If you're an internet junkie like me (because who isn't in 2017?), it is inevitable that you will run across powerful quotes across all forms of social media, posted to make people feel better about their lifestyle, decisions, and mistakes. One of the best ways to feel better about yourself if to re-post these inspirational pieces of advice in order to justify actions. I'm all for encouragement and inspiration, but I would not be a good writer if I didn't disagree with a major quote that has been circulating on many people's timelines and giving them a false sense of reality.
A quote in the form of an image stated by Julissa Loaiza, amongst other nonsense explains "Everything in life happens according to our time, our clock. You may look at your friends and some may seem ahead or behind you, but they're not. They're living according to the pace of their clock, so be patient. You're not falling behind, it's just not your time".
Thank you for your words of wisdom, Loaiza, but I could not disagree more. To me, life is all about choices, not chances or time. If we all sat around being "patient" about or success, we'd be sitting for a long time. In order to be proud of yourself or achieve the things that your friends have, you need to take proper action. If you have a goal, chase it. If there's something you've been wanting to do for years, think about what is stopping you, and work to overcome the obstacles.
I get it, life takes different turns for everybody which can make it more difficult to get where you want to be, but the idea that great things will come to those who wait just doesn't add up. Strength is facing the issues that we all have and working through them to prove to ourselves that we are capable of anything life has to throw at us. If a friend just earned their degree and you didn't, it's because you made the choice to not attend, not because your "clock" told you not to go. The same goes for the friend who worked long hours to earn a higher salary or move up in the company while you made the choice to put other priorities ahead of a career. Even the friend who saved money in order to go on their dream vacation, while you remain jealous even though you put all of your income into materialistic things. It is not fair to believe that you should be just as successful as others, while not putting in the same efforts as they did.
At the same time, you could be working hard and not receiving any recognition or achievement from it. In this case, you have a better chance of your "time" eventually catching up to you to make a positive impact in your life. Just remember, sitting around and waiting for prosperity will actually put a halt to what it is that you want. Putting energy, time and dedication into your goals is the real key to success.