Episode 063 – Stop Hustling And Grinding And Let The Universe Do Its Thing.

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Note: This blog post serves as an accompaniment to the corresponding podcast episode of A Changed Mind, where we’ll distill down the core ideas of this week’s theme, along with additional distinctions and insights. If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, you can go here to do so.  Enjoy.

If you’re on a path of personal growth, you know that our thoughts shape our reality. But a question often arises: when should you focus on mindset work, and when is it time to roll up your sleeves and act? And then, when is it best to step back and let life or the universe unfold? There’s a lot of talk out there about hustling and grinding, but the truth is, those who focus solely on that have barely scratched the surface of their potential. Here’s what I’ve learned: true success lies in balancing belief, inspired action, and rest, and I want to share this with you.

Years ago, I was stuck in a tough place—my life had been flipped upside down. I had two homes in foreclosure, a business that went bankrupt, broken relationships, and more than a decade of addiction. But I came out of it, and today, I’m grateful to be running a $30 million transformational company, living a life I love with the people I love, and even hosting events that thousands attend. But none of that happened from hustling alone. There was a different shift that needed to happen within, one that helped me align my thoughts and my actions in a way that allowed me to experience the life I had always hoped for. Let me walk you through what that looks like.

The Hustle Trap: Why You Can’t Outwork Your Beliefs

Many in the business world will tell you that the secret to success is waking up at 5 a.m., outworking everyone else, and being “disciplined.” I’m not knocking discipline—discipline is important, especially when it comes to developing yourself physically. I spend time in the sauna, training with my trainer, and doing cold plunges in 43-degree water. There’s a mental resilience that comes from pushing through discomfort, and that’s crucial for growth. But here’s what I’ve come to understand: no matter how hard you work, if you’re still dealing with limiting beliefs, you’re going to hit a ceiling.

It’s something I see across the board in my work with clients. I get to coach people at every level—some are still finding their purpose, others are clear on their purpose and working on execution, and others are already incredibly successful. I’ve worked with professional athletes and people with extraordinary wealth, and every single one of them hits a limit if they’re not working on their beliefs. Your beliefs create your thoughts, and your thoughts influence your actions. So, you can push as hard as you want, but if you’re not addressing what you truly believe about yourself and your potential, you’re going to stay stuck.

The Belief Filter: How Childhood Decisions Shape Your Reality

One thing that’s been a game-changer for me—and it’s something I share with my clients—is realizing that beliefs are essentially decisions. Before we even reach the age of seven, we’re making these decisions based on what we see and experience. If you saw your parents argue about money, for instance, you might have decided, “Money causes problems.” And if that belief stuck, it will influence how you feel about money as an adult. Even if you’re striving to be successful, that belief might quietly work against you. But here’s the powerful truth: you can decide differently.

When I started my business with my wife, Carol, I didn’t fully believe in myself. I had to borrow her belief in me just to take the first step. And once I took action and saw results, those results slowly started shifting my beliefs. This process isn’t instant—it’s a journey. You begin by recognizing and confronting your limiting beliefs. And I see this transformation happen all the time. Entrepreneurs I coach, who may have started out thinking, “I’m not worthy” or “people won’t pay me that much,” start making new decisions. They begin to believe they are capable, that their services are worth high prices. And then, all of a sudden, they’re landing those high-paying clients. It wasn’t that the opportunities weren’t there before; it’s that their beliefs were filtering out what they didn’t think was possible.

The Role of Action: Inspired Action vs. Mindless Hustle

This brings us to action. Now, a lot of people get into mindset work thinking they can “manifest” results by just sitting around and visualizing success. And while your mindset is foundational, action is absolutely essential. But I’m not talking about mindless hustle; I’m talking about inspired action—doing the things that feel uncomfortable but are necessary for growth.

Let me tell you a story. When Carol and I set a goal to have 300 people at our first big event, it was a bold goal, especially for a brand nobody knew yet. We had to put ourselves out there. I started speaking at events, doing joint ventures, and even worked with stage presence training—all things that felt uncomfortable. But as I faced those fears, I started to see growth not only in our audience numbers but in myself. That’s the power of inspired action—it stretches you and makes you capable of more than you ever thought possible.

This is where the “psycho-cybernetic loop” comes in. I teach this concept because it’s central to understanding how your beliefs and actions shape your results. In short, what you believe affects what you think, and what you think affects how you feel, which drives what you do, and that leads to results. And each result you get reinforces the beliefs you started with. That’s why action isn’t optional—it’s a crucial part of breaking through old beliefs and reinforcing new ones.

