it moving.
You’re Not Alone
Yes, it’s super cliché, but fear and anxiety plants inside your brain the idea that you’re the only one dealing with an issue. But we guarantee you, the problem has arisen for someone else before. And they made it through with some damage control and problem-solving skills. Find inspiration in people who have already conquered your challenges.
Frustrations Are a Part of Life
The things people complain about usually involve being annoyed by something, being dissatisfied with a situation, or feeling threatened. You may feel like you are powerless in a situation, but you have control over your own self and your behavior. This energy can build up and cause physical discomfort. Complaining is human nature’s way of releasing the pent-up energy. In reality, all venting does is take our problems and make them someone else’s. Rather than solving a problem, you are just trying to get people on your side. That’s not the best way to blow off steam because the problem is still lingering. You’ve just swept it under the rug, and we guarantee you it’ll resurface. Then you’re just on a hamster wheel and pushing people away with your negativity. Stop spinning on this endless cycle. Hustlers don’t waste time complaining because they know it doesn’t improve their situation. You will gain nothing and lose everything.
Confrontation
Vent to the right person — thoughtfully. If your colleague is causing you distress because they are always late to important meetings, address them directly. A simple and direct form of communication could ease the tension. If you lost a deal to someone else, have a talk with yourself. Why did it blow over? How could you change it for next time? There’s nothing wrong with someone having the same idea and taking it to the next level. This just means they got to it quicker and your come-up is a whole other opportunity. Be patient — your beans are brewing. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Drink Up
Winning doesn’t happen without losing. Read that again. Fail. Fail again. Fail hard. Prepare, don’t react. That’s how you learn — you don’t quit. Double your efforts and keep it moving. There’s always another day, when you get to wake up again and drink your coffee. You need that blood flowing through your brain and veins. You’ll feel that adrenaline you need to keep it moving. Your body wakes up and you’re unstoppable. Be productive and be valuable. Don’t be a Negative Nancy. If you can’t handle the heat, you’re most certainly in the wrong business.
Fuel Your Hustle With A Freaking Freshly Roasted Bag Of Beans.
You need these small batch coffee beans in your life. They’re bold. They’re delicious. They don’t apologize for being their awesome self. Our kick-ass beans come from the mountains of Central and South America and boast low acidity with an amazing bold flavor profile that will probably change your life.
Each batch of Pure Grind is meticulously roasted in small batches so your beans will be amazingly fresh AND awesome. Enjoy a 16oz bag today!.
Dear Fears: F Off
Everyone has fears. Everyone has anxiety. Even the most successful hustlers. I mean, think about it, fears are just defense mechanisms. It’s your brain and your body trying to protect you from the unknown, the dangerous, the risky. But really — we need a little thrill in our lives. We all need to take risks. Want to know how courageous people conquer their fears? Read on, my friend.
Self-Awareness
The first step in conquering anything is to admit you have a problem. You are fearful. Own it. Respect it. Challenge it! Grab a pen and paper or your phone and write it down. Write out what you are afraid of. Self-reflection is a necessary first step before you can truly dive into it.
Explore It
Fearless people understand that fear is an interactive experience made up of emotional, physical, and mental parts. Fear is not just worry, but it is a trick to make your mind think things are worse than they are. Your own actions have an impact on the degree of fear you feel. Discover the origin of your fears. What triggered this? Understand that it’s not about what scares you; it’s about why it scares you. It could have anything to do with a past experience, forecasting the future, or just biology — genetic predisposed fears that you were designed to be afraid of. When you identify the why, you can discover solutions.
Overprepare, Don’t Overreact
People who live fearlessly don’t spend much time worrying about the worst-case scenario. In fact, they prepare for it. Have a plan, have a backup plan; plan B, plan C, even plan D. Overprepare without obsessing or overreacting. Be calm. Control your mind, don’t let it control you. Freaking out never solves anything; it just wastes more time, and we don’t have time to waste.
