I love learning. Learning information and facts is fine, but I far more enjoy learning human dynamics and the standard mode of operation for the world around us.  The journey of launching our new movement, 801South, has been an incredible experience of learning what works in the people business, as well as what does not. This experience has informed my ignorance and busted up many preconceived myths.

Even though this is not my first rodeo as a leader, I was still a bit under the delusion that if you have put in a lot of hard work over an extended period of time, then you would reach a point at which you could begin to coast. Wrong! This misconception has officially been shattered.

What you realize over time is that there is too much continual friction to simply coast on the level at which you are operating currently. The same principle is evident as I watch my son ride his toddler-sized bicycle (complete with training wheels). He puts all the energy he has to build speed coming down the sidewalk and eventually stops peddling to enjoy the ride. The moment he stops peddling, the friction where the wheels meet the concrete, the grit that has worked its way into the nuts & bolts holding the wheels to the frame, and the wind resistance fighting in the opposite direction eventually bring the bike to a complete stop.

You think you are hustling to reach a point where you can dial down the hustle. What I have learned, however, is that hustle, which leads to success, only leads to a need for greater hustle. And the less time you spend planning and preparing for new systems when success arrives, the more frantic your next hustle.

This translates into our relationships as well. If we take marriage for example, we work hard to thrive in our relationship with our spouse. We think today’s hard work will ensure tomorrow’s success. Nope. Today’s hard work leads to today’s success. Tomorrow’s success is manifest through tomorrow’s hard work.

There is no “making it.” Turns out, Lil’ Wayne and Cash Money Heroes were wrong. There is simply making it to the next level; where there is more work, more at stake, more pressure, and a need for more hustle than what got you to the next level in the first place.

Burnout is another dynamic of this conversation. I hear stories of burnout in the lives of church planters and other professionals who are trying something new. I have a much deeper empathy for those who suffer this fate and a greater understanding at how easily you can arrive at burnout.

As I raise my hustle, there is one lyric from the song I Made It with which I have to agree. Kevin Rudolph sings, “I used to dream about/ The life I’m living now.” Most days I honestly feel like I’m getting to live into a dream I’ve had for years.

I’m so grateful for God’s faithfulness. I’m so proud of all the 801South Coaches, the servants on our 801South Service Teams, and all others who have been hustling to see God’s vision come into reality. Thank you.

Success begets a need for greater hustle. It’s well worth the hustle.

Here are a few pictures from our launch this past weekend.