What drives us to be the people we are? What defines me? Who do I want to be for myself and others? These are questions that are crowding our thoughts in times of doubt, in times of hardships, and in times of success. Why is it difficult to understand ourselves when we should know our own ticks better than anyone? Maybe that’s because we’re still trying to figure that out. I have a gist of what I want my future to look like, but there are many obstacles I still have to overcome, and as such, there’s always time for improvement; we can always be better if we give ourselves the chance to do so.

“When you are able to maintain your own highest standards of integrity, regardless of what others may do, you are destined for greatness”

Napolean Hill

We all have our flaws, and it should be our own responsibility to acknowledge that they do exist, and it doesn’t make you any less of a person. In fact, one must uphold their values to be on the path of success. I value honesty within others, and it would be hypocritical of me if I don’t look for it in myself. Whether it be relationships or in one’s goals, being honest and true allows you to understand yourself. I think it’s essential that integrity is the first aspect I want to maintain, as it the root of everything else. For instance, I get frustrated when the outcome of a task does not align with my initial vision, which I think is reasonable; you strive for perfection, and anything not par is unacceptable. However, if I know I was honest with myself and my potential with everything I did, then I believe I can find success in everything I do. Additionally, integrity will allow you to be honest with yourself, so you can better understand your mistakes. Nothing we do is perfect, so acknowledging room for growth can lead us to a path of excellence where the next part of our lives is done better than before.

Being honest with ourselves encourages us to take action against our mistakes, to forge a better version of ourselves with each flaw. We envision our future selves to be successful, which, most of the time, isn’t who we currently are. My parents have always reminded my siblings and I that whatever we do to the best of our abilities is something to be proud of, even if the results are not what we expected. The people who inspire us have overcome grueling obstacles they had in their life with determination. I want to be successful, whether I interpret it as attaining a certain career path or finding stability in my social life, which will require me to forge into the character I so deeply aspire to be. I think a person who is willing to put in hard work separates themselves into an entire league of their own. I’ve struggled with this, especially during this year and all the challenges we have to face, but I can’t let those hinder my progress, and as such, I have established certain routines to keep myself dedicated to the end goal. Achieving a goal is never easy, but it’s always rewarding when we struggle on that path and reach that goal. The hardwork and determination we experience makes us stronger, getting us closer to the people we want to become.

“Surround yourself with people who are going to lift you higher.“

Oprah Winfrey

I rely on others to inspire myself to be better. Usually, it’s from friends or peers in my classes. Sometimes, it’s from characters in novels or films. Whatever the case,we all have our strengths, and we can all learn from each other, whether it be a small habit I implement into my life, or it’s a life lesson I learned from someone else. We are influenced by the people around us, as such, I actively try to surround myself with people who I know are there to help me be better. I am so very thankful that the people in my life who only want to see me grow, which in it of itself, gives me strength to keep going. However, it shouldn’t be a one way chain. I want to be there for others to rely on, giving someone else a boost to achieve their goals. Humanity is a community, we have connected ourselves to others. Those who inspire us had an amazing support team that believed in them which has gotten them to the position we look up to. We all have bad days; it’s the people around us who give us the strength to get back up again and we do the same for them. We rely on each other, and I wish to continue on this journey, but I will need others to help me forge along that path.

Acknowledgment of a desire to grow has encouraged me to do more and look beyond the surface of my abilities. I want to be someone who has left a mark in this world, maybe I’ll be a memory or I’ll have a material piece of remembrance. Either way, in order to leave a legacy, I have to be someone to myself and others to achieve that, which I will achieve by pushing myself forward.

• BIBLIOGRAPHY:
• Self growth quote
• Integrity
• Hard work
• Support