Setting any kind of New Years goals can be a polarizing habit. On the one hand, folks like me swear by it. On the other hand, others say that it’s pointless and arbitrary. Lately, I’ve seen a one-two punch of two types of posts floating around on LinkedIn: one type focusing on fresh energy to start the year (“Let’s crush 2022! Who’s with me?!”). The other seems to focus on bashing the first group, and sounds something like this: “Hustle culture is a sham – those people are probably just faking it, and are minutes away from a complete meltdown.”

I have no issues with the posts in the first category. If you’re the type that uses the holidays to recharge your batteries, and you’re ready to get psyched for the new year and want to take others along on that journey, then by all means post away.

But if you’re looking at those posts and rolling your eyes, before you write about how it’s all a sham, consider something for a moment. What if it is a sham? What if that person is at rock bottom, and is just trying to drum up some positive vibes to help dig themselves out of a rut? Why try and take that away from them?

Let’s be honest: Canadian winters are hard enough as it is, without a pandemic and lockdowns making things even worse. We’re all struggling to some degree. What we need more of as we go through these tough few months is compassion. Rather than disparaging folks with views, beliefs or habits that are different from your own, why not reach out and try to understand their point of view a little better?

You might find that “To hustle or not to hustle” isn’t really a question at all; they’re both just coping mechanisms for folks doing the best they can not to lose their shit during these crazy times.