After spending so many years feeling one way about yourself, it’s hard to forget a thought so embedded into your brain, that it’s become a part of your existence. For those of you who have been through this, or continue to go through this, there are a few things I recommend keeping in the back of your mind.

First and foremost, keep your mind on track. It’s so easy to let your mind wander, especially when in times of uncertainty. My biggest problem is keeping my priorities straight, because when those are out of wack, so is every other of your life.

Secondly, be happy with who you are. Of course, change or progress is good, but if things aren’t going your way, remember that there are people who love those qualities about you, and they make you who you are. Working on yourself is a good thing, especially at this time in our lives. If it takes some mistakes, welcome to life. If it seems like nothing but mistakes, find the source, and move on. This is a fact I struggle accepting all the time. With society today, it’s so easy to get discouraged. We are constantly surrounded with unreasonable expectations and goals for lifestyles a lot of us are really better off without. Working for a goal and having set expectations can be good, but taking things too far can really end up making you feel like less of a person.

Next, it is so important to accept defeat every once and a while. No, don’t use this as an excuse not to try or not to care, but try and create that defeat into motivation to succeed. On a more positive note, give yourself more credit. Really think about the positive impacts that you bring to the world. Even if it’s as simple as the fact you smile at people in passing on the street or on campus, or the fact you compliment people daily without even noticing. There are a lot of opportunities in your day to remember there are brighter days ahead. It’s so easy to get lost in college, when it seems like everything is closing in at the same time. Naturally you have to fail two tests in a week, back into a pole, get a parking ticket, and get a cold, because life is just that fun sometimes. It’s important to remember that even when discouraged, hurting, or lost, sometimes rolling with the punches is the best route. When it comes down to it, remain strong, confident, and push yourself. Finding a balance between these two approaches is tough, but for someone who is lacking a little confidence, this can be the most reliable approach.

I’m one of those people that prefers not to overthink too much into my everyday life, but as I get older I realize more and more how every day counts and just coasting through the day isn’t really an option all the time anymore. Staying tough, and remembering all of these little facts can be a big help, and a big step in the right direction if you’re feeling down. Worry less about the negativity, and focus on the positive and the potential.