Step 4 (on the road to success)

Think of your senior year in high school. When you were applying to colleges nationwide trying to figure out what you were about to do with the rest of your life. I'm sure if you're like me you had people in your ear overwhelming you with advice as to which route to take. Without a doubt these people probably had your best interests at heart. You probably listened and you probably ended up choosing a major or a college that didn't   completely satisfy you. Its okay though because you were guaranteed a degree if you did what you had to do (meaning you didnt flunk any classes and could afford to keep up with the payments) and that means you should have a job when you graduate (unless the economy is in the dumps and unemployment rates are sky high by which time you'd be screwed regardless). But basically, you'll be set. Right? 

I guess.... 

But I for one, value happiness, love, and life, more so than a degree. I say all of this to point out that the reason I did not listen to my instinct and follow my dreams initially was because I was so filled with doubt. Luckily it did not take me long realize my mistake and I am trying to fix it now by believing in everything it is that I do, no matter if anybody else does, and actually setting out to do it.

I'm aware this sounds a bit like what I was saying in step 2 about not listening to others but I have realized that there is something I forgot to mention. Being that often times the words of others echo the deep rooted insecurities that we all naturally have this post is more about learning to quiet the inner voices urging you to remain stagnant. 

Ridding myself of doubt is a long and on going process. Every day, I encounter a setback or a nay-sayer. It's actually almost impossible to go a day without circumstance getting the best of me. Times like these separate the weak from the driven. Allowing yourself to become a victim of circumstance will do nothing but set you back in the long run. And feeding into the natural doubts you may already have and the doubts instilled by other people will do nothing but slow you down when you could be achieving everything it is that you want. Do what you love. The passion will show in your product and people will gravitate towards it because of the raw energy. Believe in yourself because as corny as it sounds you are the only thing that matters. Nobody can and nobody is going to be successful for you; only you can achieve that for yourself. Don't allow yourself to be slowed down by a doubt, take risks, and you may like the outcome.