👑 The perfect fall dish to fuel your hustle

Plus: Alternate forms of self-care

What’s up, Hustlers! 

Start before you’re ready.

It’s one of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned. Too often we wait for the perfect moment, the right amount of confidence, or for everything to line up.

But here’s the truth: that moment may never come. The magic happens when you take that first step, trust yourself, and dive into the unknown. Success begins with action.

Let’s get after it!

Xx Robin

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 .WHAT I’M COOKING. 

Pumpkin Protein Pasta 🍝 Fall is in full gear, and while I’m not your typical pumpkin spice latte girly, I am all about this pumpkin tofu protein-packed pasta. This dish brings together savory flavors, seasonal vibes, and a protein punch—exactly what I need to fuel my hustle. Trust me, you’ll want to give this creamy, comforting pasta a try!

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 1/4 cup tomato paste

  • 1 tsp. garlic powder

  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree

  • 1 tsp. kosher salt

  • 1 lb. dry pasta

  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves

  • 1 pack silken tofu (drained and lightly pressed)

  • Optional: Nutritional yeast

Instructions:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 8 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Add tomato paste, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and nutmeg to the skillet. Cook until the tomato paste caramelizes and turns a deep red, about 3 minutes.

  • Stir in the pumpkin puree, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Reduce the heat to low.

  • Cook your pasta until just before al dente. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

  • Add tofu, pasta water and the pumpkin sauce into a blender and blend until smooth, then season with salt, pepper, and extra spices to taste (I added a little cinnamon, red pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for some extra pop!)

  • In a pot or bowl, combine the pasta with the sauce, adding the pasta water in small increments until the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.

  • Stir in fresh thyme leaves for a herby finish, and if you’re feeling it, top with some red pepper flakes and nutritional yeast for extra flavor (& protein)!

  • *Tip: The tofu sauce will thicken over time. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to smooth out the consistency.

 .WHAT I’M EXPLORING. 

Alternate forms of self-care 🛀 Self-care goes beyond bubble baths and candles—it’s about refueling in ways that align with your hustle. For me, movement is a go-to for boosting energy and finding focus. Lately I've been diving into research for unique self-care practices that can add something new to my routine. Here are a few that stood out:

  • Box Breathing: This Navy SEAL technique is a game-changer for instant calm and focus. Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Hold. Repeat. It's breath control at its best, bringing balance to your nervous system.

  • Tidying & Organizing: A clear space can create mental clarity. When life feels chaotic, organizing can create a sense of peace and control.

  • Doodling: Not just for kids! Doodling sparks creativity and helps reduce stress. As a lawyer, I used it to stay grounded during high-pressure moments. A simple, mindful activity with big benefits.

  • Digital Detox: Taking even a short break from screens can improve sleep, sharpen focus, and reset your mental health. Step back and see the difference.

  • Furry Friends: Pets are proven stress-busters! According to the Cleveland Clinic, time with animals lowers stress, boosts mood, and can even improve longevity. If your dog is part of your self-care routine, fuel them with PawCo—fresh, plant-based dog food approved by vets. Self-care for them too. 💚 #ad

October is Adopt a Dog Month: For every new subscription this month, PawCo will donate $10 to support a shelter. Get 50% off your first box and help dogs in need.

Now it’s your turn—I want to know what are your favorite forms of self-care?

 .WHAT I’M READING. 

Arnold’s Pump Club 💪 Arnold's newsletter is one of my favorite sources for daily inspiration and healthy lifestyle tips. In a recent article, Arnold explored how strength training can enhance running performance. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Strength training improves running economy, making you a more efficient runner by optimizing how your body uses oxygen at a given pace.

  • Runners who added resistance training to their routine improved their fatigue resistance, ran faster, and could maintain higher intensities for longer.

  • Incorporating strength workouts can reduce injury risk by 85%, significantly lowering the likelihood of common running-related injuries.

If you're looking to elevate your running and overall cardiovascular health, aim for 2-3 strength training sessions per week!

Question: How can I set boundaries with work (I’m a workaholic) so I have time for my workouts as well as spending time with family and friends?

— Anita

Answer: Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying no—it’s about using your no to protect your yes. It’s okay to say no to things that don’t excite you or align with your goals. You’ve got to get comfortable with saying no (with zero guilt attached!) so you can make space for your HELL YES moments.

First, block off time in your calendar for your workouts and family, just like you would for a big meeting. Protect that space fiercely. Next, establish non-negotiables: maybe it’s dinner with your family or your morning run—whatever fuels your hustle outside of work. Also, don’t be afraid to tell the people around you how they can support you. Whether that’s respecting your workout time or helping with family routines, bringing them into the process builds accountability and support.

Finally, remember: hustle doesn’t mean burnout. It’s about living fully, not just checking boxes. Guard your energy, be intentional with your time, and lean on your community.

— Robin

Got a question for me? Share it here!

I recently sat down with ADWEEK to talk about my journey—going from law to fitness, to building my personal brand, and everything in between. We covered it all: why speaking Spanish with my kids is non-negotiable, showing up for women in sports, and how I aim to use my story to create impact. Check it out below and let me know what resonated with you!

Thanks for reading, Hustlers. Go out there, pivot with power, and stay curious about what’s next.

Xx Robin Arzón

Got feedback? Hit reply and tell me what you think…I’m always looking to level up.