Be Inspired
Look at your favorite people and fill your brain with images of how you want yourself to be. Connect with role models, people who have the same fears you do. Talk to them, read about them, and use these examples as an energy source to kick your fears in the ass.
Fuel your hustle by putting your fears in the backseat. You’re in the driver’s seat, so you are in control. Fears don’t ever really go away, but once you identify them and start preparing, you can take action. To correct behaviors, be willing to look stupid and make mistakes. Take a breath, sip your coffee, and let go.
Fuel The Hustle With Pure Grind Coffee
You need these small batch coffee beans in your life. They’re bold. They’re delicious. They don’t apologize for being their awesome self. Our kick-ass beans come from the mountains of Central and South America and boast low acidity with an amazing bold flavor profile that will probably change your life.
Each batch of Pure Grind is meticulously roasted in small batches so your beans will be amazingly fresh AND awesome. Enjoy a 16oz bag today!.
5 Things Every Entrepreneur Should Be Doing
You might think successful people have it easy. But think again; they had to take that intense climb to the top. Ask any entrepreneur and they will tell you it isn’t easy. It’s never been easy, and it never will be easy. Anything could change at any minute. And really, once you make it to the top, there’s only one way to go. To continue rising and staying afloat, incorporate these tips into your grind.
Get Up Early
Be an early riser and get a headstart on your day. We get it — you’re tired, you want to sleep later, and you may have to head to a job that makes you miserable. We’re going to tell you some of the most important words you’ll ever need to know in business: Stop complaining. Instead, solve problems. Successful people are proactive and have side hustles they need to fit into their schedule. Create some space in your day, and set the tone from the start. Wake up early, read the news, drink your coffee, and enjoy how good it feels to feel those roasted beans run through your veins. That’s when you start to feel alive.
Start A Blog
Blogging is one of the best ways to reach your target audience. Social media is the way of life now, and people spend countless hours on it daily. It’s user-friendly and the way most people find information. Produce engaging content, use a variety of media — including audio and video content, and solve your audience’s problems. That’s the goal: fixing their issues. Once you’ve got them on your site, try to keep them there. They’ll likely enjoy their stay and continue to visit.
Never Stop Learning
One of the most effective ways to grow your business is to continue learning. Be curious. Ask questions. Dive into topics about anything and everything. Every day, there are new marketing rules and changes to algorithms. You need to be in the know and up to date. Take classes instructed by people who are successful in their industry, and learn from their mistakes. Listen to podcasts, watch videos, and read books. Take notes. Entrepreneurship is like going to business school every day, without having to step foot on campus.
Work Out And Meditate
We know you work hard. You feel like you’re always on the go. You don’t have time for anything. Your meals come from drive-thrus. But we can’t emphasize enough how important it is to be committed to your health. If you’re not in good shape, you can’t hustle. Prepare healthier snacks ahead of time, and make sure you work out. Again, wake up early and get moving. A good workout routine will make you feel more productive and successful, as your brain and blood circulate. If you don’t have time to go to the gym, go for a walk or buy workout gear for your home. Take a few minutes at a redlight to close your eyes and meditate. Take deep breaths in between the hustle and bustle of your day. Clear your brain and keep on.
Have Fun And Drink More Pure Grind Coffee
Loving what you do is the most important part of being a successful entrepreneur. Sure, you’ll have your down days, days where you feel like you need a break, but overall you need to believe in the mission and be passionate about it. That’s how you win. Keep your eye on the prize. Don’t forget the coffee. Cheers!
Get Your Hustle On With Pure Grind.
You need these small batch coffee beans in your life. They’re bold. They’re delicious. They don’t apologize for being their awesome self. Our kick-ass beans come from the mountains of Central and South America and boast low acidity with an amazing bold flavor profile that will probably change your life.
Each batch of Pure Grind is meticulously roasted in small batches so your beans will be amazingly fresh AND awesome. Enjoy a 16oz bag today!.
