If there was one thing I learned from binge watching Parks and Rec, it's that if I am going to be successful in all that I do, I need to be a Leslie Knope.

I need to live as if every achievement was the biggest achievement of my life.

This ideal is detrimental because her character is always finding a way to better herself and others around her. This ambition, heart, and willpower will get you through any situation. Whether it is getting funding for a park to help your city be more community oriented, or if you are running for congress. She found that even small tasks could be exciting and enjoyable. She is completely on fire for whatever opportunity lays at her feet. She understands that there is no difference between small tasks and big. You must simply dream goals for a better future. She finds a reason to celebrate even if others simply cannot. (And she does it with celebratory waffles!)

I believe that celebrating the small successes of today helps create even bigger successes tomorrow. We are to have the spirit of bettering any situation. Our thought processes daily should be, "How can I make this environment enjoyable for everyone?

When we celebrate the smaller successes today, we train our brain to think about the Big Picture. Therefore, when the greater successes come tomorrow, we know how to appreciate the hard work we put into our projects. We understand this greater sense of achievement and why they are.

Why?

Because every tool we will ever need is already within us. In life, "we are to be, not to become" (Cody Johnston). We do not have to strive to become anything greater than ourselves because we already have the innate ability to reach our dreams with our own gifts and talents. Start with your passion, what is your vision? How does your gift make the world a better place? When we have this positive outlook on life, we are able to help others be just as successful. When we understand that everyone matters, we can help each other create those bigger successes for others as well.

I dream of living in a community where people are working together with each of their God-given gifts and talents. No one person is the same. We are all one body. Some people are the brain behind projects. They see things different and think of how to tweak a situation and come up with a better solution. Some people are the hands and feet. The physical labor that it takes to get the job done. And other people are the heart. They understand that it is essential for the body to work together. The heart realizes that without everybody working together, there is no overall success. In Parks and Rec, Leslie Knope is the heart. She uplifts and encourages success in big dreams and even small wins. When you uplift and encourage others, they will always be empowered to put their very best work forward to reach their own goals.

It is essential to celebrate your small successes, give it your best efforts and lift others in the process because one day, you will look back and realize your hard work paid off.

In all that you do, be a Leslie Knope.