New York, New York. It’s not an easy city to live in. Every day, situations come up that will guarantee to make you uncomfortable.
You don’t need me to tell you that it is the place where big dreams are fully realized. You’ve heard that phrase time and time again. As much as New York can potentially drive its residents to the brink of insanity, it’s also the hub of an electrifying energy that inspires you to work harder than the person right across from you. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can be standing next to someone who has absolutely nothing and someone who seems to have it all at the very same time. Crazy, right? Please tell me that kind of situation happens in Ohio. I’ll wait.
Nothing against Ohio, by the way. I’m sure it’s great. I’ve met plenty of nice people from there.
It’s incredibly difficult to define success. Go ahead and ask 100 different people the question, “What makes a person successful?” Chances are, you will get 100 different answers.
What I do know is this: in order to achieve a high level of personal accomplishment, you are going to need to power through a lot of obstacles that will make you question yourself, and the journey that you are on. Embrace being uncomfortable, because that will be your one-way ticket to becoming the best possible version of yourself.
Ranging from your peers that you choose to surround yourself with, to your personal situations at home, there are going to be instances that won’t make you feel relaxed. In fact, the doubts that pop up might even create an intense feeling of stress that blooms more confusion rather than comfort.
The good thing is that you’re in control of your own life. Not your out of touch boss, not your mom, not your cringe-worthy Tinder date that YOU swiped right on, and certainly not your ‘bestie’ co-worker who won’t text you back when you eventually leave your current job. Don’t forget that. Ever.
We live in a world where nothing is certain, and no day is a given. As long as you’re alive, that piece of information gives you a golden opportunity to fail over and over again until you are able to secure a victory. How incredible and cool is that?
The fact is, if you have a pulse, you can create your own unique path in this world, and carve out a legacy that you can be proud of. It doesn’t happen by waiting for an opportunity to come knocking at your door, or being quiet in a room full of people. I’ve been there and done that.
Most people who I have met in recent years would describe me as someone who is charismatic, and lights up a place wherever he goes. Truth be told, to this day, I still consider myself somewhat of a shy person. Hear me out for a second.
When I was younger, I came across a ton of people who would say things that weren’t so nice. They would make fun of my hair and ears. They would mock my voice, looks, and anything else that you can possibly think of. Nothing seemed to be off-limits when it came to the jokes. Insecure people somehow always manage to bark the loudest. There’s most likely a little voice in the back in my head, before making an introduction that goes, “What if that person doesn’t like me?”
If I let that question consume me, I would have never been able to live the life I am leading now. I have met so many wonderful people, who opened new doors to exciting ventures because I was able to get comfortable by being uncomfortable.
Hold yourself accountable. Step up to the plate and really own up to who you are, and what you want out of life. Chances are, you’re going to have to make significant changes in order to get something more than what you currently have. Change brings uncertainty. Uncertainty makes people uncomfortable.
Fight it. If you can push through the limitations that other people place on you, the world is yours for the taking. It doesn’t come over night, but you will be well on your way for a brighter day.
If I listened to the people who didn’t have my best interests in mind, I would have never met a wonderful writer who would go on to become my girlfriend. My love. The person who makes me want to be a better person, each and every single day.
So go ahead. Make yourself uncomfortable. You’ll thank yourself later.