Booked. Busy. But Are You Moving Forward?
Be honest. When was the last time you sat still for an hour and didn't worry that you were falling behind?
In my decade of coaching top-tier executives, what I hear all the time is: "If I'm not exhausted, I'm not doing enough."
For ambitious women, especially those of us who have spent our careers being the first, the only, or one of the few, hard work isn't just something we do; it’s often how we define ourselves.
We call it hustle. We revel in it. We post about it. And yet, underneath the highlight reel, often lurks a quieter, nagging fear that our worth is measured by our output.
This month, let’s clock the hustle. Putting in work itself isn't the enemy, but cheating yourself out of rest; equating slowing down with falling behind; or measuring your value by how much you can juggle.
This summer, my company produced events across New York, Martha’s Vineyard, and Minnesota (read my Momentum reflection HERE), and while I’m grateful for the experience and the excellent work, I immediately set up a system to prevent that many events from happening moving forward. At this stage of my career, getting stuck looks like overcommitting without considering what excellence requires. I understand what it takes to produce, deliver, and recover; there’s no stage I can sacrifice, which makes it challenging. We are fortunate to attract amazing opportunities and clients, but it’s my responsibility as the leader to determine the pace.
I’m not just preaching; I, too, am in the choir. Early in my career, my ambition refused to quit — so eventually, my body forced the issue. What I've learned since, both in my own life and in years of coaching leaders who look "unstoppable" from the outside, is that hustle culture rarely rewards you for finishing. It just moves the goalposts.
In my TRIBE methodology, this is Beliefs work — because you cannot out-strategize a belief you haven't named. You can build the perfect calendar, the perfect systems, the perfect team, and still burn out if the belief underneath is "I am only as valuable as what I produce."
So here's the reframe: Think of hustle as a strategy
Ask yourself: What would change in my life if I didn’t have to earn my rest??
Think about your to-do list and pick one thing that no longer serves you, then scratch it off. See where I’m going with this?
Good! Sometimes letting go is the real work.
Coach's Corner
Okay, let’s go a little deeper into how to shake free from the hustle.
Before automatically saying yes to another responsibility, meeting, project, committee, client, or request, ask yourself three questions:
1. Does it move me toward what I say I want?
Being productive and making progress doesn’t mean you’re getting closer to your dreams.
Progress requires being clear about where you’re going and aligning with what will actually move you forward.
2. Am I the only person who can do this? Delegation isn't a sign that you can't handle something. Your time might be better spent on a task only you can do.
3. What am I saying no to when I say yes to this?
Every yes costs us something. It might be time, energy, another opportunity—or simply space to think.
Your calendar reflects what you prioritize.
Does it reflect the life you’re trying to create—or just the things you've already signed up for?
Career Progress Check-In
If you find that you’re working harder but not necessarily smarter, consider a Career Progress Check-In to help you get unstuck and create a clearer path forward.
Getting Unstuck Community
The Monthly Circle Is Back
After taking a pause in August, the Getting Unstuck Monthly Circle returns on September 18 at 12 PM CT, and this month we're continuing the conversation around dismantling the beliefs that keep us hustling.
Before we meet, take a few minutes to reflect on where “hustle” may be showing up in your own life and work. Think about one process that is costing you unnecessary time and one resource you're paying for but not fully using. Then ask yourself: What could I reclaim—time, money, energy, or focus—if I simplified?
Bring your observations to the Circle. We'll explore what they reveal about the beliefs driving our choices and how we can begin replacing constant busyness with greater intention.
Come prepared to discuss: What are you doing because it truly moves you forward—and what are you doing simply because you've convinced yourself you should?
If you're ready to go deeper, explore executive coaching and leadership development with Getting Unstuck Guide for personalized support identifying what's keeping you stuck, clarifying what comes next, and moving forward with greater intention and confidence.
Momentum Summit 2026: A Reflection
Last month, I had the privilege of bringing together leaders, changemakers, and innovators on Martha’s Vineyard for Momentum Summit 2026: The Power of Possible. Over four events, we explored some of the questions shaping our work and our communities—from leadership and philanthropy to technology, policy, women’s health, and what it takes to turn meaningful conversations into action.
I recently shared some of my reflections on the Momentum Summit blog, including why creating intentional spaces for connection matters—and why the real work begins after we leave the room.
And if these are conversations you want to continue, I invite you to join the momentum. We are growing beyond our annual gathering on Martha’s Vineyard, with new conversations, insights, programming, and opportunities to connect throughout the year.
THANK YOU!
It’s the fourth quarter, and leaders are working on their annual performance reviews to position themselves for promotions and increased pay in the coming year. What would it look like to enter 2026 with clarity, confidence, and an actionable plan with an affirmative community and weekly coaching in place? 2026 is your year to feel prepared. Start now.
Click here to sign up, and we’ll review the ideal approach based on your goals, schedule, and budget.
More than 40,000 Black women have lost their jobs across the private and public sectors. These leaders are starting new businesses, transitioning to consulting, and seeking new opportunities. To say thank you for your service, Getting Unstuck is launching flexible payment options and a $500 offer to show our gratitude. And to help you share your appreciation, when you join Getting Unstuck Academy, you’ll receive a referral code to give $500 to a friend.
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