I turned 26 this year. Not exactly a milestone, but definitely a reminder that I’m closer to 30 than I am to 20 (a blessing). No biggie, but I’m not exactly a “spring chicken” anymore and if I’m serious about making any 30 Under 30 lists, Forbes or otherwise, I need to crack down on this whole working towards success thing. Starting with this blog/vlog series that I’ve wanted to get off of the ground for some years now.

I’ve never been one of those fervent Beyhive fans, but I have always admired Beyoncé’s discipline and dedication to her craft. It’s evident in every performance, interview and project that she does. And, while as a reporter/editor in media, it is always tough to get a good soundbite from someone so media trained, I appreciate who Beyoncé is as a brand and as a Black woman overall. So, when I double tapped an Instagram post of a cup that read “You have as many hours in the day as Beyoncé” it actually resonated.

Granted, Beyoncé does have an entire team of people that ensure that the “Bey” brand is a well oiled machine—the statement still remains true. You have the same 24 hours that Beyoncé has everyday to make something great or legendary of yourself.

When I first moved to New York to pursue a career in publishing, interning at Marie Claire magazine, I remember listening to the the editor-in-chief, studying her perspective and thinking, I can do that. I distinctly remember having a conversation with my mom and telling her that I too can make $1M a year making a life of bringing women’s issues to the forefront, telling their stories and adding to the female voice as told in the human situation narrative. Somewhere along the line, within the past three years of working in publishing, I lost that fire and that “I can be a millionaire” mentality—work, lack of sleep and seeing the difference in budget (and respect) between working at a Black brand and the more Anglo-Saxon brands tend to put a little bit of a damper on that inner fire.

Alas, turning twenty-six hasn’t re-ignited that “millionaire” fire, but it has definitely helped me to refocus my attention on building my brand, establishing myself as an expert and triggered that desire to make my mark and live a life I’m proud of. I live in New York, so money is always a factor; and, if I become a millionaire in the process I certainly won’t complain., but for now I’m just focusing on branding and building myself up to make that aforementioned 30 Under 30 list and make the most of each set of 24 hours that I’m given. I’ve got three years to go and I fully believe that it’s doable.

I’m curious about you. What do you want you mark to be? Share in the comments below.