During the NCAA Men's Basketball tournament, Michigan State lost in the first round... To Middle Tennessee State. Michigan State was a 2-seed, who many people thought should be a 1-seed, and who many analysts predicted to go all the way. As every college basketball fan sat there in shock, one announcer said a few words that I will never forget. Over the replay of Middle Tennessee's unlikely win, the announcer said, "It just goes to show you... You don't need anybody to believe in you but you."

If that doesn't give you chills, it might just be because you don't share my love of college basketball. But even if you don't like sports, this should still strike a chord in your heart. It should still make you hold your breath for a second and think, "Wow." Because it's true. People say it all the time, and I'm certain you're probably sick of it. Michael Jordan got cut from his high school basketball team. J.K. Rowling was rejected by a dozen publishers before someone decided to publish Harry Potter. You've heard it all before.

But you could hear it about yourself one day. Isn't that an amazing idea? You are special, you are capable, and you can one day be great. Don't count yourself out. Don't set your goals too low. You can do anything you want. Believe it. Believe it for yourself. You only have one life to live, and for your own sake, you should live it well. Don't let yourself forget: you don't need anyone to believe in you but you.