A “Get To” Perspective

You know those times in life when you have to do something you really don’t want to?  Maybe it’s some seemingly irrelevant analysis in excel, or a 5 hour drive with someone you’re not super fond of.

We all have lots of things in our lives that aren’t very fun.  And, in entrepreneurship, that is probably even more true.  Many times founders are the ones doing the grunt work up until the company hits a certain point.  This could mean doing data entry for a lead gen project, or washing the dishes someone left in the sink.  The glamorous lives of startups!

In fact, a lot of a founder’s day is stuff they have to do.  Write an eBook, send a newsletter, do a demo, follow up with all the people you met at the event last night, check in on an existing customer…the list goes on and on.  And, honestly, sometimes it’s super overwhelming.  Sometimes you’re thinking to yourself “there are so many things I HAVE TO DO!”

A “Get to” Attitude

If I was smart, the title of this article would be “the one change that will make you so much happier at work.”  I really think with a slight change in perception, things get a bit more fun and exciting.

Instead of a “I have to do this” mentality, you should be adopting an “I get to” do this attitude!  You don’t HAVE to do that excel analysis, you GET to do it and are now more facile with excel, gained insights into whether or not it’s worth it to do the analysis, got to challenge yourself a bit (even if it’s just to see how fast you can do it), etc.

Adopting a grateful mindset is a proven way to be more happy.  If you don’t think this is true, I challenge you to spend 2 full minutes right now thinking about the things you are grateful for and really think about them.  Even if it’s as simple as “I’m so grateful for a warm cup of coffee” or “I love how this pair of sweatpants feels” it will make you happier almost instantly.

The Sports Analogy

I remember watching an interview with Charlie Rose and Gary Player a while back.  Gary is an incredible golfer and Charlie asked him why he was so good.  Gary responded that he enjoys the challenge of being in a bad situation.

This means that when Gary hits his ball into a bunker, his attitude is not “damnit, now I have to figure out how to get this ball out of the bunker and not overshoot the green or else I’m going to lose this tournament!”  No, his attitude is something more like “Ok, now I get to challenge myself.  I get to figure out this problem, and get better at figuring out these sorts of problems from here on out.”

Startup Life

Obviously, this “get to” attitude is tough to internalize.  This is especially true if you’re working 100 hours a week as a resident, or an ibanker, or whatever.  It’s also tough as an entrepreneur who’s focused so closely on building a company while not straying too close to the sun.

However, I think it’s an awesome way to get over the nature of work – which is that a lot of it kind of sucks and no one wants to really do the hard things.  But that right there is a reason to do them – you’re doing the things no one else wants to do, and therefore are gaining an advantage on your competition.  Or, maybe your rational is that you get to provide for your family, or get to gain a new skill, or get to live in the first world where we have so many advantages.

Whatever you do with your days – whether it’s golf or entrepreneurship – try out a “get to” attitude, especially when you find yourself overwhelmed with what you have to do.  I hope it brings you more satisfaction and happiness in whatever it is you’re pursuing.

As a disclaimer, someone in my travels framed this “get to” attitude for me – it’s how they try to live their life.  I totally forget who and in what context, but they deserve any credit for this idea which has stayed in my brain ever since.

8,466 Replies to “A “Get To” Perspective”

  1. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to
    be really something which I think I would never understand.
    It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me.
    I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of
    it!

  2. If some one wants expert view on the topic of blogging and site-building after that
    i suggest him/her to go to see this web site, Keep
    up the nice work.

  3. Hey just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.

  4. This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post.
    Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  5. I think the admin of this web page is really working hard for his
    web page, because here every information is quality based stuff.

  6. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles
    or weblog posts on this sort of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site.
    Reading this info So i’m happy to convey that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I came upon just what I needed.
    I such a lot surely will make sure to don?t overlook this web site
    and give it a look on a constant basis.

