Skimm'd from the Couch: Rachel Hollis

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Ever feel like you don’t have the "right" resume for the job you’re applying for? Rachel Hollis has. The motivational speaker and author didn’t receive a formal education. And didn’t have a network or connections when she was starting out. But the secret to her success? Pure hustle. This week, Rachel shared why showing an employer how hard you work will get you hired...fancy degree optional.  

Editor's Note: We asked Rachel to address the controversy and criticism surrounding her lack of inclusivity and accusations of plagiarism. Listen at 29:19.

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On Hustle

Danielle: I want to talk about how you started. And you said...that you didn't go to college. And yet you got a foot in the door at Miramax. And I want to bring people back to those early days for you because whether it's that you didn't go to college, or you feel you didn't go to the right college, or you feel like you don't have the right resume for whatever reason, it can be really hard to get started. And I feel like it's easy at times to, as women, say that this is why we're not right for this job, [or] for [a] promotion. How did you craft the story of how you grew up, to not going to college, to getting that first job?

Rachel: I will outwork everybody. I am one of the hardest workers you will ever meet. And I knew I didn't have a formal education, I didn't have access or resources or connections, but I knew that if you gave me a shot, I'll work to death. And you can't understand how big a deal that is. 

…. I might not know all the things, but I will outwork you.... I think I have always been audacious. I shoot my shot way before I'm ready to have that thing.

On Burnout

Rachel: I think that there are seasons to rest and there are seasons to sprint. And you have to know yourself well enough to understand which season this is. You know, a season where you have a new baby? Not a season to sprint. A season to stay alive. We have to be graceful with ourselves. And I think what I've learned in my life is to listen to my body, and to listen to my heart, and to listen to what I need. 

But I also do think the flip side is there are seasons when you gotta hustle. That's just reality. So what does it look like to take care of yourself so that when it is a time to sprint, you have the energy that you need to do what's being asked of you. I actually think that burnout happens a lot because you sort of lost the passion for this thing that you were doing.