Validating Yourself

​Never allow someone to tell you that you can’t get something done. Have confidence in your abilities. There are so many brilliant minds suppressed by people who don’t believe in them or are plain jealous. I experienced this before in middle school. My friend and I wanted to set-up a dance event for students and teachers. I don’t remember what is was for. We confided in a friend and told her our idea. You know what she told us? She said it wasn’t a good idea and we shouldn’t do it. My friend and I glanced at each other shocked. This girl didn’t give us an alternative or try to help. She simply shut us down. I then said, “Well, we’re still going to try and do it.” Unfortunately, the plan failed and we couldn’t do our program. Oh well, the effort was what mattered. How could we know if we never tried?

Don’t stop something because someone says you can’t do it (unless they give you detailed reasons). Work hard for what you want. Sometimes you still fail. Maybe it wasn’t the niche for you, but that okay because it means there is something else. They try to make your ideas or aspirations seem unreachable or dumb. Even if you don't have that skill, practice to do better. Remember the purpose of your actions. Remember your abilities and skills. You are capable. It hurts when your “support system” doesn’t support your vision, but those people will end up asking for your advice when the success pours in. Once you check off your goals, those things won’t matter because you will see how capable you are. Your competency is evident. We have the capacity to fail and succeed. The encouragement of others is nice, but it’s easy to depend on it. Don’t rely on them to push you forward. Row your own boat. Fly your own plane. Cook your own food. Confirm the person in the mirror. If you want it, go for it. The journey is yours. ​

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