  7. I love what you guys are up too. This kind of clever
    work and reporting! Keep up the wonderful works guys
    I’ve you guys to my personal blogroll.

  8. Hey, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your website in Opera, it looks fine but
    when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, amazing blog!

  9. Someone necessarily help to make severely articles
    I’d state. That is the first time I frequented your web page and to this point?
    I surprised with the research you made to create this actual put up extraordinary.
    Great activity!

  10. hello!,I really like your writing very much! proportion we
    communicate extra about your post on AOL? I need a
    specialist in this space to resolve my problem. May be that is you!
    Looking ahead to look you.

  11. Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue with your web site in web
    explorer, may check this? IE nonetheless is the market chief and a good component of people will pass over your magnificent writing because of this
    problem.

  12. intriguing review. Also visit that site to test agen slot pulsa.

    This sort of extraordinary website page has received identity originating from slot deposit pulsa wagering men and women in Indonesia.
    There are a number of beneficial promos if you join at the moment.

  13. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a
    amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from
    you! By the way, how can we communicate?

  14. Hi this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or
    if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog
    soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to get
    guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!

  15. This is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
    Short but very accurate information… Many thanks for sharing this one.
    A must read post!

  16. Nice post. I learn something new and challenging
    on sites I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always
    be useful to read through articles from other authors and practice something from other web sites.

  17. It is perfect time to make some plans for the
    future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could
    I want to suggest you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this
    article. I wish to read more things about it!

  18. Appreciating the persistence you put into your website and
    detailed information you offer. It’s great to come across
    a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed
    material. Excellent read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m
    adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  19. certainly like your website however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts.
    A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I
    find it very bothersome to inform the truth
    then again I’ll certainly come again again.

  20. Howdy this is kinda of off topic but I was wanting to know
    if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code
    with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding experience so I wanted to
    get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously
    appreciated!

  21. Its such as you learn my thoughts! You seem to understand a
    lot about this, like you wrote the e-book in it
    or something. I feel that you simply could do with a few
    p.c. to drive the message house a little bit,
    however instead of that, this is great blog. A fantastic read.
    I’ll definitely be back.

  22. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this website.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance.
    I must say you’ve done a fantastic job with this. Additionally, the blog loads super
    quick for me on Safari. Exceptional Blog!

  23. Hey there would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with?

    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
    Can you suggest a good hosting provider at a honest price?
    Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

  24. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. But think of if you
    added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
    Your content is excellent but with pics and videos, this website could definitely be one of the most
    beneficial in its niche. Fantastic blog!

  25. Hey there! I’ve been following your blog for a while now and finally got
    the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Texas!
    Just wanted to mention keep up the good job!

  26. Right here is the perfect web site for anyone who wants to find out about
    this topic. You know so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I really
    would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a subject that has been discussed for a long time.
    Excellent stuff, just excellent!

  27. I do not even know the way I ended up right here, however I believed this put up was once good.
    I don’t know who you might be however definitely you are going to a
    famous blogger if you aren’t already. Cheers!

  28. Hello there, I discovered your website via Google whilst searching for a
    comparable topic, your website came up, it looks good.

    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just turned into alert to your weblog via Google, and found that it is really informative.

    I’m going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful in case you proceed
    this in future. Many folks shall be benefited from your writing.

    Cheers!

  29. An intriguing discussion is worth comment.
    I think that you ought to publish more about this subject, it may not be a taboo matter but usually folks don’t speak about such issues.
    To the next! Cheers!!

  30. I just couldn’t leave your website prior to suggesting
    that I really enjoyed the usual information an individual supply in your visitors?
    Is going to be back steadily to check out new posts

  31. I’m excited to uncover this website. I want to to thank you for your time due to this wonderful read!!
    I definitely enjoyed every part of it and I have you saved as a favorite to see new things on your
    website.

  32. My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different web address and thought I might as well check things out.
    I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to checking out
    your web page for a second time.

Comments are closed.