It seems that each human being is enamored with their own version of success. As soon as coherent thinking is capable, everyone sets these incredibly lofty goals that they are certain they will attain before their life is over. Children are especially good at this. As they age their goals change, but somewhere deep inside their original goals are still present, lying dormant.

Personally, I was always deemed incredibly lackluster by others in the goals that I set. Since I could understand the concept of having a career, I have wanted to be a veterinarian. For most children, this is a common 'dream' ranking up there with other common pre-kindergarten career choices like being a doctor, lawyer, or the President of the United States. I was different, however, I never grew out of it. I wavered from this goal all of twice- once as a twelve year old who had an obsession for Great Whites, and once as a ten year old obsessed with the human brain. Each bout lasted no longer than six months. After, I was right back to my original intentions. Now, as a young woman on the cusp of beginning my professional education, I am frequently asked, "...how did you get here?" Well, I'll tell you.

I was raised to believe that I could do anything, be anything. Through every situation, my parents never allowed me to forget this. My mother was especially important in my development, taking special care to teach me that if I didn't like a situation I was currently undergoing, I had the power to change it. She told me countless stories about women and men who had faced adversity as children, but made conscious decisions to never face that again as an adult. This shaped me fundamentally; it changed my entire view of the world. Suddenly, I became a small child who believed in herself, and that has made all of the difference.

To me, there is nothing more tragic than watching an individual develop and not reach their full potential. The decline is most frequently noted right after high school. I believe this is because children are not educated enough about the actual intensity of the 'real world' and go out into it with zero preparation. They come out of high school thinking and feeling like they own the world, only to get knocked down and kicked around. At that point, young people drag themselves back to a corner, terrified, and stay there to lick their wounds. Even after they are healed and ready to go back out, most are afraid to step outside of their comfort zone and fight for what they want.

That is the root of the problem. No one ever told them that life was perhaps the most unfair opponent they would ever face, and even God (at times) can seem incredibly unfair. The distinction between a successful person and an unsuccessful person is whether or not they are willing to step outside of their comfort zone, even after they've had their teeth kicked in.

Now, don't think I'm belittling struggle. I'll admit, I've had my fair share of life-whoopings, and they certainly get old. It's hard to drag yourself out there and make a fool of yourself day-after-day. It's uncomfortable, it hurts, but it is growth. In order to change your situation, you've got to grow and develop, you've got to learn a few lessons here and there. In my own life, I've had to learn hundreds of lessons and the process still isn't over; I am continually having to drag myself to my feet, so don't think you're alone.

The biggest thing that you have to understand is that it takes discipline. In this day and age, everyone hates that word- myself included. It seems futile to push yourself passed your comfort zone, to get up at four in the morning and start your day, to work overtime, to go to vocational school or college. It seems pointless to do more than the next person, but that extra effort put in, those extra punches you take from life, will set you apart as an individual and give you the wherewithal to be successful.

If you want it bad enough, you better shut up and work.

I believe in you.