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. Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us
    you really recognise what you’re talking approximately!
    Bookmarked. Kindly also consult with my web site =).
    We will have a link alternate contract between us

  2. Hey superb blog! Does running a blog similar to this take a lot of work?
    I’ve very little knowledge of computer programming but I was hoping to start my own blog soon. Anyway,
    should you have any recommendations or tips for new blog owners please share.
    I know this is off topic however I just wanted to ask.

    Kudos!

  3. I just like the helpful info you supply in your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.

    I’m moderately sure I’ll be told a lot of new stuff proper right here!
    Good luck for the next!

  4. constantly i used to read smaller articles which also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am
    reading at this place.

  5. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
    I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type
    on a variety of websites for about a year and am concerned
    about switching to another platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.net.
    Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  6. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your blog.
    Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?
    A number of my blog audience have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer but
    looks great in Chrome. Do you have any solutions to help fix this issue?

  7. Hey! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are
    you using for this site? I’m getting fed up of WordPress
    because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at alternatives
    for another platform. I would be great if you could point
    me in the direction of a good platform.

  8. Hі! Thiss is my first comment here so I just wanted to
    gіive a quck shout οut and telll you I really enjoy
    readіng your bⅼog posts. Can you suggest any othеr bⅼogs/websites/forums
    that deal witһ the same subjects? Thanks!

  9. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future
    and it is time to be happy. I’ve learn this post and if
    I could I desire to counsel you some interesting issues or tips.
    Maybe you could write subsequent articles referring to this article.
    I wish to learn even more things approximately it!

  10. Hi, I do believe this is an excellent website.
    I stumbledupon it 😉 I am going to come back once again since i have book-marked it.
    Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to guide others.

  11. Someone necessarily assist to make significantly articles I might state.
    This is the first time I frequented your web page and so far?
    I amazed with the research you made to make this actual submit amazing.
    Wonderful job!

  12. This is really attention-grabbing, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I have joined your feed and look ahead to seeking extra of your great post.
    Additionally, I have shared your site in my social
    networks

  13. Ouur bills vary from credit card payments, mortgages, phones, and utility payments.
    Basically, loan issuers would come to their own money in case you don’t make payments on time.
    Every collection adds to your credit report and can cripple
    your loan negotiation ability. In the most recent FICO models, paid collections won’t hurt your score, however,
    unpaid ones surely will. If one of your account goes into group, your credit score plummets depending on a few components.
    If your score is significantly high, you’ll lose more points than someone with
    a handful of points. If you miss a payment, your lender would report it to the bureaus as”late payment” However, if you fail
    to pay penaltis or bring your account to status, you maay
    encounter a collection. Instantly you encounter a collection;
    your credit score will drop drastically. Resolving a set is a painstaking procedure, hence making timely payments is always an ideal way.

    Also visit my page: Credit Tips

  14. I really like what you guys are usually up too.
    This type of clever work and exposure! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys
    to our blogroll.

  15. I know this website offers quality depending content and additional information, is there any other site which provides such things in quality?

  16. I like what you guys tend to be up too. This type of clever work and coverage!
    Keep up the awesome works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.

  17. When someone writes an paragraph he/she keeps the plan of a user in his/her
    brain that how a user can understand it. Therefore that’s why this article is great.
    Thanks!

  18. Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you actually recognise what you’re talking
    approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally seek advice
    from my site =). We may have a link change contract among us

  19. Howdy! I simply wish to offer you a big thumbs up for your excellent
    information you have got right here on this post.
    I am returning to your site for more soon.

  20. Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site?
    My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users
    would really benefit from some of the information you present here.

    Please let me know if this alright with you.
    Regards!

  21. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m impressed!
    Extremely useful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care
    for such info much. I was seeking this certain information for
    a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  22. 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 wish to suggest you some interesting things
    or advice. Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
    I desire to read more things about it!

  23. Hey there! I know this is sort of off-topic however I needed to ask.
    Does running a well-established blog such as yours take a
    massive amount work? I am brand new to operating a blog but I
    do write in my diary daily. I’d like to start a blog so
    I can easily share my experience and views online. Please let me know if you have any kind of ideas or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.
    Thankyou!

  24. Hi there colleagues, how is all, and what you would like to say concerning this post, in my view its actually remarkable designed for me.

  25. Valuable information. Lucky me I discovered your site unintentionally, and I am shocked why this coincidence didn’t happened earlier!
    I bookmarked it.

  26. This is really interesting, You’re an excessively skilled blogger.
    I have joined your feed and stay up for seeking extra
    of your wonderful post. Also, I have shared your website
    in my social networks

  27. Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers?

    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any suggestions?

  28. Valuable info. Fortunate me I discovered your site accidentally,
    and I’m stunned why this twist of fate did not took place in advance!
    I bookmarked it.

  29. Fantastic items from you, man. I’ve keep in mind your stuff prior to and you are just too fantastic.
    I actually like what you’ve got right here, certainly like
    what you’re saying and the best way wherein you assert it.
    You make it enjoyable and you continue to take
    care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you.
    That is actually a terrific site.

  30. I am really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any
    internet browser compatibility issues? A number of my blog audience have complained
    about my blog not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
    Do you have any suggestions to help fix this problem?

  31. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great.
    I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

  32. Useful information. Fortunate me I discovered your web site by chance, and I am shocked why this accident did not came about in advance!

    I bookmarked it.

Comments are closed.