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Every Little Thing by April Jeppson

I didn’t read “Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter;” I listened to it. And let me tell you, hearing Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson read his own story in his own voice? It felt less like an audiobook and more like we were grabbing lunch and he was personally giving me a pep talk. Raw, real and totally unfiltered.

There were moments when I wished I had the physical book in front of me, just so I could whip out a highlighter and mark it up. I kept thinking, “Wait, pause, say that again!”

It was that good. His words hit harder because you could hear the conviction behind them.

The book is part memoir, part business masterclass and part personal development coaching session, but with more swagger and street wisdom than anything I’ve ever come across in the self-help aisle.

One big theme that stuck with me? You have to take care of yourself like you’re your own greatest asset. Curtis talks about feeding your body with purpose, working out, staying sharp, not to impress others, but because your energy and your clarity are what fuel your future. He doesn’t romanticize the grind. Instead, he emphasizes showing up for yourself daily, because nobody else is going to do it for you.

He also dives deep into the importance of your inner circle. Who you surround yourself with will shape your outcomes. That one hit hard. He’s not just talking about networking or collaboration. He’s talking about real relationships, people who challenge you, stretch you and hold you to a higher standard. People who keep you honest. If you’re the smartest or most driven person in your group, it might be time to widen your circle.

One of the most powerful messages in the book is about personal responsibility. No excuses. No blame. Just choices. Curtis never shies away from the hard truths. He owns his mistakes and uses them as leverage to grow. He says, “Don’t wait for someone to save you. You’re the solution.” It’s a reminder we all need, especially when life feels messy and unfair.

There’s a beautiful bluntness to his style that I appreciate. Like this gem: “You don’t get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate.” I wrote that one on a sticky note. Too many of us wait for recognition, for opportunity, for someone to notice how hard we’re working. But the truth is, we have to advocate for ourselves. We have to speak up, step up and steer our own lives with intention.

Reading this book reminded me how important it is to keep growing. To take risks. To let go of what isn’t working. And above all, to not waste time. If there’s something you want to do, do it. There’s no perfect time and no perfect plan. Just make a move and adjust along the way.

This wasn’t a book that told me to go out and work until I collapsed. It reminded me to build wisely. To protect my peace. To say no to nonsense, and to show up for my future self, physically, mentally and relationally.

So if you’ve been feeling stuck or discouraged, maybe this is your sign. Pick up a book that challenges you. Take an honest look at your habits. Shift your focus from what’s unfair to what’s possible. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight, just start with one smarter move today.

You just might walk away feeling like 50 Cent is your new life coach. And honestly? I’m not mad about it.

Albert Lean April Jeppson is a wife, mom, coach and encourager of dreams. Her column appears every Saturday.