If I cared more, I’d work harder

Hey honeys and hustlers,

We've all been there - staring at a blank screen, willing ourselves to work harder. The guilt creeps in as we scroll social media, knowing we should be creating something, writing that proposal, or editing that video. Then comes the familiar internal dialogue: "If I really cared about my work, I'd be more focused right now." But here's the uncomfortable truth: Caring more isn't the answer. In fact, this belief is one of the most damaging myths in creator hustle/work culture.

We've bought into the idea that motivation works like a light switch - just flip it on with enough willpower and suddenly you'll transform into a productivity machine. But motivation, especially creative motivation, doesn't work that way. In reality, motivation is more like a garden. It needs the right conditions to flourish: rest, inspiration, and most importantly, genuine excitement about what you're creating.

When you're excited about a project, you don't need to force yourself to focus. You don't need to set timers or use website blockers. The work pulls you in naturally because you can't wait to bring your vision to life.

This isn't just feel-good advice - it's backed by science. When we're genuinely interested in what we're doing, our brains release dopamine, which enhances:

• Focus and attention

• Creative problem-solving

• Learning and memory

• Persistence through challenges

Most creators I know care deeply - sometimes too deeply. The real issues are usually burnout, a loss of connection with why the work matters, perfectionism paralysis (what I like to call “analysis paralysis”), or a lack of rest and recovery time. Raise your hand if you’ve experienced one or more of the things above. This is a safe space – we listen and we don’t judge.

The most successful creators I know have something in common: they've maintained their sense of play. They approach their work with experimentation, curiosity, and yes - excitement. This doesn't mean every day feels like recess. But it does mean they've learned to trust that their energy levels are valuable signals, not character flaws to be overcome. So perhaps it's time to retire the "if I cared more" story. Instead, try this perspective reframe:

Because the truth is, you probably already care plenty. The key is learning to work with your natural energy and enthusiasm, not constantly fighting against their absence. Your creativity isn't a machine to be forced into production. It's a living thing that needs the right conditions to thrive. And sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is stop trying to care more and start creating conditions where caring comes naturally.

New episode 🍯🎧

The first restaurant I visited the first time I came to Durham was Dame’s Chicken and Waffles. This establishment is a staple to me, and I’ve seen them grow the restaurant’s footprint across the state in the past 5 years. I was over the moon to get the opportunity to sit down with Dame to learn more about his approach to menu development, his community impact endeavors, and how he partners with local businesses to provide unique culinary experiences. I’m a brunch girlie at heart, and I’ve introduced many friends visiting from out of town to this restaurant. He bootstrapped his business from the ground up and even let go of his catering company to pivot to his first brick-and-mortar location. This story is as relatable and vulnerable as it gets. I hope you all enjoy it.

You can listen to the episode now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Community Spotlight

Tristan writes The Lazy Reader where they curate the best long-form journalism from across the Internet. Here’s a little sneak peak with their word of the day:

Apnea

A medical condition described by the temporary stopping of breathing. Typically occurs during sleep. Prolonged periods of apnea can be life-threatening.

“When Skurka took Jachimek aside one day and privately expressed his fear that Tanya might be inducing apnea in Morgan, she did not jump to Tanya’s defense.”
From Hush, Little Baby, Don’t You Cry by Skip Hollandsworth.
TexasMonthly, August 1995

Read more at The Lazy Reader, with new issues released every Monday.

Please Hustle Responsibly,

🤙🏾✨

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