People Who Are Killing It: Marcia Kilgore
Every day, you wake up, you wash your face, you drink your Pure Grind coffee, and you get on to your hustle. It’s time to kick the day in the ass. That’s what serial entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore does. She kills it, and she never stops.
When she was 17, Marcia moved from Canada to New York after high school with just $300 in her pocket and no plan.
When she moved to the States, Marcia learned how to do facials on herself because she was on a quest to battle her acne-prone skin. Her endeavor was so successful, it led to opening a spa and starting a skincare line called Bliss in 1996. Starting out of a room in New York City, the spa became so popular it booked months in advance and had a schedule full of celebrity clientele. The products are filling the shelves of stores like Ulta and Target and are filling up markets globally. The brand’s slogan: best face forward. By putting her best face forward, she is taking over the beauty world.
There’s a reason she’s called a serial entrepreneur; Marcia is changing the beauty business one company at a time. Having built five companies over the last two decades, she can’t stop, and she won’t stop. The woman is a slinger, launching business ventures left and right.
On the great Gary Vee’s show, Marcia said,
“There is no shortcut. There is no way around it. You just have to work and sacrifice.”
Marcia is often asked what’s upcoming in the works — since someone on their grind is always thinking ahead for what’s next. Sometimes we find ourselves on a path with no direction. A true hustler doesn’t need guidance; they find a way. That’s how they learn to be good on their own. You have to be your own compass. By taking life day by day, she is now a disruptive business mogul and brain behind multiple beauty brands. Stories like hers are the motivational mindset behind Pure Grind. Some things we can learn from Marcia Kilgore? Take risks, live day by day, and put your best face forward. Like a true hustler.
Grab Some Fuel For Your Own Hustle
You need these small batch coffee beans in your life. They’re bold. They’re delicious. They don’t apologize for being their awesome self. Our kick-ass beans come from the mountains of Central and South America and boast low acidity with an amazing bold flavor profile that will probably change your life.
Each batch of Pure Grind is meticulously roasted in small batches so your beans will be amazingly fresh AND awesome. Enjoy a 16oz bag today!.
Listen to Podcasts, For Your Own Sake
There’s a podcast for everything — from business to art to sports to technology. Podcasters are sharing their content on all sorts of platforms, including iTunes and SoundCloud. It’s easier than ever to subscribe, stream, and listen to podcasts with topics you care about. Whether you just want to listen to something heartwarming on the drive to work or learn more about real estate, podcasts have the information you need. If you’re not already listening, here’s why you should start now.
Convenience
You can listen to digital audio anytime, anywhere. A time-shifted medium, listeners can download their favorite programs whenever — even five years after being published. We all want what we want “on demand” with just a simple click, in the palm of our hands. No waiting, no set time, no set schedule, no waiting for the game to be over so your program can start. Now. Most people use podcasts as an engaging secondary activity — mostly at home, in the car, or walking around. It isn’t mentally demanding and perfect for when you are committed to tasks that don’t require a lot of focus. Pure entertainment while you’re on your grind — working out, going for a walk, or driving to your gig.
Original
The current podcast system, centered mostly around Apple’s iTunes, consists of tens of thousands of podcast shows. Most are independently created and distributed by people unaffiliated with a radio station or media company. They just turned their passion into a new adventure. They made it happen. Just like that. Listeners feel as though they get content that they wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. Even large media companies, such as The New York Times and Slate, are now getting with the times and have podcast-only content so their audience can consume news in a variety of ways.
Inspiration
As a hustler, you’re constantly finding ways to develop personally and professionally. How about listening to experts in your field? As a listener, you get to choose the podcasts you want to listen to, you get to decide what topic to pick, you determine how long you want to engage, and where you want to listen to it. You call the shots. What are you passionate about? Do you have free time between two meetings to listen to something that sparks inspiration in you? You know we’re all about motivating hustlers. Listen to the TED Radio Hour. Each show focuses on a common theme, like a source of happiness or the meaning of work. Or perhaps you’re more interested in digital marketing guru Gary V’s show based around social media and entrepreneurship. Escape from your world for a bit and listen to your favorite hustler! You want to stay motivated and on the tracks at all times.
