I’m working on it, boss.

Sup peeps,

Let's cut right through the corporate bullshit and get straight to the heart of today’s topic:

The work we do outside of work is more important than the work we do at work. Yeah, you heard me right. Ironically enough, the things we do outside of our jobs is way more important (and sometimes way more fulfilling) than the work we do in our cubicle or out in the field. This applies to white or blue collar, doesn’t matter what your occupation.

Here's the kicker, the work we do outside of work doesn't even have to be related to our day jobs, when we are working on ourselves we are simultaneously moving the needle in other aspects of our lives. It's like hitting the gym after a long day of staring at spreadsheets or learning a new language, or diving into another topic that interests you. People will begin to ask “When did you learn to do that?” and you can answer, “In my spare time, I wasted my time wisely, Bazinga.”

When you develop yourself in certain areas of your life, they begin to overflow into other areas as well. It's like compounding improvement on steroids,.

So why is the work we do outside of work so damn important? Because it's where we have the opportunity to move the needle forward, where we pursue our passions, our interests, and where we become the badass motherfuckers we were always meant to be. I’m not saying that your job sucks, some people actually really love their jobs. But can you be better at your job? Absolutely, we all can.

And this is what I mean, putting in the work outside of work. While your coworkers are getting fucked up because the local shit-hole has a Happy Hour, you are sharpening your skills and attaining new ones. So when it comes promotion time, guess who’s likely to have the “Happy” Hour, you. There are no accidents.

Too many of us are sleepwalking through life, going through the motions, and settling for mediocrity. We're like zombies, numb to the world around us, content to let our dreams wither and die.

But it doesn't have to be this way. We have the power to break free from the chains of conformity, to carve our own path, and to create a life that's truly worth living. It starts by embracing the work we do outside of work—the stuff that lights a fire under our ass.

So here's my challenge to you, take a long hard look at your life and ask yourself, "Am I truly giving it everything I can in the area of personal development? Would I hire me? Do I bring value to the table?" And then, do whatever it takes to unleash the winner within and start living life on your own fucking terms. This is how you create leverage in the marketplace; by becoming difficult to replace.

Now, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, this shit isn’t easy. It's gonna require some serious grit, determination, and maybe even a sprinkle of “fuck this” along the way when you get frustrated, but keep going. Trust me when I say this, it'll be worth it.

Here are some actionable steps you can take to get ahead outside of work so at work you are on your way up the ladder, or better yet, you burn that fucking ladder and take the elevator.

1. Know Yaself: Take some time to reflect on who you are, what you stand for, and what you're passionate about. What are your strengths, your weaknesses, your values? What gets you out of bed in the morning and keeps you up at night? Once you have a clear understanding of yourself, you can start to align your actions and decisions with your true purpose.

2. Embrace the Struggle: Success doesn’t come overnight (the misconception that it does is a fucking cancer in our society)it's the result of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, usually done behind the scenes so when you do get your “big break” it’ll look like it happened overnight. Never let anyone take that away from you. Don't be afraid to roll up your sleeves and embrace the suck. Whether you're flipping burgers or closing deals, approach your work with passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Remember, it's not about the job you do—it's about how you do it. People are watching and you never know when you’ll be called up to the big leagues based on your work ethic and value you provide. (This only happens when you do the necessary work on yourself).

3. Never Stop Learning: The world is constantly evolving, and the only way to stay ahead of the curve is to keep learning and growing. Seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and develop your skills, whether it's through self education, on-the-job training, or formal education, I put formal last because I do not recommend it, but hey, to each their own. Stay curious, stay hungry for knowledge, and never stop striving to become the best version of yourself.

Go ahead, embrace the work you do outside of work, chase your passions with no limits in mind, and watch as your life transforms before your very eyes.(I’m sure your boss will notice too)

Keep kicking ass. Bazinga.

• Adam Rudolf