The Value of Pushing Past Uncertainty
It’s so crazy to think that what a person, even a stranger, can say to you can have such a significant impact. Here are some moments in my life where a simple sentence from someone I look up to changed my point of view.
One of the people who keeps me motivated and inspires me to be the best version of myself is my mom. The older I get, the more I realize how much energy she spent providing me such a great life, especially as a single mother. My mom teaches me to be independent and find success in little things. I always complained to her about how difficult things are, such as studying for classes or getting a job/internship. Then, she says to me, “If someone else can do it, why can’t you?” This simple sentence reminds me to keep going and positively compare myself to people I want to be. She’s my own personal cheerleader. I’m so happy to have someone who trusts my decisions and supports my goals. Yet, I will probably never match her energy because she calls herself a workaholic.
My biggest hater and supporter is a friend I started talking to because he bullied me for pursuing a marketing major. Every time we get together, we would talk about how college is going and basically what we want to do with our lives. I could describe him as a Pinterest board full of motivational quotes. One night, I talked to him about how nervous I was if I picked the right career and all the “what ifs.” Then he just told me, “Don’t underestimate yourself.” Every time I find myself doubting if I’m enough or capable of doing something, I would repeat this sentence until I finally have confidence again. Although he disapproves of my major, he wants me to do something that I love. He always finds words that somehow manage to calm me down when I’m stressing out. We share different journeys, yet we always relate back to each other. We’re there for each other and continue to match our energy in achieving our own goals.
It’s important to find people we look up to and support us. Reassurance from others is crucial, especially at times where you don’t believe in yourself.