Trust
Unlike streaming TV, music, and online video, podcasts are where most audiences find organic recommendations. Active listeners, or super listeners, have a trust in the hosts of podcasts and the sources where they get information. Word of mouth is the primary means for discovering a podcast. Because of how intimate the audio is, listeners tend to feel like they have a relationship with the host. There’s just something about them that makes them feel like they have a personal connection. The host-listener relationship is the core of this advertising channel. Listeners are known to take action when they hear ads on podcasts they enjoy. So there you have it, listen more and take action! Like the hustler, you are on your grind.
Fuel The Hustle With Some Pure Grind
You need these freshly roasted, small batch coffee beans in your life. They’re bold. They’re delicious. They don’t apologize for being their awesome self. Each batch of Pure Grind is meticulously roasted in small delicious batches, fresh, delicious, whole beaned goodness. Our monthly subscription plans are the bee’s knees, each month, you’ll receive freshly roasted bag(s) of our original whole bean small-batch roast. 16oz of whole bean awesomeness.
Grab Some Freaking Motivation
At Pure Grind, we’re constantly inspired by hustlers that are working hard, kicking ass, and making a difference. Seeking motivation from others isn’t wrong, nor does it take away from your originality; in fact, it’s important to seek inspiration from those who are doing similar work as you. Motivational speakers have a major impact on the world. Their words are powerful and make you feel like you can conquer anything. And you can! Here are some of our favorite motivational speakers.
Gary V.
Gary Vaynerchuk is a Belarusian–American entrepreneur who has written more than five books on entrepreneurship, leadership, social media, and having an influence . He gained huge success in the digital marketing and social media space, leading companies VaynerMedia and VaynerX. Even as a teenager, he started making money by selling baseball cards and flowers. Always a money-minded businessperson, he took over his father’s retail-wine business and transformed it into a highly successful e-commerce company. Now he is known as the first wine guru of the YouTube era. Oh, he also loves the F-Bomb.
“Many of you are worrying about your years while wasting your day. You can’t expect 30 years of results from 30 minutes of work. You need to move fast, but understand your vision takes time.”
Tony Robbins
Tony Robbins didn’t always live a super successful or amazing life; his childhood was ridden with abuse and chaos. He left his home at 17 and started promoting Jim Rohn’s seminars. Eventually, he decided to become a motivational speaker himself. He is seen literally changing people’s lives in minutes. YouTube is filled with videos, but there is one that truly stands out. Tony Robbins cures a man’s 30 years of stuttering in just seven minutes! Talk about motivating!
Suzie Orman
Suze Orman is an expert financial advisor and hosts her own podcast that has been running internationally for 13 years. After college, she worked as a waitress and started investing in trading options. She became an account executive at Merrill Lynch until 1983, when she left to become a vice president of investments at Prudential Bache Securities. She knows it all, from retirement rules to women taking control of their money. A #1 New York Times bestseller, she has more than 25 million books in circulation that are available in 12 languages worldwide. Her podcasts are considered to help people make a connection between their self-worth and net worth.
Nick Vujicic
Nick Vujicic, or “the man with no limbs,” is an Australian born with Tetra-Amelia syndrome, which is a very rare disorder where a baby is born without all four limbs. No doubt Nick struggled with this condition, not only physically but mentally too. But his condition led him to find his own non-profit organization, “Life Without Limbs.” If you watch his motivational speeches on YouTube, you’ll learn how he’s adapted to life without arms and lengths. He doesn’t let his lack of limbs control his life. He can do what anyone else can do, even type 43 words per minute. Watch “No Arms, No Legs, No Excuses” when he said, “Beautiful things can happen from your broken pieces when you give your broken pieces a chance,” and you’ll feel like you are worth it and can accomplish anything.