When to Rest and Let the Universe Take Over

Now, let’s talk about rest. For those who buy into hustle culture, the idea of taking a break might feel almost terrifying. They think, “If I stop, I’ll fall behind.” But I’ve learned that the times when you’re afraid to rest are often when you need it most. Rest isn’t just for physical recovery; it’s about stepping back from the need to control everything and letting life, or the universe, take over.

Some of the most successful clients I work with struggle with this because they’re so used to doing, pushing, and creating. They’re afraid that if they rest, everything will fall apart. But that’s the beauty of rest—it’s the space where creativity and inspiration come through. Some of my biggest breakthroughs have come from stepping back, going for a walk, spending time with family, or even doing nothing. When I tell clients to “take a break” from their challenges, I don’t mean avoid them; I mean create space for the answers to come.

Einstein once said, “You can’t solve a problem with the same consciousness that created it.” When you’re so entangled with a problem, it’s hard to see a way out. But when you step back, the solution often emerges naturally. Resting is about letting go of control and letting things realign in ways you couldn’t foresee while stuck in the grind.

Desire + Non-Resistance = Desired Result

One of the guiding principles I live by is a simple equation: desire plus non-resistance equals the desired result. It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. You set a goal or desire, you work toward it, but you do so with non-resistance. Non-resistance doesn’t mean giving up—it means not pushing so hard that you block the very thing you’re trying to create.

I’ve had moments where I got so focused on a problem that it felt like the problem was consuming me. And the more I focused, the bigger it seemed. But when I took a step back, the problem often lost its intensity. Sometimes it’s as simple as shifting your focus to things that bring joy—spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby, or doing something creative. When you do this, you’re shifting to what I call the “frequency of the solution.” By focusing on what brings you peace, you allow solutions and opportunities to flow more naturally.

Facing Fears: Building Resilience Through Action

Here’s a reality check: if you’re going to achieve your goals, you have to face your fears head-on. Whether it’s taking bold action or allowing yourself to rest, fear is often the barrier standing in the way. When I prepared for my first big event, I was terrified. But I pushed through. I spoke in front of 300 people, which was something I’d never done before. I could have let fear stop me, but taking that leap was what built my confidence.

As I kept facing my fears and doing the things that made me uncomfortable, I got stronger. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, but only if we step up to it. And this journey of facing fears isn’t just about big events or major decisions—it’s a daily practice. The more you do it, the stronger you get, and the more you open yourself to what life has to offer.

Letting Go of Control and Embracing Faith

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is knowing when to step back and let the universe work. There’s a saying in recovery: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” I think about this a lot, because sometimes, no matter how much effort we put in, there are moments when stepping back and trusting is the best action we can take.

When I find myself tangled up in a problem, anxious, and feeling out of control, I know it’s time to pause. I tell myself, “Go spend time with the people you love. Do something that brings you joy.” When I’m able to release the need to control every detail, something incredible happens: the tension eases, my perspective shifts, and the answers I was struggling to find often come to me naturally. Sometimes, the problem resolves itself, and other times, I return to it with a fresh mindset, ready to see opportunities I couldn’t see before. This is what I mean by letting the universe take over. You’re not abandoning your goals—you’re creating the space for life to support you in ways you couldn’t imagine while stuck in the grind.

Embracing the Journey: It’s a Continuous Process

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that this balance between mindset, action, and rest is not a one-time fix. It’s a continual process, a dance where you adjust based on where you are and what you need. There are seasons for pushing hard, seasons for slowing down, and seasons for deep reflection. Each step of the way, you’re growing, learning, and uncovering more of your potential.

Think of it like mining for diamonds. The more you dig into your beliefs and face your fears, the more treasures you uncover. But here’s the twist—those diamonds don’t come without pressure. The challenges, the discomfort, and even the resistance are all part of refining who you are. Every time you clear a limiting belief or take an action that scares you, you expand. And that expansion makes you stronger, more capable, and ready for the next level of opportunity.

Final Thoughts: Playing the Right Game

Here’s the truth: success isn’t about following someone else’s formula. It’s about understanding the game you’re here to play and playing it at the highest level. That game involves aligning your mindset with your actions, taking inspired steps forward, and knowing when to let go and trust. It’s about recognizing that fear isn’t the enemy—it’s a signal that something inside you is ready to grow.

Whether you’re just starting your journey, navigating a breakthrough, or sustaining success, remember that balance is key. Work on your mindset, take bold action, and don’t be afraid to rest when it’s needed. Life has a way of supporting those who trust in its process. So, take a breath, lean into the next step, and know that everything you need is already within you. You’ve got this.