How to Hustle Your Way Through Anything 💪

When the going gets tough, I always fall back on my favorite mantra: Make it work. (Yes, I borrowed that phrase from Project Runway’s Tim Gunn.) As self-starters, it can often feel like our success is dependent on other people, like our clients and industry-adjacent colleagues. But, in reality? We have so much power. We have the power to switch gears at a moment’s notice. We have the power to problem-solve while juggling multiple projects at once. And, you better believe we have the power to always make it work — no matter what’s thrown our way.

This week, I’m sharing my tips for hustling through any sticky situation. I hope my thoughts below will empower you to always make it work.

Plan Ahead

At the risk of sounding pessimistic, it’s rare that a project is executed according to plan. Whether your collaborator drops out in the eleventh hour, something else slips through the cracks, or you’re facing a huge creative block, there’s bound to be a wrench thrown into your workflow — and that’s okay. (At the end of the day, we’re all human.) If you want to keep last-minute stress to a minimum, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and with the understanding that something will go wrong.

This year, I’ve been tracking the progress of my stories in a Trello board. Instead of combing through my email to check the status of an assignment, I can look at my board and immediately understand what I need to do to push a project over the finish line. When I’m working on stories that require sources, I try to conduct all my interviews well before my article is due. That way, I can always think of a Plan B. (Or, in the case of this week’s newsletter, I can fill in the gaps on my own.)

Take a Beat

Let’s be real: Scrambling to finish a big project or assignment is really stressful. But while you might feel compelled to work at 100 miles per hour, I encourage you to take a few breaths and think. What’s the one thing that’s really stressing you out? How can you automate this Goliath-sized task? What do you need to do to bring the fun and excitement back into your work?

Stress and dread might be your knee-jerk reactions, but those feelings aren’t going to help you in the long-run. Step away from your computer. Mask up and go for a walk. (My go-to is hopping on my spin bike.) Take a few precious moments to reflect and strategize. When I do this instead of immediately freaking out, I’m often able to find a clear solution. And sometimes, if I’m really lucky, I realize that I can solve that problem all by myself.

Strength in Numbers

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Community is your biggest asset when you’re your own boss. When I get into “make it work” mode, I lean on my community for some extra support. I text my friends and family for a good pep talk. I reach out to my professional network to make some last-minute magic happen. And, if I’m really in a pinch, I’ll resort to resources like Help A Reporter Out (a.k.a. HARO) to take one thing off my never-ending to-do list.

Obviously, all of my contacts and resources are media-focused; however, I promise you that your community can help you out in those “make it work” moments. If you don’t have a colleague who can help you out, is there a resource that can make your life a little easier? Sometimes, a quick Google search can be your answer to making it work.

Communication is Key

Most of the time, your connections, strategic thinking, and expertise in your field will give you the tools you need to make it work. But, if you find yourself in a sticky situation, communicate with your client or customer.

Contrary to popular belief, we’re not superheroes. (Yes, even Beyoncé has to hustle and pivot at the last minute.) If something comes up that prevents you from completing a task to the best of your ability, let your client know. As a journalist, I’d rather submit a fully developed story than a haphazardly assembled article — and I think most people would agree. (After all, a less-than-perfect final product can require more time in the long-run.)

When your client is aware of any delays, you can relax knowing you have permission to deliver a polished final product.

Hustler of the Week: Sarah Mack

Congratulations on Fofas! What inspired you to create your own line of face masks?

In April, we realized the need for a face covering was here to stay. After an unsuccessful search for a cute and protective face mask, we turned to our sewing machines and Fofas was born! Each mask is made with high-quality, 100% cotton fabrics and a flannel lining, which acts as a wonderful natural filter (in addition to being very cozy and soft).

Fofas is your side hustle! How do you balance your company with your full-time job?

We all have nine-to-five jobs, but Fofas has been a creative escape for us during these weird times. Lucky for us, we each have unique strengths that allow us to divide and conquer. 1+1+1 = 5, right?! We are also wonderful friends, so we have a lot of fun along the way.

What is your favorite part about being your own boss? Least favorite?

I’ve loved getting the chance to work with our nonprofit partner Agape House, a local Wisconsin charity that provides a home, education, and counseling to girls from difficult circumstances. My day job is very corporate, and it’s been great to have a chance to give back. My least favorite part has been chasing down suppliers when orders get delayed.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since becoming your own boss?

The importance of planning. Managing a corporate job and a small business can be a lot, so setting aside time to focus on Fofas has been vital.

(Psst…like what you see? You can subscribe to “Office Hours with Kelsey Mulvey” here.)