The Perfect Day to Boss Up

1. Determine Your Destination: The Power of Vision

As I stared out into the water, the words of the late, great Bruce Lee, from his short-lived TV show Longstreet, came to mind.

Be like water. Rick Ross emphasizes the importance of adaptability and flexibility in the face of challenges, using Bruce Lee's metaphor of water to illustrate this point. Just as water can adapt to any container, a successful entrepreneur must be able to adjust their plans and strategies to navigate changing circumstances.

The Promise Land. Ross's 235-acre estate serves as a physical manifestation of his vision and success. It's a place where he can quarantine, create, and strategize, highlighting the importance of having a space that supports one's goals and aspirations.

Vision is key. Ross's ability to envision new possibilities for his estate, such as turning the softball field into an amphitheater or the barn into a film studio, demonstrates the power of having a clear destination in mind and constantly seeking ways to expand and improve.

2. The Game Ain't Based on Sympathy: Overcoming Excuses

But the game ain’t based on sympathy.

No excuses. Ross stresses that success is not determined by sympathy or favorable circumstances, but by the ability to overcome obstacles and find solutions. He rejects the notion of having a "good excuse" for failure, emphasizing that excuses ultimately serve to justify inaction and minimize personal responsibility.

Offsetting losses. When the pandemic wiped out his live performance income, Ross didn't dwell on the loss. Instead, he identified alternative revenue streams, such as guest verses and brand promotions, demonstrating a proactive approach to problem-solving.

Greats don't take the bait. Ross uses examples of Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Tom Brady to illustrate that even the greatest achievers face challenges and have "good excuses" to lose. However, what separates them from the average is their refusal to succumb to excuses and their determination to find a way to win.

3. Every Boss Started Out a Worker: The Foundation of Success

A boss grabs a hold of the steering wheel and takes their life where they want to go.

Take control. Being a boss is about taking control of one's life and actively shaping one's destiny, rather than passively accepting whatever comes their way. It's about having a vision, a plan, and the determination to persevere through adversity.

Drake's come up. Ross uses Drake as an example of someone who carried himself like a boss from the beginning, even before achieving mainstream success. Drake's confidence and willingness to bring something new to the table set him apart and foreshadowed his future achievements.

Hustling backward. Ross contrasts genuine self-belief with fraudulent attempts to appear successful, such as paying to take pictures in a fake private jet. He emphasizes that true success comes from putting in the work and turning dreams into reality, not from portraying a false image.

4. Empires Are Built Brick by Brick: Mastering the Fundamentals

Empires are built one brick at a time.

Start small. Ross emphasizes the importance of mastering one thing before branching out into multiple ventures. He advises against being a "jack-of-all-trades and a master of none," stressing the need to narrow focus and build a solid foundation.

Having game. Ross shares the advice he received from his mentor, Big Mike: "You gotta have game if you want to get work." This "game" refers to knowledge, skills, and experience, which are acquired through learning and studying the moves of those who came before.

10,000-Hour Rule. Ross references the "10,000-Hour Rule" as a metaphor for the amount of commitment required to excel at something. He shares his own experience of spending a decade working in the shadows before achieving his big break with "Hustlin'."

5. Don't Waste Your Time: The Pricelessness of Time Management

That means that how you choose to spend your time is the most important decision you will ever have to make.

Time is priceless. Ross emphasizes that time is the most precious resource on earth, as it can never be recovered. He stresses the importance of making conscious decisions about how to spend one's time and avoiding activities that are not aligned with one's goals.

Performance reviews. Ross advises readers to conduct "performance reviews" of themselves, assessing their strengths, weaknesses, and how effectively they are spending their time. He encourages them to compare their current time allocation with how the "best version" of themselves would spend their time.

Patiently move correctly. Ross cautions against rushing the creative process, sharing his experience of releasing two albums in one year and seeing the lowest first-week sales of his career. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity and allowing greatness to unfold naturally.

6. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: The Power of Collaboration

I taught all my niggas how to fish. Some caught more than others. Some said they’d rather be fed. Some passed me up in the process. But at the end of it all I know I ain’t hide the game from my people and I’m real for that.

Backbone of the empire. Ross acknowledges the importance of his team, describing them as the "backbone" of his empire. He stresses that the people you surround yourself with are not a decision to take lightly, as your network affects your net worth.

Empower your people. Ross emphasizes the importance of empowering his team members and giving them opportunities to grow and succeed. He shares examples of how he helped Gunplay, Torch, and Young Breed launch their careers, and how he supported Meek Mill and Wale in building their own empires.

