Posted on by Phil

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. I think this is one of the so much significant info for me.
    And i’m satisfied studying your article. However want
    to remark on some normal issues, The site taste is great,
    the articles is in reality great : D. Excellent process, cheers

  3. Thank you for any other informative web site. Where else may just I get that type of
    information written in such an ideal means? I have a mission that I am just now working on, and I’ve
    been at the look out for such info.

  4. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community.

    Your website provided us with helpful info to work on. You
    have done an impressive process and our entire neighborhood will be thankful to you.

  5. Hello there, I found your blog by way of Google even as searching for
    a related subject, your web site got here up, it looks great.
    I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, simply turned into aware of your weblog thru Google,
    and found that it’s really informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels.

    I’ll be grateful should you continue this in future.
    A lot of folks will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  6. You have made some decent points there. I checked on the internet
    to learn more about the issue and found most people will go
    along with your views on this website.

  7. Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely great.
    I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you
    are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still
    take care of to keep it sensible. I can not wait
    to read far more from you. This is really a great web site.

    my page; situs slot deposit dana

  8. really interesting review. Similarly visit the actual site
    that could be enjoyed slot via pulsa. The exact amazing internet site has received globally recognition by agen slot pulsa bets customers in Dalam
    negeri. Right now there are generally many eye-catching promos if you happen to join at present.

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

  11. I am curious to find out what blog system you are utilizing?
    I’m having some small security problems with my latest site and I would like to find
    something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?

  16. amazing review. Additionally visit the best site to test slot via pulsa.

    This incredible website has received position from slot deposit pulsa
    gambling people in Indonesia. Generally there will be various attractive promos if however, you join right this moment.

  18. Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are
    you using for this website? I’m getting tired of WordPress because I’ve had
    issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.

    I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of
    a good platform.

  20. Hi! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs up for the excellent info you’ve got here on this post.
    I am returning to your website for more soon.

  23. Hi there! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble with
    hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up
    losing months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any
    solutions to prevent hackers?

  24. I have fun with, lead to I discovered exactly what I used
    to be looking for. You have ended my four day lengthy hunt!
    God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

  28. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and
    sources back to your blog? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would definitely benefit from some of the information you provide here.
    Please let me know if this alright with you.
    Many thanks!

  29. Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
    Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty
    quick. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
    Appreciate it

  30. You really make it seem so easy along with your presentation however I in finding
    this topic to be actually one thing which I feel I might by no means
    understand. It seems too complex and very large for me. I’m taking a look forward in your subsequent publish, I’ll try to get the hang of it!

  31. An intriguing discussion is worth comment. I believe that
    you ought to publish more about this issue, it may not be a taboo subject but typically people don’t talk about these topics.
    To the next! All the best!!

  32. I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the structure of your
    blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.

    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people
    could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text
    for only having one or two images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  35. My brother suggested I might like this website. He was entirely right.
    This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for
    this information! Thanks!

  38. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was
    wondering what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having
    a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100% positive.
    Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Kudos

  39. Wow, marvelous weblog layout! How long have you ever been running a blog for?
    you made running a blog glance easy. The whole glance of your web site is great, as
    smartly as the content material!

  40. Do you have a spam issue on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was curious
    about your situation; many of us have created some nice methods and we are looking to swap techniques with others,
    please shoot me an email if interested.

  41. you are truly a excellent webmaster. The site loading
    pace is amazing. It seems that you are doing any unique trick.
    Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done
    a magnificent activity in this topic!

  42. Hello! I understand this is somewhat off-topic however I needed to ask.
    Does managing a well-established website like yours require a massive
    amount work? I’m completely new to writing a blog but I do
    write in my journal on a daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so I can easily share my own experience and thoughts
    online. Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for brand new aspiring blog owners.

    Appreciate it!

  44. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.
    It’s always exciting to read content from other writers and use a little something from other websites.

  46. Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I
    to find It really useful & it helped me out
    much. I hope to offer something again and help others such as you aided me.

  50. Great beat ! I wish to apprentice whilst you amend your website, how can i subscribe for a weblog
    site? The account helped me a applicable deal. I were tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright
    transparent concept

Comments are closed.