The Solo Grind
Welcome to the solo grind. Your weekly coffee break with a fellow solo entrepreneur who's right there in it with you. I am Teresa Schlup the original caffeine creative and this is where real business meets real life. No hype just honest conversations about building a business on your own terms. We talk mindset, strategy, burnout, breakthroughs, and everything in between because going solo doesn't mean doing it alone.
Grab a cup of coffee, find your favorite spot, and let's talk about what it really takes to do this thing solo.
The Solo Grind
I’m Not Interested in the Hustle, But I’m Not Lazy
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I love today’s topic because it’s something I feel so strongly about: you can be driven and ambitious without sacrificing your life to the "hustle."
I see two common ideas of what it means to be successful in business, and honestly, I don't agree with either one of them. Whether it’s the "work yourself weary" hustle culture or the "two-hour workweek on a beach" fantasy, I think most of us actually want something right in the middle.
Today, I’m sharing why I choose "sustainable ambition" over the hustle, and how I’ve built a business that leaves me room for 5Ks, my dogs, and slow dinners with my husband.
What I hope you take away from this episode
- You deserve to get paid: It is not a badge of honor to skip your paycheck month after month. Charge your worth, then add tax, and pay yourself for the job you’re doing.
- The "Beach Dream" is usually a myth: Most of us would be bored silly if we didn't have meaningful work to do. Success isn't about escaping work; it's about doing work you love so much that you’d actually miss it.
- Exhaustion isn't an achievement: Unless it’s a big "season" (like Mother's Day for a florist), being weary all the time is a sign that something needs to change.
- Success is defined by you: For me, success is a 14-hour design day when I choose it, but it’s also a long walk on my five acres or baking cookies on a Tuesday. You get to decide what your "perfect" looks like.
Links to resources I shared in this episode:
- Profit First by Mike Michalowicz – If you aren't paying yourself yet, please go get this book. It will change everything.
- Sustainable Ambition by Kathy Oneto – I’m really leaning into the three pillars she talks about: the right ambition, at the right time, with the right effort.
- Episode 69: 8 tips to ditch the busy work and be productive – If you feel like you’re just staying "busy" to feel productive, this one is for you.
- Reach out and say hi: I’d love to hear what your version of success looks like. Email me at theperfectblend@caffeinecreative.io.
Links to connect with me...
Book a Consult HERE! (https://caffeinecreative.io/consult/)
Visit my website HERE! https://caffeinecreative.io/
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