True friend. Ross believes that a true friend is someone who pushes you and encourages you to become the best version of yourself, not someone who enables your bad habits and tendencies. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded people who are loyal and on the same page as you.

7. Stack Your Paper: The Importance of Financial Discipline

I might be a big spender, but I’ve always been a much bigger saver.

Rainy-day fund. Ross emphasizes the importance of having a rainy-day fund to prepare for unexpected emergencies. He acknowledges that most people live check to check, but encourages them to find ways to sacrifice luxuries and start building some savings.

Assets over liabilities. Ross stresses the importance of acquiring assets that generate passive income, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. He explains that assets are a key part of accumulating wealth, as they put your money to work for you.

Financial freedom. Ross believes that the best thing money can buy is peace of mind. He explains that financial freedom is life's greatest stress reliever, and that it can only be achieved by prioritizing saving and investing over spending.

8. War Ready: Preparation for All Circumstances

Times of peace are when you prepare for battle.

Chess, not checkers. Ross encourages readers to think strategically and plan for all potential scenarios, like a chess master who is always several moves ahead. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared for both challenges and opportunities.

Adrien Broner's story. Ross shares the story of boxer Adrien Broner, who lost important fights due to lack of preparation and focus. He uses Broner's experience to illustrate the consequences of not being "war ready" and the importance of staying in elite shape year-round.

George Floyd's murder. Ross reflects on the murder of George Floyd and the civil unrest that followed. He shares his decision to take action and ride through the streets of Atlanta in his Humvee, demonstrating his commitment to standing up for what he believes in and being prepared for whatever may come.

9. Your Hustle Determines Your Salary: The Value of Ambition

Triple beam dreams, the ghetto is my reality / I’m from where your hustle determines your salary.

Ambition is priceless. Ross emphasizes that ambition and passion are the most important assets a person can have, even more important than talent. He believes that ambition is something that comes from within and cannot be given by another person.

Master P's influence. Ross credits Master P as a major influence on his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting P's ability to build an independent empire and create opportunities for his community. He also acknowledges James Lindsay, founder of Rap Snacks, for his 25 years of hustle.

Outwork everyone. Ross shares his own experience of outworking his peers to achieve financial success. He emphasizes the importance of consistent hard work and dedication, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.

10. Manage the Emotions: The Art of Strategic Response

Emotions are always temporary. Decisions can have permanent effects.

Survival mode. Ross reflects on his past tendency to react impulsively to stressful situations, sharing examples of times when he slapped people over minor infractions. He acknowledges that this behavior was rooted in his upbringing in Carol City, where quick reactions were essential for survival.

CO controversy. Ross shares his experience of being caught off guard by the controversy surrounding his past as a correctional officer. He admits that his initial reaction of denying the rumors was a mistake, and that he should have handled the situation with more calm and thoughtfulness.

Reebok deal. Ross shares his experience of losing a lucrative endorsement deal with Reebok following a controversy surrounding a bar on a song. He explains that he learned from his past mistakes and took responsibility for his actions, apologizing to the people he'd offended and to his business partners.

11. Your Bedroom Is Your Office: Integrating Work and Life

When you can find a way to enjoy every aspect of your life, even when you’re in the trenches, that’s when you’ve truly mastered the game.

Clarksdale Wingstop. Ross shares his experience of opening a Wingstop in his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi. He explains that this venture was about more than just making money; it was about bringing jobs to the community, revitalizing a historic location, and inspiring the youth.

Wingstop's success. Ross credits his mom and sister for the success of his Wingstop franchise, acknowledging their expertise in the fast-food business. He also emphasizes the importance of his own role in marketing and promoting the brand, integrating it into his music, videos, and public appearances.

Genuine affection. Ross emphasizes the importance of having genuine affection for the products and brands he promotes. He explains that he only partners with companies that align with his personal values and that he is a consumer of their products.

12. Bosses Stay Students: The Necessity of Continuous Learning

A real boss always remains a student, regardless of how successful they’ve been doing things a certain way.

Avoid complacency. Ross emphasizes the importance of avoiding complacency and maintaining a beginner's mindset. He believes that a real boss is always learning, innovating, and evolving with the times.

Lex Luger's beats. Ross shares his experience of working with young producer Lex Luger, whose unique sound helped him stay relevant in the ever-changing music industry. He explains that his willingness to learn new things and adapt to changing times is why he has remained successful after all these years.

Collins Ave Cannabis. Ross announces the launch of Collins Ave Cannabis, his partnership with Berner's Cookies. He explains that he is excited to learn how to build a vertically integrated cannabis company from the ground up, and that he is honored to be working with Berner, a true pioneer in the industry.

Last updated: May 1, 2025