After seeing Gary Vaynerchuk’s in person at Web2 Expo NY and hearing his famous quote: “There’s no reason in 2008, to do shit you hate…Please stop doing that!” (found here ) my mantra was solidified. I was going to inspire everyone in the world to go out and do what they love.

Here’s the problem:

Your business CANNOT be a leisure activity. If your in it to win it, you’ve got to start pushing yourself to the point of pain.

Let me share a story:

Building Under30CEO.com and Factor77 was a dream come true. Everyday I woke up, hopped out of bed and started having fun, helping people take their businesses to the next level. The problem was–I was doing it because I loved it, not because I needed to desperately turn a profit and create a sustainable business.

Months have gone by and cashflow is minimal. I’ve hit financial hardship. If I want to eat, I’ve got to work. I was forced this week to pick up a job, working along side Mexican laborers.

It is absolutely miserable.

I went from doing what I love to working grueling long hours of manual labor for little pay, with little break.

Now I am desperate.

Want a wake up call? Start doing shit you hate.

I have the opportunity to work with people who are also desperate.  The Mexican immigrants I work with are desperately hungry for hours.  When they beg the boss for 12+ hour days, I realize they’ve got 3+ kids at home to feed, living well below the poverty level.  They came to this country for opportunity and they are taking full advantage.

I too believe that I’m here to take full advantage of American opportunity.  Now that I hate the situation I am currently in I am more focused than ever.  Now I get home and start playing this game like I’m desperate.  This is when I do the most damage.

All day, shovel in hand, I think “what’s the fastest way I can make my business succeed?”  I have very little time now to work on Factor77, but those late night hours are focused on the biggest income producing activities.  Those precious hours are focused on what’s going to make me money and fast.  Why do you think there are so many rags to riches stories?  These people were desperate.  They were hungry.  They made it happen.  Few people who’ve lived upper middle class lifestyles and decided to tinker around with their hobby ever made it big.

If you want to do what you love, first start doing shit you hate.