Snag some liquid inspiration:
Good Habits That Lead to Your Success
Learn From Failures
Shit happens. Everyone has failed — even the most admired. Your favorite hustler worked her way from the ground up. Failure doesn’t discriminate; we all face it. And we all learn from it. Don’t allow it to control you or your life. When you fail, observe what you did, what you did well, what you could do better, and what you’re going to do about it. Always think about your next move.
Embrace Positive Attitudes
Every day you wake up, you choose your attitude. Yes, it’s a choice. Put on an outfit that makes you feel good. Smile, even if you aren’t feeling up to it. Prepare yourself to walk out of the door and into the world. Your attitude is part of your body language. Nobody wants to be around a negative person. A positive mindset is all about practice and discipline. Some days you’ll wake up and feel like life caught up to you and you can’t keep on. Get your priorities in line and the power will follow. Recommit, don’t quit. Hustlers don’t quit!
Establish Your Purpose
When you clearly see your target, the easier it is to hit it. Don’t do things just because; do things with purpose. Ask yourself these questions: What do you want to do? Why do you want to do it? How can you do it? Then you find the power to achieve it, and that’s where you discover who you are.
Compete With Only Yourself
Fear no one. Don’t be intimidated by others or beat yourself up about the competition. Be great all on your own. Eliminate anything on your social media feeds that make you feel disappointed in your own life. Remember what Theodore Roosevelt said: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Everyone gets beat at some point in their lives. Sometimes people execute your same ideas before you. But that’s nobody’s fault; they just acted quicker than you. So respect the competition, but do not fear them. Be inspired by them, and surround yourself with motivation.
Fuel The Hustle
Grab a bag of Pure Grind and get to work!
You need these small batch coffee beans in your life. They’re bold. They’re delicious. They don’t apologize for being their awesome self. Our kick-ass beans come from the mountains of Central and South America and boast low acidity with an amazing bold flavor profile that will probably change your life.
Each batch of Pure Grind is meticulously roasted in small batches so your beans will be amazingly fresh AND awesome. Enjoy a 16oz bag today!.
Making a Good First Impression
You’re on your way to meet a potential client. You’ve got your new ASOS dress on. You’re ready to kick ass and make a good first impression. The first five seconds you meet somebody makes all the difference. Take these tips into consideration when you’re out there hustling.
Be On Time
The first rule of thumb for any meeting is to be on time. To get off to a good start, punctuality is the key. Everybody’s time is valuable, and making them wait is not an option. Frankly, the people you meet for the first time don’t give a crap about your excuse — no matter how good it is. Plan on arriving early — at least 15 minutes — and in your timing, consider the possible traffic or delays. Remember: It’s better to be early than late!
Dress Well
If you’re going to a business meeting, don’t dress like you’re going to a bar. Appearance matters. What’s the dress code or occasion? Do your research before you go. It sounds shallow, but people identify who you are based on the clothing you wear and how you present yourself to the world. But don’t worry, you can still be yourself! If you’re quirky and artsy, with an arm tattoo and a nose ring, that’s okay. Just know your audience.
Smile!
Facial expressions are extremely important to a first impression. This might be the most important task to consider when meeting somebody. A winning smile is one that is confident and warm, that will put the people around you at ease. Everyone wants their brand to be associated with positivity. But don’t go overboard, — you don’t want to come off cheesy or fake.
The Right Handshake
Ah, the handshake. The handshake is an important sign of professionalism and politeness. You want your handshake to convey confidence. Don’t squeeze too hard, but also don’t be a dead fish. It’s gotta be just right. Test your handshake with your friends, and let them tell you how you shake.
Body Language
Your body language is a tell-all to your demeanor. Your attitude is everything, and it definitely shows in your body. Body language can speak more volumes than words do. Stand tall, make eye contact, smile big, and shake hands firmly. Project yourself courteously and confidently, and also be attentive. Put your phone away and let this person know they’ve got your full attention. If you are nervous, don’t fear! Lots of people get nervous before meeting someone for the first time. Be aware of your nervous habits so you can keep them in check.
