What does Hustle and Grind look like?

I work with hundreds of Black women entrepreneurs daily who are working toward everything from the 6-figure status to multi-millionaire finish lines. I think this journey has given me a special sight and understanding. For one thing, the ladies who are winners are the ones who hustle and grind. I’m often able to spot the winners who will rise to the occasion.

There’s a lot of talk about what “hustle and grind” means, but digging into what that term really describes can set you up for big-time success. So here’s my definition of a hustler and grinder: 

You actively seek out, invest in, and cultivate power relationships. You know a good mentor when you see one, and you don’t take their time or wisdom for granted. You leverage your power network to help you make smarter moves and access resources, and you add value to the networks that you’re a part of. You are an asset to those around you, and you appreciate their value in turn. 

You are always focused on the best moves. You play chess, not checkers. You have a 1-year plan, a 5-year plan, a 10-year plan, and a set of daily power rituals. 

You are relentlessly focused on the vision, but you know how—and, more importantly, when—to pivot. You’re not easily distracted, but you’re not inflexible either. 

You’re hungry. You’re always a step ahead. You’re always willing to go harder, and even to obsess at times, in order to get that win. You stay ready for the next opportunity. You don’t wait to jump on a good thing, and you’re rarely late to the party. You are not interested, you’re committed. 

You don’t make excuses. You limit complaining. Gossip isn’t a habit of yours: you are focused on YOU. You don’t blame, but you do protect your energy, time, and space. You focus on your circle of influence. You give zero energy to drama and you only battle when it’s both necessary and in service of the larger vision. 

You seek alignment. You understand that winning requires alignment with life purpose, with divinity, with your goals, and with the universe. You do and consume things that give you the energy, alignment, and mental capacity to manage the journey toward the success you strive for, and to maintain that success once you’ve reached it. 

You advance with courage. You make bold moves and you’re not afraid of your intuition or gut moves. You get back up when you fall down, and you don’t take all day to pull it back together after a setback. You don’t let people tell you what you can’t do. You operate with a “hold my beer” mentality. You eat no’s for breakfast. 

You work your ass off, but you use your time wisely too. You are disciplined. You do the important work even when it isn’t fun or easy. You sacrifice. You whip yourself into shape when you’ve gotten off track. You get ish done. You self-manage. Your work is strategic and insight-driven, though. You know your numbers, you count your coins and you invest them wisely. 

You pay attention and you listen. You look at your competitors and the landscape so that you always know what’s on the horizon. You pay attention to timing. You are aware of your surroundings, mind-body-and-spirit. You listen to your body, observe your thoughts, and tap into your spirit power. You pay attention when people and signs bring you important messages. 

You are all about mastery and excellence. You read and soak up new knowledge all the time. You put in hours and hours—no, YEARS—to learn from the best. You take in lessons quickly and adjust what you’ve learned to work for you. You read a lot. You are about rapid improvement and quality is one of your core values. 

You innovate. You are always looking for the next best version. You are constantly looking for a fresh new perspective. You make connections between cool and different ideas in order to create new ideas. You challenge the status quo and move with creative confidence. You’re not afraid to be the lone wolf or the misunderstood one when that’s what’s needed. 

Bottom line, you’re unstoppable. 

Is this you, Sis? Then you’re a hustler and grinder, and we’re here for it at Sistahbiz. See you at the finish line!

Attend the Sistahbiz Goal Digger Business Planning Retreat for Black Women Entrepreneurs. It’s the ultimate destination retreat for Black women in business who want to set aside dedicated time to prepare for the hustle and grind of the upcoming year. 

Xoxo