Meet Gregory Washington of Mind of a Hustler (book)
Some years ago, while traveling on my motorcycle at 130 mph on an infamous Atlanta road, I hit a light post. Riskily, the pace of my life mirrored the speed of my motorcycle. Some years later, I received a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking that devastated me. Unbeknownst to me, two of my most tragic experiences would change the trajectory of my life for the better. I want readers of my new book, Mind of a Hustler, to understand that it’s never too late – even after making life-altering mistakes – for redemption.
While in prison, God told me that I would write a book to encourage others who chose similar paths as my own. Out of obedience, I did. They may not be drug dealers or traffickers; however, their mentalities and choices may not align with who they were created to be. Mind of a Hustler offers a sense of hope for those who believe their lives are beyond repair; even after making damaging decisions, restoration is realizable.
No, it certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. Things stopped being “smooth” when I decided to make money the fast way – selling drugs. I abandoned the principles I was taught, which were to work hard, be honest, and do things in an upright way – no shortcuts. The decisions I made caused me to become submerged in a life of crime. When I think about the times I told myself I wouldn’t work for anyone – no 9:00 to 5:00s – those were the times I understood how serious I was about my choices. I adopted a lifestyle that I thought had to be lived out. This lifestyle left little room for other options. On my journey, I was constantly reminded of my decisions. My right leg has a permanent rod in it that resulted from my motorcycle accident. That should’ve been the writing on the wall for me to stop. Unfortunately, I didn’t. I tried to legitimize myself many times by using drugs many to purchase homes, start businesses, etc. Now that I think about it, I lived a very stressful life.
As I mentioned, I recently wrote a book called Mind of a Hustler. I’m proud of it because it truly shows us ourselves; I consider it a “mirror.” It also shows us how desperate we can become to make money when our sole motive is to make money. Mind of a Hustler helps readers understand that there’s more to life than just hustling or acquiring things. It inspires readers to focus on leaving a positive legacy.
I believe we achieve success when we’re doing what we were created – or destined – to do. I think everyone has a “calling” – something that they are to accomplish, a path they are to take. I felt a sense of success when I stopped running from my “calling.”