Be Yourself
You do have to fit into the world a little, but don’t ever lose yourself or pretend you’re something you’re not. Being authentic will help the other person build trust and respect you. You’re not someone known to dress in business suits, you love to say the word shit, and your hair is blue. Own it. You are you and that’s what sets you apart. Keep it up.
Grab Some Fuel For Hustle!
Pure Grind, your coffee subscription service, isn’t your average cup. It’s not meant for caramel cookie crunch creamer or coconut matcha milk. It’s meant for the snobs, the purists, the people who want what they want when they want it. The people who hustle, who wake up every day excited to work and just go. The people who take their ideas, their dreams, their passion, and make it their reality. The people who give a damn about quality, details, and making IT happen.
Sonni Abatta : Turning Passion Into Reality.
Sonni Abatta, the reporter-turned-blogger, is a picture-perfect example of what Pure Grind is all about. She’s a supermom and content creator who is fueling up, taking action, and kicking ass. For 15 years, she worked in TV but decided to move away from the news cameras. Still, she is powerful at telling stories — through her blog, where she shares honest content about motherhood, beauty, and lifestyle. No matter if it’s to the world or to her children, she’s always sharing stories.
Young, Budding Journalist
Curiosity, she says, is what fuels a good journalist. And that’s what Sonni has always had. Since a young age, she possessed a natural love for writing and when she attended Carnegie Mellon University in her hometown of Pittsburgh, she decided to combine her passion for writing with her love for performing. Because they didn’t have a journalism program, she had to design her own major within the Bachelors in Humanities program. Despite not having a traditional journalism degree, Sonni graduated at 21 and was ready to take on the world. She was offered a life-changing internship at Dateline in New York City in 2001 when she got a first-hand look at what it was to be a member of the media. Not long into her internship, 9/11 happened — a tragedy that inspired her to want to be like the superhero journalists standing on the streets of Manhattan, covered in debris. Sonni wanted to be a person that the public trusted to provide them with what they needed to know. Unfortunately, because of her age, she wasn’t able to get on the air. So she worked her ass off. She trained for six months and finally got her chance. She worked hard, going from news reporter to high-profile anchor on FOX 35.
Mommy to Three
After so many years in front of the camera, Sonni decided it was time to sign off and spend more time with her three children. Spending nights at work meant missing out on family time, even just kissing her kids goodnight. This longing to spend more time at home wore on her heart. It was time to say goodnight to the news and start tucking her kids in. Like the words of Legendary Broadcast Journalist Walter Cronkite in his signature sign-off, “And that’s the way it is.” But that wasn’t the last we would see of Sonni’s smile.
Still Sharing Stories
Sonni may have left the news world, but she is still creating killer content. She moved her work from in front of the camera to the digital world. As a stay-at-home mom, she has a lot of inspiration to write content that displays the realness of motherhood. Honest and raw, Sonni puts her own life in front of the world, to provide her audience with real, relatable content. Sharing stories, after all, is in her nature.
“I loved — and I still love — giving people good stories and good information,” she said in a podcast with On Target Digital Marketing. “It’s about stories. It’s about sharing information. It’s about connecting people. It’s about being the trusted resource to point people in the right direction. And that’s thrilling in its own way.”
Fuel Up
Grab some fuel for your own hustle!
Start Small, Think Big.
The basis of any new entrepreneurial endeavor is to start small and think big. This mindset is how you’re going to kickstart — and kick ass — the rest of your life. The way you think fuels everything. Thinking big allows you to see opportunities that small thinkers may overlook. The best and most successful entrepreneurs find balance between the big vision and starting point. Here’s how to think big when you’re building a business.
Write It Down
When you write things down, you start to believe in them. This simple, yet effective technique, takes your vision out of your head and brings it into reality. The two most important items to write on your list are:
1. Where you want to be in five years: This step is important in moving forward to where you want to be in life.
2. Why do you want it: The “why” in your story is perhaps the most important part.
Measurable goals always start with a purpose. Be sure to hash out the details. When you are clear about why you want it, you become a self-starter!
