A Hustlers Bible (The New Testament) ~Gayton Mckenzie
I delved into “A Hustler’s Bible – The new testament” by Gayton McKenzie, a book that, true to its name, offers a no-nonsense guide to navigating life’s challenges with the mindset of a hustler. What struck me from the outset was the book’s format—short, fast-paced chapters, each packed with a lesson or a nugget of wisdom. It felt more like a compilation of McKenzie’s thoughts over his life rather than a traditional book. This structure made it easy to read, almost like a manual you can flip through when you need a quick dose of inspiration or a reality check. Here are some of the lessons I’ve taken away from the book:
The Power of Pressure and Keeping Focus
One of the most memorable lessons came from page 98, where McKenzie declares, “Pressure is a privilege.” This resonated with me because it’s easy to forget that the challenges we face often come with opportunities that others might envy. It’s a reminder to stay grateful and keep pushing forward, even when the load feels overwhelming. Similarly, on page 102, McKenzie wisely advises, “When you are busy with big things, you can’t entertain small bullshit.” In a world filled with distractions, this is a crucial lesson—one I’ve had to remind myself of frequently. Whether it’s negativity from others or trivial setbacks, McKenzie’s message is clear: stay focused on the bigger picture.
Guarding Your Creativity and Pursuing Aggressively
Another chapter that struck a chord with me was on (page 113), where McKenzie talks about “small-minded people” as murderers of creativity and growth. His words rang true—often, it’s the people with the narrowest perspectives who try to limit you the most. It’s a stark reminder to be vigilant about who you let into your circle because their mindset can be contagious. And then there’s the lesson on being aggressive in pursuing your goals (page 118). McKenzie’s story of wanting to buy a Lamborghini and the dealer’s lack of tenacity is a perfect metaphor for the missed opportunities that passivity can cause. It’s a call to action—to be relentless in the pursuit of what you want.
Money: The Essential Tool
On (page 129), McKenzie doesn’t shy away from one of the book’s more controversial claims: “Money isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” While this might be a bit too extreme for some, I couldn’t help but appreciate his argument. McKenzie points out the stark difference money makes in one’s life, not just in terms of material wealth but in the freedom it affords—the time to reflect, strategize, and live on your terms. It’s a sobering reminder that while money isn’t the end goal, it’s an essential tool in achieving a life where you have control over your time and destiny.
The Importance of Strategy and Adaptability
Another gem comes on (page 139), where McKenzie talks about the dangers of being predictable. He likens life to a boxing match, where revealing your moves makes you an easy target. In a world where oversharing is often the norm, this advice feels particularly relevant. McKenzie’s emphasis on keeping your cards close and mastering the element of surprise is a valuable strategy, both in business and in life.
The Hustler’s Work Ethic
Perhaps one of my favorite lessons is found on (page 141): “If you aren’t making money whilst you are asleep, you need to wake up.” McKenzie’s point is that success requires a relentless work ethic, and sleep, while necessary, shouldn’t be a luxury you indulge in if you haven’t earned it. The idea that greatness and prolonged comfort are mutually exclusive is a tough pill to swallow but one that many successful people would agree with.
The Critique
While I found the book to be packed with useful lessons, it’s important to approach it with a critical eye. McKenzie’s background as an ex-prisoner might raise questions about his role as a moral authority. While his experiences lend authenticity to his advice, it’s crucial to remember that not all of his tactics or perspectives are universally applicable or advisable. For instance, his emphasis on money as the “only thing” can be seen as an oversimplification, ignoring the value of relationships, integrity, and purpose beyond financial success.
Additionally, while the book’s aggressive tone is motivating, it’s worth considering that not all situations require such a hard-hitting approach. There’s a balance to be struck between being relentless and being mindful—something that McKenzie’s book occasionally overlooks in its pursuit of hustle at all costs.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, “A Hustler’s Bible” is a book filled with lessons that can inspire and challenge you to think differently about success, focus, and the company you keep. While Gayton McKenzie’s background might make him a contentious figure, there’s no denying the value in some of the wisdom he shares. Whether you agree with everything he says or not, this book is worth a read for anyone looking to sharpen their mindset and approach life with the tenacity of a true hustler. Just remember to take the lessons that resonate with you and leave the rest—after all, even the best advice needs to be tailored to fit your life and values.
Here are a list of my favorite quotes from the book:
Page 98 “Pressure is a privileged”
Page 102 “When you are busy with big things, you can’t entertain small bullshit”
Page 113 “Small minded people ‘I’m convinced they are all international murderers of creativity and growth”
Page 118 “leave passiveness at the door”
Page 129 “Money affords you these periods of reflection and poverty robs you of it”
Page 139 “People shouldn’t be gifted the advantage of knowing your next move”
Page 141 (I love this one!) “If you aren’t making money whilst you are asleep, you need to wake up”
Page 152 “Waiting for consensus might see you clutching onto a stillborn at the end of the debate”
Page 171 “Learn to find opportunity in the heart of misery and brokenness”
Page 211 “Pay someone to do what you are unable to do.”
Page 217 “If you can’t act rich then at least act like a person who is swiftly en-route to riches”