Finding Fulfillment: Simon Squibb on Redefining ‘Hustle’ Through Passion

In a recent LinkedIn post, Simon Squibb discusses the often-misunderstood concept of ‘hustle,’ suggesting a re-evaluation of the term through the lens of passion and purpose. Squibb challenges the conventional view that hard work must always feel like a struggle, proposing instead that aligning one’s efforts with a deeply held dream can transform labor into fulfillment.

Squibb’s perspective, shared on a Sunday, highlights his personal experience of working without it feeling like a chore. He writes:

“Hustle is good. Sorry, I know many will hate me for saying that. It’s Sunday and I’m working. But it doesn’t feel like hustle. It feels like I’m following my dream.”

The Difference Between Work and Passion

The core of Squibb’s argument centers on the distinction between obligatory work and work driven by intrinsic motivation. He posits that when activities are aligned with one’s personal aspirations and contribute positively to others, the perception of effort fundamentally changes. As Squibb elaborates:

“When your work is exercise, sharing knowledge, and helping millions of people chase their dream, it stops being work.”

This reframing of ‘hustle’ suggests that the intensity often associated with entrepreneurial or professional ambition doesn’t have to be a source of burnout. Instead, Squibb encourages individuals to identify activities that resonate with their personal dreams and passions.

Identifying and Monetizing Your Dream

Squibb’s advice extends beyond mere passion identification; he emphasizes the practical necessity of building a sustainable income from these pursuits. The process, as he outlines, involves two key steps:

1. Identify the Dream: Find the activity or pursuit that feels intrinsically rewarding and aligns with your personal aspirations. This is the work that doesn’t feel like work.
2. Monetize the Passion: Develop a strategy to generate income from this identified passion. This is the crucial step that allows the dream to become a sustainable reality.

According to Squibb, the key is not to avoid hard work, but to direct that energy towards something that provides personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose. He concludes his post with a simple yet profound encouragement:

“Find the thing that feels like that for you. Then figure out how to make money from it.”

Squibb’s message offers a refreshing perspective on productivity and career fulfillment, urging readers to seek alignment between their efforts and their deepest aspirations, thereby transforming the nature of ‘hustle’ itself.