I was born with a very special gift, and I didn’t always know it- what if I had the opportunity to be more than just anything else out there? What if I could do something for the rest of my life that nobody could ever see me doing? So I guess you can say that my “pioneer spirit” kicked in when I read an article on Medium about how hard work can make things better for us all and that when we have the willpower, strength, and determination, everything is possible! The truth is that in order to be truly happy, we have to take our time and put forth effort each day of our existence: Whether and when you want to start working out, or whether you go for your daily walk, make sure that you are consistently doing what you need to do to thrive. That may not sound like work at first but once you get used to it, nothing quite beats being able to spend a few days per week that make no demands on your time.

Realize


You will notice that you become way happier and healthier because you realize that you don’t have to push yourself and that you can actually accomplish great things when you don’t let life take over! Once you start getting into this habit, some years are going to go by faster than expected. But when you are able to remember that when tough times hit, it’s never too late to turn to those who have worked harder in their lives to help them stay strong and rise above it all, you will quickly realize that hard work is really rewarding in the end. If hard work isn’t part of your DNA, then you’re better off making a commitment to live the best life you can so you can be the greatest version of yourself and the most impactful person who has ever lived. Now, there’s a common misconception that if you put forth the work you need to do, everything will happen for you. Unfortunately, that is absolutely wrong. It is true that sometimes things slow down a bit, but when you have the willpower and determination to keep going anyway, it always happens, whether in an hour, a month, one year, or the next 5 years. Even if you are still having trouble seeing it, believe me, it is completely worth the struggle, and you can achieve anything you set your mind on!

Don’t give up

Giving up may seem tempting at first; it’s easy to give up. All I ask of you is that as many people as possible share your story about overcoming obstacles and the real meaning of giving up. Because it only takes one individual, living it, to show everyone something completely different in their own lives. Your stories aren’t meant to make someone look bad. They aren’t meant to make anyone feel good or to make anyone feel better. People often think they need inspiration from others, but their stories need to inspire themselves and change their lives! Your journey may be similar but those characteristics won’t transfer unless you try something new and unique. So take your chance to change your perspective on what success looks like, and take action for yourself. Nobody is forcing you to give up, except yourself!


Thoughts

If you can relate to these ideas and thoughts, then you need to consider that you are capable of achieving goals that are meaningful to you. Take note of any accomplishments, successes, or victories that you have made that may lead you to give yourself a pat on the back. Celebrate these successes! They can motivate you to keep on making even greater ones. Have fun watching your friends share the stories of when you did well or when you did poorly- whether it was in school, sports, or your family matters. Enjoy every moment and try to hold onto hope by sharing your experiences.


Don’t forget that even though the hardest obstacles and challenges you overcame may be small, these victories will serve you forever. Nothing is bigger than your health and happiness. I am still learning everything that you should know about taking care of your body, but this is the important information you have, whether it’s from books, TV, or other forms of media. When it comes to food, for example, know that nutrition is key to your overall health and fitness. Foods that are high in potassium, fiber, and vitamins will provide you with energy, and foods that come from animal sources will build strength and reduce inflammation. Eat foods that are low in calories, low in carbohydrates, and low in fats, and avoid processed foods. Do this every day, until you notice changes in how your stomach reacts to your diet.

Hard work

There are several ways that hard work may improve your life - from improving your relationships to staying focused at work, but the two main ways that it can affect your life the most are it may increase your confidence and self-esteem. We have to acknowledge that we are not perfect people, we are human! This is why we need to practice gratitude as well. By reflecting on what we have achieved and realizing that our little gifts to ourselves don’t end because we don’t stop at the finish line, we begin to appreciate things that were given to us by people who didn’t have the same opportunities as we did. Keep reminding yourself, that it does not matter where you started, but how you got where you are. This encourages you to continue to strive and not give up. Instead of looking to others who are more successful than you to reach your highest potential, focus on doing the things you enjoy and want to do which bring joy to your life.


Find a partner


Find a partner or friend who inspires you and work beside that person, they will push and encourage you to follow their path towards greatness. Never forget that no one is better or worse than you, just as no one is better or worse than yourself. Look at the world around you and learn that you are one step away from moving further than you ever thought possible! To give someone what you don’t have is far better than to give someone what you do have. If you can find someone who holds your hand through thick and thin, then that’s something that can also be an example of what someone with whom you can build a legacy together is like. Be grateful for everything that you already have and do the best you can do but be open to the possibilities that life gives you to make things a little easier when it comes to keeping you motivated to continue putting forth the work you need to do!