With post-exams and results, starting school/college/uni and new friends who all do different, cool things; it can all feel pretty overwhelming. Your new mates all have interesting hobbies that you’ve never even thought of and everyone has different talents that you haven’t tried. It can be easy to forget what makes you cool. We’ve all been there when we start to question if we’re doing the right thing. Am I good enough? Why is everyone else better than me? These are thoughts we’ve all had and we’re here to explain exactly why you’re doing just fantastic right now.
1) Realise Each Journey Is Different
Remember that everyone’s story is different. Timothee Chalamet became an Oscar nominee at 22 years old, but that doesn’t mean that your journey is less valid. Morgan Freeman didn’t get his first big film role until 52. Both are still fantastic and valued actors. Things will come to you at different times than others. You’re in the right place. Keep working hard and the right things will come along. Sometimes it’s hard to realise that perhaps the things you want most aren’t the ones that are right for you now. Try practising a positive mental attitude and telling yourself to be open to all opportunities that come your way.
2) Remember the Lows Make the Highs Better
When you hit a low point, it’s very hard to feel like things will come back for you. You feel down and out but sometimes you have to remind yourself that, without the lows, you wouldn’t know how good the highs feel. Rejection will be the making of you. It’ll make you realise one of two things; either that perhaps you don’t want it as much as you thought or it’ll make you want it more and work harder for it. You are already good enough to go out and get it. So, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep doing what you love. And, if it’s not for you anymore, there’s no shame in admitting that. Be proud that you’ve got the strength to be true to yourself.
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3) Keep Working Hard
We believe that emotions are completely valid. If you’re upset about something; let yourself be upset. Take a day. There’s absolutely no shame in feeling annoyed. But, try not to let it bring you down for too long. The best way to pick yourself up from a low is to get back on the horse and go again. Talent can only take you so far at the things you love. Sure, it’s a fantastic start to be talented but match your talent with the same level of hard work and you’re onto a winner.
4) Try to Keep Challenging Yourself
As long as it pushes you and doesn’t limit you. Don’t be down about what you’re not; be proud of who you are and excited by who you can become. Sometimes, thinking you’re not good enough or putting yourself in testing situations will bring the best out of you and you’ll learn new things. Paul McCartney always said he felt like a fraud when The Beatles were at the height of their fame but, all that did was push him to get better, try new things and never stop learning or evolving. Let the idea of getting better every day push you at what you love. Let it empower you. As Benjamin Mee wrote in We Bought A Zoo: “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
5) Look At How Far You’ve Come
Look back at where you’ve come from. How much you’ve progressed with your passion and your talents in the last 6 months, or year, or five years. Be proud of how you’re doing and how much you’ve learnt. Try to remember that success is a journey, not a destination. If you’re not enjoying the journey, then why put yourself through it? Imagine if, tomorrow, you were given all the success you ever wanted. All the fame and fortune. What would there be left to do? Once you’ve arrived at your destination, there’s nowhere left to go. Enjoy each little step of your journey – no one becomes a star overnight, trust us. They’ve been working hard at it and putting everything they have into their passion – just like you. And, if it was easy, it wouldn’t be as much fun would it?
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