The first time I heard Gary Vaynerchuk speak, I felt like I’d been slapped awake. It wasn’t just his energy (though, let’s be honest, that alone can jolt you into action); it was what he said:
“You’re not behind. You’re just impatient.”
Ouch. But also, yes. He nailed it. I’d spent so much time stressing about not being “successful enough” or achieving things “on time” that I wasn’t focusing on the real game—playing the long haul, putting in the work, and loving the grind. Gary’s words didn’t just resonate; they sparked a transformation.
The Gary Vee Effect: Why His Message Sticks
Raw Truth Over Polished Perfection
What sets Gary apart is his refusal to sugarcoat anything. He doesn’t tell you what you want to hear; he tells you what you need to hear. When he talks about embracing the grind and being accountable for your choices, it’s not motivational fluff—it’s a call to action.
One example that hit me hard? His rant about how people waste weekends binge-watching TV or partying, then complain about not having time to build their dreams. His point? You have 48 hours every weekend to outwork your competition—what are you doing with them?
That moment made me rethink how I spent my “free” time. Sure, rest is important, but how much of my downtime was productive versus just…numbing?
Empathy Meets Hustle
Another thing that blew me away was Gary’s emphasis on self-awareness and empathy. It’s not just about grinding 24/7; it’s about knowing yourself, playing to your strengths, and being kind—to yourself and others.
Gary once said, “Kindness is ROI-positive.” Think about that for a second. It’s not just about being nice for the sake of it—it’s a strategy. Whether in relationships or business, empathy creates trust, and trust drives results. That mindset has completely changed how I approach collaboration and leadership.
Lessons That Changed My Game
1. Fall in Love with the Process
Gary’s love for the journey over the destination is infectious. He’s not obsessed with owning the Jets (though he talks about it all the time); he’s obsessed with the chase.
What did I take from that? Stop obsessing over “arriving” and start finding joy in the daily grind. Whether it’s brainstorming content, closing deals, or even tackling mundane tasks—fall in love with it all.
2. Stop Caring About Other People’s Opinions
Gary’s mantra—“Don’t let someone else’s judgment define your life”—was a game-changer. I realized how much time I’d wasted worrying about what others thought, from career moves to social media posts.
Now, I focus on doing what feels authentic to me, regardless of the noise. Guess what? It’s liberating.
3. Content Is King (But Consistency Is Emperor)
Gary’s advice on creating content is legendary. He doesn’t just preach; he’s the embodiment of his philosophy—posting dozens of pieces of content daily.
What I learned: You don’t need to overthink it. Share your story, your process, your lessons. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you create.
Why Gary’s Message Is Universally Relevant
Gary’s no-BS style cuts across borders and industries. Whether you’re an entrepreneur in New York, a creative in Mumbai, or a marketer in Berlin, his advice applies:
- Stop making excuses.
- Start taking accountability.
- Embrace patience.
In a world that glorifies overnight success, Gary reminds us that the real winners are in it for the long game.
Conclusion: What’s Your Jets?
Gary Vee often talks about his ultimate dream—owning the New York Jets. For him, it’s not even about achieving that goal; it’s about the journey of trying.
So, what’s your Jets? What’s the thing that fires you up and makes the grind worth it? Whatever it is, take Gary’s advice: stop wasting time, start creating, and don’t let fear or judgment hold you back.
Because here’s the truth: you’ve got time. Now, what are you going to do with it?
by Martin Pino 
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