Why I Hate the Word “Hack”

I have no clue when everyone started talking about “hacks”…..but I absolutely hate that word.  I see it everywhere…”5 hacks to improve your mood”….”#1 hack to save you time”….”top 3 productivity hacks.”

One definition of hack is “an inelegant solution to a problem.” 

Inelegant solution.

Don’t get me wrong…I am all about quick…I am all about solutions….but more importantly, I am ALL about setting up systems, tools and processes that work…that grow…that stick with you for life.  I want elegant solutions.  And…the simpler, the better.  I don’t want a short term “hack” that won’t last.

I HATE the word “hack” for this reason.  I have yet to see a “hack” that helped formed new, sustainable, awesome practices. 

Want to lose weight? 

I’ve got a hack for you… fast for 3 days. 

Want to get more done today than yesterday? 

I’ve got a hack for you….work 3 more hours than yesterday.

What to 2x your business this month?

I’ve got a hack for you….double all your efforts from last month.

Do ANY of those things sound sustainable, enjoyable, or like anything that is going to set up for serious success in what you are trying to accomplish?

Guess what, friends.  Change is hard.  Learning new things is hard.  Crushing your goals…well, that takes work…and sometimes that work is hard.

We live in a world of instant gratification.  And it is creating really really bad habits for everyone.  Everyone is looking for the easy button in life.  Everyone is looking for the “hack.”  Hacks will not change your life, friends.  Hacks will not get you where you want to be.

I realize this message is not what people want to hear and it is likely going to make a lot of you unhappy.  But, it is the truth.  And I have always promised to be 100% honest and real with you all.  And yes, I realize you can look around and find other definitions for the word.  But be honest with me here…when you see a post or email about a “hack”…why do you open it?  Are you looking for a quick, short-term win?  Are you looking for an easier way to get to where you are going?  Probably so.

If there is something in your life you are looking to change, be prepared to do the work.  Be prepared to make changes. It may take time.  It may take research.  You might fail a few times along the way….lord knows I have! But, I can promise you this…if you set out to create lasting solutions, they will pay off!

I am saying NO to all the hacks in 2020 and YES to creating lasting, sustainable changes in my life.  Who wants to join me?