Chapter 1: Understanding the Journey to Success

It all began during my final year of college when I reached a breaking point. I felt overwhelmed with various challenges—job hunting amidst the Global Financial Crisis, family issues, and a lackluster social life.

In this moment of introspection, I posed a crucial question to myself: “Did I truly exert every effort possible to achieve my goals?” The honest answer was no. While I had made some attempts, I realized I had left much potential untapped.

How could I justifiably complain about my lack of success when I hadn’t fully committed my abilities and resources toward my goals? I recognized that I had no right to voice my dissatisfaction.

This revelation led me to adopt a guiding principle that continues to shape my approach to life: “Nothing in life is owed to you; you must earn it.”

It's straightforward yet profound. Many individuals mistakenly believe that they deserve success merely because they exist or due to the time they’ve invested in something.

However, my perspective is clear: if you desire something in life, you must actively pursue it. Overcoming challenges and enduring hardships is a requisite part of this journey. Rewards do not come easily; they are the result of effort and dedication.

The core message is that you must evolve into the type of person who naturally attracts success. Recognizing that nothing is simply given to you eradicates the mindset of victimhood and diminishes feelings of resentment or jealousy towards others.

This lesson is one I continually remind myself of. I use quotation marks around "success" because it encompasses more than just wealth and possessions; it applies to various aspects of life—whether your aspirations lie in dance, sports, or family.

If you have specific targets in mind, I commend you for setting meaningful and ambitious goals—a step many neglect. But here’s the critical question:

What will you do to achieve them? What sacrifices are you willing to make? How much effort will you invest compared to countless others vying for the same achievements?

Consider a scenario where you’ve been in a job for several years and think, “I deserve a promotion.” But why? Simply because of your tenure? When someone else who has been there for a shorter time earns the promotion, feelings of anger and resentment can arise.

What often goes unrecognized is that the other individual demonstrated exceptional hard work, creativity, and leadership. They seized every opportunity to validate their worth.

Another noteworthy point is that after achieving a goal, complacency can set in. Individuals may begin to take their success for granted, leading to a decline in performance.

“Success is a catalyst for failure.”

— Greg McKeown

In a way, life is about continual earning—even for what you already possess. It's not about seeking validation but about consistently bringing your best self to the table.

Regardless of your age, circumstances, or past achievements, each day presents a new chance to earn your place.

Using a sports analogy, professional hockey players often remark: “Getting to the NHL is difficult; remaining there is even tougher.” Once they’ve achieved their goal, the real work begins. Daily, they must prove their worth to stay on the team.

Now, a counterpoint: Not everyone who achieves their goals has truly earned them. Some may have experienced sheer luck or been inadequately qualified.

The beauty of my motto lies in its reminder that while you cannot control others or external circumstances, you can manage your own actions and mindset. Wasting energy worrying about others is futile.

Ultimately, the responsibility falls on you. What steps will you take to earn your achievements? The answer to this question reveals everything.

Best of luck on your journey!

Chapter 2: Taking Action and Embracing Change

The next important step is to actively pursue the changes you wish to see in your life.

The power of motivation is immense, as illustrated by the following video:

In this video, Les Brown emphasizes the importance of living your dreams and striving to achieve your goals. His motivational speech serves as a reminder that the journey is just as important as the destination.

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