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By Michael Mandia ('24)
Nowadays, people have dreams and ambitions that weren’t even a possibility twenty years ago. Goals are now limitless and anyone can strive for what they want most. As humans, we have become so technologically and socially advanced that we can achieve almost anything we set our minds to. The first step is to establish an objective or target that is paramount to you.
Photo courtesy of People Focus Training Inc
Oxford Languages defines a goal as “the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.” I want to pick out ambition - but more precisely, the culture of ambition. To be in a state of ambition, one must put in the required hard work and determination. To one day take a deep breath and say “I finally did it,” you will have to live in parallel with this ambition.
Surround yourself with the same kind of people, and you have a one way ticket to paradise my friend! Make short, attainable goals along the way because at some points, your goal may seem too far fetched. Dreams can now become reality, but you can’t let failure get in the way and block your determined gaze towards your goals. The fear of failure forces many to quit, but the ones who succeed have the courage to look that fear in the eye and say no.
Focus and dedication cannot be conjured up overnight. You need to commit to what you want and what you believe in if you really want it. Anchor yourself and prioritize what’s important. It all starts with being a good peer. In order to reach your desired goal, you need to have the confidence to do things for yourself and not care what others think. To gain this courage, it starts with your view of yourself. Take care of family, be good to your peers/friends, and be aware of the things that you’re grateful for. These three simple things can make you feel better about yourself and remind you of what you’re fighting for. Every kid dreams of being successful, or to buy a house for their parents/guardians, but it all starts with you.
Photo courtesy of Time Management Ninja
Everyone is given the strength of life, but only few have the willpower to do what’s right. Take initiative and be in control because no one else will make you successful other than yourself. Envision your future and how you want to live your life. No child sits down and says, “I want to grow up and live in a cardboard box.”
These children all have drive and motivation for outrageous things, but why? The answer is one simple word: desire. The man living in the box simply did not want it enough. You are going to have to want it so bad that you are willing to take the necessary steps in order to reach your goal. Be the person that your seven year old self looked up to. Napoleon Bonaparte once made a very inspiring remark, “The reason most people fail is because they give up what they want most for what they want now.” You might have to read it twice, but he is trying to convey that many people trade their long term goal for what they want at the moment instead of thinking for the future.
Sit and ask yourself, “What do I value most, and what do I believe is most important to me?” Think about what gives your life meaning. Stay organized and create new opportunities for yourself. Get involved in your community and join clubs or sports within our school. Just remember to take life one step at a time, and be patient for the next chapter because life truly does fly by.
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Cover photo courtesy of Institute of Entrepreneurship Development
Photo courtesy of Coach Kim Peek
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