"お金を追うのではなく、頑張りを追え。"

The essence of this quote is that the focus should be on working hard and passionately, rather than just seeking financial gain. It's about the mindset of valuing the journey, the effort, and the growth that comes from the hustle itself. When you're chasing the hustle, you're immersing yourself in the process, learning, adapting, and ultimately becoming better at what you do. The money, or success, will naturally follow as a result of your dedication and hard work.

This idea has roots in various historical contexts. For instance, during the gold rush era, many people were so fixated on finding gold that they missed out on the broader opportunities. On the other hand, those who thrived were often the ones who focused on providing necessary services and tools to the miners—like Levi Strauss, who made durable jeans. He didn’t chase the gold itself but instead hustled to meet the needs of those who did. His brand became a legacy, and his wealth followed from his hard work, not his search for quick riches.

Picture an aspiring writer who dreams of becoming a best-selling author. If they focus solely on the potential earnings and fame, they're likely to get frustrated and disheartened quickly. Writing a book is a long, grueling process that requires passion and resilience. Now, imagine this writer instead dives into the hustle: they write daily, improve their craft, network with other authors, and gather feedback. They're not immediately thinking about the million-dollar book deal; they're immersed in the hustle of becoming a better writer. Over time, their dedication pays off. They produce work that resonates with readers, and the financial success follows.

If you want to apply this wisdom, start by shifting your focus. Think about what you love doing and how you can pour your energy into it. Set goals around your growth and learning rather than your bank account. Celebrate small wins and improvements. Find joy in the grind itself. It’s not about ignoring the need for money—after all, we all have bills to pay—but about understanding that true success and financial rewards often come from a place of passion and relentless effort.

Let me share a story to illustrate this. There's a guy I know, Tom, who was stuck in a dead-end job that paid well but sucked the life out of him. He always talked about starting his own business, but he was so scared of losing his steady income that he never took the plunge. One day, after a particularly exhausting week, he realized he couldn't keep going like this. So, he saved up a bit, quit his job, and started an online store selling custom-made furniture—a passion of his.

The first few months were tough. Money was tight, and the sales trickled in slowly. But Tom loved every moment of it. He was in his workshop late into the night, perfecting his designs, learning about digital marketing, and engaging with his customers. He was hustling hard. Fast forward a year, and Tom's business took off. He didn’t become a millionaire overnight, but he built a loyal customer base and his income steadily grew. Tom didn't chase the money—he chased the hustle, and the rewards followed.

So, the next time you find yourself overly concerned with the financial outcome, remember Tom's story. Dive into what you love, hustle hard, and trust that the money will come. Embrace the grind, celebrate your progress, and keep pushing forward.