Have you ever been so deep in the day to day grind of building your business that you forgot why you started in the first place?
It happens fast. You’re chasing goals, answering messages, working on the next project, and trying to grow. Before you know it, your business is getting more of you than your health, family, relationships, and the life you’re actually trying to create.
In this special episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, I’m coming to you straight from the Montana backcountry for our first ever Montana Mastermind hike and pod. No studio. No fancy setup. Just nature, good people, real conversations, and a chance to unplug from the noise.
I sit down with my brother Michael Ballard, an entrepreneur and software development business owner originally from Sequim, Washington, who has spent the past eight years living in Stockholm, Sweden. Michael and his team work on mobile apps, websites, and AI implementations, helping bring technology driven ideas to life.
But this conversation goes way beyond software and entrepreneurship.
Michael shares why getting away from the computer and spending time in nature helps him zoom out and think about the bigger picture. When you’re constantly caught in the tactics of running a business, it’s easy to lose sight of what you actually want your life to look like.
We talk about one of Michael’s biggest pieces of business advice, do what you love. His belief is simple. It’s incredibly difficult to become great at something you don’t actually enjoy doing.
We also get into personal growth and what it means to continually work on becoming a better man. Michael talks about following a virtuous path, getting clear on what you want from life, and making sure your daily actions line up with your ambitions.
When it comes to health, Michael keeps things practical. Exercise matters, but nutrition is where he believes many people miss the mark. He focuses on getting quality nutrition, prioritizing protein, managing calorie intake, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Then we talk money.
Michael shares how consistently saving and investing helped give him something he didn’t grow up with, financial security. Building a financial cushion gave him peace of mind knowing that even if his business stopped making money, he could still take care of his family.
His advice is to start saving, understand what you’re investing in, and give your money time to work for you.
We also dive into spirituality and connection. Michael uses yoga, movement, prayer, visualization, and time away from devices to reconnect with himself and something greater. Rather than only sitting still to meditate, he finds connection through movement and intentionally stepping away from screens.
One of the biggest themes of this conversation is something every entrepreneur needs to hear.
You don’t have to grind yourself into the ground to become successful.
You don’t have to sacrifice your family or the people you love just to build a bigger business.
Business and money can create a foundation. They can give you freedom and flexibility. But the point is to use that freedom to spend time with people you love, do things you genuinely enjoy, get outside, have epic adventures, and actually live.
A few takeaways from this episode:
Do work you genuinely love. It’s difficult to give your best to something you don’t care about.
Build financial security one step at a time. Saving and investing consistently can create more freedom and peace of mind for you and your family.
Take your health seriously. Nutrition, protein, movement, and maintaining a healthy weight can have a massive impact on how you show up.
Get away from your devices. Time in nature can help you step out of the daily tactics and reconnect with the bigger picture.
Don’t sacrifice your entire life for your business. Entrepreneurship should help create more freedom to enjoy your family, relationships, adventures, and the experiences that actually matter.
As Michael puts it, “Living the dream.”
We only get one life, Happy Hustlers. Build the business. Make the money. Take care of your health. But don’t forget to actually enjoy the ride.
If you’re an entrepreneur who’s been stuck in grind mode, this conversation is your reminder to zoom out, unplug, and reconnect with what you’re really building all of this for.
Listen to the full episode at https://happyhustle.com/podcast and keep Happy Hustlin’.
What does Happy Hustlin' mean to you?
For Michael happy hustlin' means you don’t have to grind yourself into the ground. You don’t have to sacrifice family and loved ones.
Connect with Michael
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076038248142
https://www.instagram.com/slashdev.io
https://www.youtube.com/@slashdevio/featured
https://www.linkedin.com/company/slashdev-io/
Find Michael on this website: https://slashdev.io/
Connect with Cary!
https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/
https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJack
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/
https://twitter.com/thehappyhustle
https://www.tiktok.com/@caryjack
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured
Get a copy of his new book, https://www.thehappyhustle.com/book
Sign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course @ https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/
Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure @ https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/
“It’s time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”
Episode Sponsors:
Kiln
Your environment shapes your energy and your results. That's why we're proud to partner with Kiln, a premium workspace experience designed to help you work smarter, connect with amazing people, and elevate your lifestyle. From co-working and private offices to meeting rooms and event spaces, Kiln (https://kiln.com/) has everything you need to thrive. Mention "Happy Hustle" for a special hookup!
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