Hustling isn’t a choice—it’s your superpower

There’s a photo of me in orange glittery heels and a black power suit standing on a stage before a roaring crowd. That night, I’d just delivered a keynote I never thought I had the guts to give. A decade earlier, I was buried under piles of paperwork, too terrified to tell anyone about my dreams. I thought ambition was for other people—men, daredevils, the ‘born leaders.’ Then I realized the fires in my belly weren’t a mistake; they were my calling. I began to state my goals out loud, even if it felt ridiculous. I told friends I wanted a #1 bestseller on the New York Times list. Every time I did, I felt both exposed and energized. I took tiny steps—logged 500 words at 5:00 a.m., pitched editors, and studied book proposals until 2:00 a.m. Daily rituals became my anchor: I’d write 200 words before breakfast, connect with a mentor over lunch, and read two chapters of a craft book before dinner. Was it glamorous? No. Was it terrifying? Absolutely. But every micro-win fanned the flame. My hustle was not frantic chaos—it was the engine fueling a dream that was, for too long, silenced. I might have looked like I had it all together, but the real change was inside: I gave myself permission to desire more, and I refused to let that spark die.

Speak your big, bold goal out loud to someone who’ll cheer it on. Jot down three tiny actions you can do today and do them—no excuses. Then wrap up each day with two new hustle rituals: one call, one draft, one pitch, one training session. Over time, these small fires merge into a wildfire that carries you past every fear and obstacle. Believe in your hustle.