Think Scalable
You won’t be able to grow your business without a scalable model. When you start to develop a solid business plan, your brain gets into gear and starts thinking big. When your thinking is big, your actions will get big. Ben Franklin used to ask himself every morning: “What good shall I do today?” At the end of the day, he asked: “What good have I done today?” Franklin had the entrepreneurial mindset and challenged himself to do big things daily. Ask yourself the same questions.
10X Everything
If you really want to challenge yourself to think big, follow the 10X rule. Multiply your goal by 10. If you want to make 10 million dollars, you need to multiply that by 10, equalling a 100 million dollar revenue. It levels up your thinking and sets the standard for how you do business. Practice this process until it becomes a pattern in your brain.
Thinking big doesn’t just mean setting goals in your own little bubble. Grasp the “take over the world” mindset. On the 1990s TV show Pinky and the Brain, what did the Brain always say to Pinky? Pinky often asked, “Gee, Brain, what do you think you want to do tonight?” As always, Brain, replied, “The same thing we do every night — try to take over the world!” It’s not just a mad idea; it’s the basis of your vision. Thinking local won’t take you to the big leagues. Shift your mindset to a perspective that works all around the world. Then, you will change the world. Think big, act big!
Join the club and grab some fuel for the hustle.
Lessons From a Hustler: Steve Madden
Steve Madden, the owner of his self-named shoe empire, is the type of hustler we can take notes from. With a grind like no other, he’s authentic, innovative, and inspirational. But his journey to the top was not always easy. His successes are undoubtedly due to his unparalleled drive, and now he is the face of the raw and authentic entrepreneurial struggle. At Pure Grind, we take inspiration from the life of this self-made entrepreneur.
Humble Beginnings
In an episode of The Lonely Entrepreneur’s podcast titled “Self-Made Entrepreneurs,” Madden said, “I wanted to have my line, but most importantly I wanted to survive.” This is a shared story among many business owners: They just wanted to make a living. He fell in love with shoes in the 1970s, when he made platform shoes famous at a local store in his hometown on Long Island, New York. He was just a high schooler. His company was launched in 1990 when he released the Marilyn with only $1,100 in the bank. By the mid-1990s, his business was bringing in more than $38 million in sales. By 2000, the company opened its 50th store and those numbers climbed to more than $200 million. Now, his name is a $3 billion brand.
The Industry Doesn’t Like Him
In the shoe world, Madden isn’t well liked. He didn’t hail from some shoe capital, like Milan or Paris, nor does he have a background in design. He just loves designing and selling shoes. He also didn’t go to business school. In fact, he dropped out of college in Miami, where he spent most of his time getting high and going to the beach. Madden started selling shoes out of the trunk of a car. Despite these — what people would describe as setbacks, there are very few designers in history that are this successful. He made it big when he released the Mary Lou, then became a household name.
Fear Over Failure
Madden has spoken in interviews about how people are often too afraid to try new things because they worry they will fail. On NPR’s How I Built This podcast hosted by Guy Raz, Madden — always being authentically himself — dives in to the trials and tribulations of being a businessman and trying to be successful. But his big takeaway he said, "You know, so there were some mistakes that we made, but we did so many great things. And the thing about that is if you start getting gun-shy and start being afraid to make a mistake, you'll never have the brilliant ideas."
If you let fear lead you on your path, you’re never going to make it anywhere. Madden has not let his setbacks, like lack of education, stop him from selling shoes. His former boss, Jan Friedman was once quoted saying, “[Madden is] one of the most natural-born salesmen I’ve ever seen. He could sell anything to anybody.” This confidence and grind that Madden so uniquely possesses is what made him one of the most powerful figures in the shoe industry.
Join the club and grab some fuel for the hustle.
Failure Happens. Learn from it.
