March 9, 2022

By Stephanie Corso, Chief Executive Officer

I love my work. It gives me purpose. I don’t know if it’s societal pressure or my own voice in my head, but oftentimes, as a woman, I feel guilty about being purpose-driven. It’s as if I’m letting down some imaginary person by not feeling completely fulfilled by motherhood or a relationship. As toxic as hustle culture can be, I think the opposition toward those who do find purpose in their work is equally as toxic.

If you’re like me, I’m here to tell you there’s no need to feel guilty about what drives you. You are who you are for a reason. We’re all wired a certain way, and there’s no use resisting who we are and how we naturally operate.

There is merit, however, in knowing your worth is not wrapped up in your productivity. While I enjoy being productive, I also understand that it doesn’t define me entirely or my worth as a person. I don’t feel like a failure if I can’t cross everything off my list for the day. I may be a little disappointed, but after a few minutes watching Netflix, I’m good.

My proclivity for productivity does affect how I relate to others, though. You could say getting shit done is my love language. Being there for others when they need me, showing up and being present, doing what I say I’ll do, arriving on time — that’s how I show I care. That’s how you know I give a damn.

Maybe you needed to hear this today, or maybe you know someone like me, and this helps you understand them better. I think I needed to jot this down as a reminder to myself that it’s ok to be the way I am. And you know what? The same goes for you.