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 was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty.
    You are wonderful! Thanks!

  2. Howdy! This post could not be written any better!
    Reading this post reminds me of my good old room mate!
    He always kept talking about this. I will forward this
    page to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read.
    Many thanks for sharing!

  3. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website so i came to
    return the favor?.I am trying to in finding things to improve my web site!I assume its ok to make use of
    a few of your ideas!!

  4. Whats up this is somewhat 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 expertise so I wanted to
    get guidance from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  5. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the
    book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to
    drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this
    is fantastic blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

  6. Excellent website you have here but I was wondering if you knew of
    any message boards that cover the same topics discussed
    here? I’d really like to be a part of group where I can get opinions from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest.
    If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Many thanks!

  7. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally,
    it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point.
    You clearly know what youre talking about, why
    waste your intelligence on just posting videos to your
    site when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  8. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an incredibly long comment but after
    I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not
    writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say wonderful blog!

  9. I have read several excellent stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting.
    I surprise how a lot effort you put to make this kind of magnificent informative website.

  10. Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and also the rest of the website is really good.

  11. hey there and thank you for your information – I have definitely picked up something new from right here.
    I did however expertise a few technical issues using this site, since I experienced to reload the site many
    times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
    I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I am complaining, but
    sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement
    in google and can damage your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Well I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for
    much more of your respective intriguing content. Ensure that you update this again very soon.

  12. fantastic points altogether, you just won a emblem new reader.
    What might you recommend about your publish that you simply made a few days in the past?
    Any certain?

  13. This is really interesting, You are an overly skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look ahead to looking for more of your magnificent post.
    Additionally, I have shared your web site in my social networks

  14. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
    Did you design this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?

    Plz answer back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like
    to know where u got this from. cheers

  15. Hello! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to
    make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird
    when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to
    find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this issue.
    If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!

  16. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is valuable and everything.

    But just imagine if you added some great pictures or videos to give
    your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and video clips, this website could certainly be one of the very best in its field.

    Terrific blog!

  17. Hey would you mind letting me know which
    webhost you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.

    Can you suggest a good internet hosting provider
    at a reasonable price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!

  18. Hey there! Quick question that’s completely off topic.
    Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?

    My weblog looks weird when browsing from my iphone.

    I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve
    this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share.

    With thanks!

  19. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. But just imagine if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!

    Your content is excellent but with images and clips,
    this blog could certainly be one of the greatest
    in its field. Superb blog!

  20. The other day, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and
    tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop,
    just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has
    83 views. I know this is completely off topic
    but I had to share it with someone!

  21. Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing
    to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while people think about worries that they just don’t know
    about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the whole thing
    without having side effect , people could take
    a signal. Will likely be back to get more.
    Thanks

  22. I like the helpful information you provide for your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at again right here regularly.
    I am slightly sure I will be informed a lot of new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the following!

  23. Every weekend i used to go to see this website, for the reason that i wish for enjoyment,
    for the reason that this this website conations truly pleasant funny material too.

  24. Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a
    similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam feedback?
    If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
    I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much appreciated.

  25. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I’m inspired!
    Extremely helpful information particularly the last phase
    🙂 I deal with such information much. I was seeking this certain info
    for a very lengthy time. Thank you and best
    of luck.

  26. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing to be aware of.

    I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people
    think about worries that they plainly don’t know about.
    You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole
    thing without having side-effects , people can take
    a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  27. I will immediately grasp your rss feed as I can not to find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Kindly permit me recognise so that I may subscribe.
    Thanks.

  28. Hello my family member! I want to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include almost all important infos.
    I would like to look more posts like this .

Comments are closed.