The Zen Hustle Code: Wish I had read it before!

Let me start by saying, I Zen Hustled this review. In early chapters, the concept the author is building gets clear that it required a ZH in me to continue. 

My only reasonable doubt to the author is did he really plan his life as a Zen Hustler or this post facto realisation. But that is a discussion, over beer or coffee. 

In any case, I would still recommend folks early in their career or are in mid level to read this book. For all senior leaders, I think we are already cooked since most of us just focused on plain old hard work strategy and did not have the fortune to read this is early in our career. 

Here is my bargaining chip so putting my challenge up front- below is around my 16-18 hours of work, travel, business planning, speaking opportunities, managing clients and what we love the most - walks to Sunder Nursery with our lovely twins, dance classes of our elder daughter and playing some cricket. 

The book starts with discovering your superpower—that unique edge that sets you apart. Zen Hustlers boldly declare their weaknesses as a badge of honor, owning what they're not great at to double down on their strengths. They also steer clear of gossip, focusing energy on results instead of rumors. In today's world, where job success means long hours and full schedules, The Zen Hustle Code by Bhasker Jaiswal and Anupam Mukerji (HarperCollins India) shakes things up smartly. This isn't just feel-good talk dressed as business tips—it's real advice for people who want to grow at work without breaking down.

The big idea? Forget choosing between working non-stop or falling behind. The authors offer a better way: become a "Zen Hustler." Skip the endless grinder or the office schemer—this is about clear goals, picking your efforts wisely, and focusing on real results, not just staying busy. Think Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) choosing his fights carefully, VVS Laxman shining in key moments, Tim David smashing sixes as MI's big finisher, or Sourav Ganguly spotting Virender Sehwag's raw talent early and backing him to become a high-ceiling star—effort used right. This simple shift is worth the book's price. It helps you check where your energy really goes. Even Mike Ross gets there, rising fast through raw smarts without the endless hustle. When you become a Zen Hustler, you suddenly realize time is on your side.

Hard work matters, but only in the right spots. Top workers often get stuck in a "race of more effort," putting in extra time for little gain. Breaking free means changing what "success" means. It's in Chapter 12 where it finally clicks: Zen hustling isn't about doing less work, but doing the right work. Use that freed-up time to sharpen your craft.

On office politics—the mess everyone faces—the book keeps it real: watch it, don't join in. Great work is your best shield. MS Dhoni shows this well, just like Laxman in the 2001 Kolkata Test—cool, classy, winning big while others panicked.

The book stresses knowing your company's setup: who does what, how jobs connect, where real power sits. Schools don't teach this, but it cuts out hidden roadblocks in big companies. Bhasker Jaiswal shares his story: he skipped a Group M interview not because he didn't care, but to learn their secrets and grab useful info—smart Zen style, no extra grind.

Written with Anupam Mukerji (the old "Fake IPL Player" blogger), it turns tough career tips into easy lessons with cricket stories and real examples. The writing is clear, fun, and skips boring business words. That said, some of the authors' personal examples—like skipping key opportunities—felt high-risk to me. Readers should be cautious: being a Zen Hustler doesn't mean ditching hard work. It builds on solid effort, made smarter.

No empty promises—just steps to mix top work with a good life outside the office. Perfect timing with so much burnout today.

Go read this book.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views of exchange4media.com.