It is often said, as quoted by Suzy Kassem, that "doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will." As an aspiring storyteller, these words penetrate my mind, and I understand the truth they spread. I have failed many times. Throughout high school, I submitted short stories and poetry to contest after contest, but never once seemed to have positive results. In fact, my first publication wasn't until I started writing for the school newspaper during my freshman year of college. Sometimes, our dreams and passions take us down paths that are extremely difficult to achieve. Often times, when one fails, he thinks to himself, That's okay. I'll work harder next time and try again. I'll definitely get it next time. But according to Kassem's philosophy, this mindset can only go so far.

Think about it. The more one fails, the more doubt grows inside his mind. I've never made it. No matter how hard I try, I just can't do it. I'll never be able to do it. As a result, the doubt takes over and forces one to give up. I've had a fair share of these thoughts. But no matter what, you can't give in to them. There's a reason you're fighting so hard. There's a reason you continue to push through the mentality.

Did you know that Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team? Oprah was told that she didn't have the right personality for television. Walt Disney went broke after a character of his was stolen, and then he created Mickey. These famous people didn't give up no matter how much they failed. They had a dream, and they set out for that dream. They didn't give in to their doubts.

We must look at doubt from a new perspective. We must see it as motivation. It is a small, yet piercing voice that says, What are you doing? Why are you even trying? You'll never make it. I'll never make it? Yeah, right. Watch me, Doubt. Just watch.

In today's society, our dreams always seem out of reach. Dreams only come true in fairy tales, we say. There's no way we can actually make dreams come true. But who really says that? Even if you don't have the raw talent others around you have, work hard. Always, always work hard. Often times, hard work surpasses talent. When things don't go your way, persevere. Pick yourself up and try again. Show Doubt what you're made of. Forget about what other people think. When it's all said and done, it doesn't matter what they think, right? We often act in order to prove others around us wrong. This time, try proving yourself wrong. Draw your sword and slay the enemy called Doubt.