The HUSTLE Series: Part I

Hustle by definition: is to obtain by energetic activity; to sell or promote energetically and aggressively. I don't know about you but this definition provided by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is not the meaning of hustle that I know. The meaning of hustle in the street-the real world is to sell or take something illegally.

When people hear or think of the word hustle, they associate the word with something illegal or associate it with a "street thug" dealing drugs, bootlegging or stealing. But have you ever tried to think of the word hustle in a positive and constructive manner? I mean, a person's hustle can be a legal and legitimate activity? Picture the word hustle:
                                                   Hope
                                                   Universal
                                                   Survival
                                                   Terrific
                                                   Legitimate
                                                   Extraordinary

You are probably wondering how the word hustle can be positive? Well, here's a little story for you to help explain.

     "A young man works 6 days a week, for fifteen years of his life as a mechanic. After, fifteen years of dedication and hard work, he lost his job. He has a wife and two kids. The light bill is already past due, the mortgage payment is due and food is low. He's been looking for work but no one is hiring right now. all of these bills, four mouths to feed and no way to satisfy either is enough to drive someone crazy! So crazy in fact, that getting involved in prostitution and selling drugs sounds like a quick, easy money and a solution to his problem. But it's not a good, smart or feasible solution. the severity of the consequences outweigh the temporary benefits.
     So, the mechanic started brainstorming and decided to turn his garage into a car repair shop. Good idea but it's not a money maker overnight, especially if there are no cars that need fixing or people that can't afford the repairs. After a lot of thought, the mechanic came up with an unthinkable plan...teach car repair! With trade schools being so expensive, why not start his own trade school for those who want to learn to fix cars?
      The mechanic knew a guy with a junkyard. This would supply the broke-down cars and the spare parts that would be needed. in the process of teaching, cars would get repaired and then sold. The profits would be split between the mechanic and the junkyard owner. you see, Survival helped the mechanic come up with the idea for the trade school, Hope helped him to keep his faith in God and the friend with the junkyard was a Terrific resource!"

Still think hustle is a negative word and a way of life? Keep a look out for more of the hustle series. You'll be surprised at what you will learn and come to appreciate!!