From a failed product launch to a book that didn’t sell well, most entrepreneurs — and most people — fail. You can’t avoid it; it’s a natural stepping stone to success. You can, however, learn lessons from it and make it your creative ally. Keep in mind some of the most successful entrepreneurs failed and made a comeback, benefiting from their past failures. Take the Beatles; they were rejected by five record companies. Walt Disney was turned down about 300 times when looking for funding for his theme park. JK Rowling was rejected by 12 publishers before Harry Potter saw the light of day. If you ask Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos, failure is a side effect of innovation. Here’s a couple power tips to keep you moving on.
Take Responsibility
Take responsibility for your failure. Perform a trial-and-error process, observe, and ask questions. Why did you fail? Why was the market not ready for your product? Why did your manuscript get rejected? Why did that potential client decline your proposal? When recovering from failure, it’s important to observe the missteps and prevent them from happening again. Get out of the gray zone, and identify the problems. How can you restructure it for next time?
Go Toward Your Mistakes
Failure is a fact. If you are going to do it, you need to do it well. You have to mentally prepare yourself for it. But don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’re about to lose your business, you have to peel off the band-aid in one swift pull. To ease the transition, consider an early shutdown or sacrificing part of your earnings. Don’t forget to take care of your people. Nobody likes surprises, so you’ll need to make your staff and clients aware of the problem. Either way, it’s a rocky road that comes with losses, and you want to get through it fast. All eyes are on you right now, and you need to remain calm.
It’s Worth It
It sounds crazy, but failing is worth it. It gets you where you need to go. Once you have made it through the storm and stepped back to analyze, you can identify what went wrong. You’ll be among all the bittersweet pieces of your aspirations. Minister and Writer Norman Vincent Peale said, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” If you’re passionate about something, you’ll ride the rollercoaster until you make your final landing.
So there you have it — failure happens. Take it from the best of the best. Nobody gets to the grand stage without tripping on the steps first. Embrace every bittersweet taste of it. You’ll get roasted, but keep going until you win!
Join the club and fuel the hustle.
Where the Heck Do You Find the Motivation to Keep Going?
You’ve hit a point where you feel like you can’t be creative anymore. We’ve all been there. You’re worried you lost your mojo... that your last piece of work was your final piece, that nobody will appreciate what you’ll do next. But that’s not the case — you just need a kick-in-the-ass reminder of how to power through, and dammit, that’s what we’re here to do.
Show Up
Seriously, just show up. It may sound deceivingly simple, but it’s the first step in getting the motivation you need to get moving. Force yourself out of bed, pull yourself together, get dressed, and get to work. Once you start, you’ll be unstoppable!
Change Your Scene
Working at your office desk may be stifling your creativity. Skip the frustrating morning commute, and set up office right at your home. Create a dedicated workspace that will encourage you to get down to business. Set the mood by decorating your walls with images that inspire you, choose colors that uplift you, and place plants on your desk to create a calming environment. Be sure you have your Pure Grind beans nearby! You’ll want to be where the coffee is; it’s what’s driving you to get the gold.
Set Goals
Goals are the stepping stones in your career. Give yourself a pat on the back because you’ve already checked off the first step: getting started. It sounds so Nike, but just do it. Start small with short-term attainable goals. You’ll feel all warm inside when you knock those little ones off your list. Then you’ll feel ready to level up to the big stuff, like mid-term and long-term goals. Remember to identify your purpose when establishing clear and compelling plans. Embrace being your own boss, and set your own strict deadlines to keep yourself productive.
Be sure you’re implementing BIG HAIRY AUDACIOUS GOALS (BHAG, pronounced bee-hag). Coined by business consultant and author, Jim Collins, this term refers to using bold missions as a powerful mechanism to stimulate progress. So make those goals hairy ones!
And don’t forget to make them S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, (In A) Specific Time Frame. Doing so puts power behind your goals. As Tony Robbins says, “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.”
Don’t let artist’s block get you down. From here, you set the stage for success. So show up, take risks, and kick ass!
