Don't Wait To Be Great: How To Live Up To Your Potential Right Now
You make decisions on a daily basis that define who you are and ultimately decide how you live life. From the words we use to communicate, to the thoughts that feed our minds, we are who we are as a result of our choices.
You are worthy of the future you desire. You are capable of earning it. The idealized person you've pictured in your head that's more suited to succeed than you? That person is you at your very best.
Today is the day you make a promise to carry yourself in a manner that reflects your potential. From this day forward, all choices you make will be geared towards one of two, or both, goals: 1) improving yourself, or 2) enjoying yourself.
Now is the time to take control, and start living up to your potential. Start winning. Here’s how:
Live With Honor And Integrity
By nothing more than a stroke of luck, literally anyone can be thrown into what most of us would consider "success." What separates the greats from everybody else is longevity - the ability to not just make it big, but also to make it last. In order to do so, you must possess integrity and character. The choices we make today, tomorrow, and the next day ultimately decide the kind of person we are and the future we're bound to.
This means making the commitment to always do what you know to be right, even when it’s a hell of a lot easier to do the opposite. If you say you’re going to do something, you damn well better do it.
You’ve heard it a million times, but at this age, it’s crucial to our personal growth that we actually apply the lesson of treating others how we want to be treated. I’m a firm believer that by consistently making tough decisions in tune with your moral compass, not only will you become a better person, but you will also strengthen your positive self-image. By adhering to principles you believe in, you truly learn who you are and the value you hold - two things, which no one in this world can strip from you.
Develop Confidence
This is a topic that cannot be understated. The bottom line is this: confident people do everything better. If you can't see your abilities and worth in this world, don't expect anyone else to, either. Focusing your energy to become a more confident person will benefit you in every aspect of life.
How to do it? Lots of ways, but the number one way to develop confidence is positive self-talk. We all talk to ourselves, anyway, but not all of us realize the thoughts we feed ourselves manifest into reality. Tell yourself on a daily basis how you're the best man or woman for the job. Reinforce all of your positive attributes. Achieve.
Work Hard At Everything You Do
From doing the dishes, to your time spent at work/school/etc., working hard in all aspects of life is essential to further establishing a permanent sense of security. When setting your sights on long-term goals, satisfaction can always be found in steadfast commitment to a task. Developing a work ethic imprints in your being a strong sense of self and a belief in your ability to achieve whatever life throws your way.
It’s in our 20s and 30s that we make decisions that will affect the outcome of how we live the rest of our lives. While it takes time and exploration to discover our personhood and what we want in life, I can assure you of one thing: passionately investing yourself in worthy goals and striving for personal growth will lead you down a road of fulfillment.
Always Be You
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Who you are should never be dependent on who you’re around. Develop a positive attitude, have high expectations for your future, and truly take the time to get to know yourself. By being the best version of you, you will never have to pretend to be someone you’re not.
While this can be tough to do because, often times, we want to make a connection with another person, it is always in our best interest to be true to ourselves. The universe works in a manner such that by working to be a great person, you will naturally attract other genuinely great people into your life.
Keep Promises To Yourself
Be your own leader. Have your own priorities. Be selfish for your own good. If you told yourself that you would stay sober this weekend, even while all of your boys are getting sh*tty, follow through with it. Quit saying to yourself, “I should probably do this…” and just do it!
This goes for everything in life. The concept of keeping the promises you make to yourself is one of the best ways to develop self-esteem and truly be happy with yourself. Remember, anything worth having is going to require sacrifice.
Be Humble
Lift other people up. Quit talking about yourself and take the time to listen to another person. What may seem insignificant can make the biggest difference in another’s life. Compliment people - from the woman working at the grocery store, to the babe in your class. Make it your goal to make another person smile.
There is a clear distinction between confidence and arrogance. As the saying goes, “Great people have no need to tell others how great they are.” A truly distinguished individual doesn’t feel the need to convince others of the person they are. Be you, and be humble. Real recognizes real.
Take Care Of Yourself
It’s as simple as that. While I am a fitness fiend, you don’t have to be in order to take care of yourself. Workout at least a few times per week, don’t be afraid to sweat, and eat healthy. If you’re binge drinking three or more times every week, or puffing herb all day everyday, reconsider your priorities.
If you’re truly working hard at your goals, you don’t have that kind of time to waste. Always strive to bring your A-game. Wake up early. Get sh*t done. Dress well. Make it a ritual of doing the simple things that, over time, translate to a better appearance. I know it’s rudimentary, but so many people don’t take the time to brush their teeth, wash their face, etc. Do it. Do it multiple times per day.
One More Reminder….
Be the best you, everyday. Never settle for good enough. Never stop working to be better. For you, winning comes naturally.
Cheers.
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