In a world filled with inspiring success stories and motivational speeches, it’s easy to believe that someone, somewhere, will come to your rescue and help you achieve your dreams. However, the hard truth is this: no one is going to do it for you. The cavalry you’ve been waiting for? It’s time to realize that it’s been within you all along.
The Myth of External Intervention:
We often grow up hearing tales of heroes and heroines who triumph against all odds with the help of a timely intervention or a mentor’s guidance. While these narratives are powerful and have their place in motivating us, they can sometimes create a dangerous illusion that our success is contingent on an external force. Here’s the truth pill that you’ll want to swallow… it’s up to you, and only you.
The reality is that no one is going to swoop in and rescue you from your struggle.
I, being a screenwriter, used to convince myself that if my product/script was good enough, that it would stand out. I was taught that hard work pays off and that the cream always rises to the top. That may have been true during the golden ages of film, where producers and directors were still fighting over the market share. But after placing in some of the more renown screenwriting competitions time and time again, I had to be honest with myself and look at the industry at a whole. Not for what I wished it was or what it used to be, but what it’s becoming.
And if I’m being honest, money has corrupted the intentions of art, medicine, government, give me any industry you want. And honestly, I don’t see it changing anytime soon. So, if I really want to succeed, then I, like a lot of other people are going to have to take it upon myself to make my dream a reality.
That means holding yourself accountable to the things you set out to do, no matter what. That means taking responsibility over your character, your choices, emotions, actions and behaviors making sure they’re in alignment with your goals. It means outlining your plan and adjusting when necessary.
The Power of Self-Reliance:
- Ownership and Accountability:
- When you finally acknowledge that you are your own salvation, then it’s time to take full ownership over your own self. This means not giving up your decisions to anyone other than your own thoughts and intuition with the end goal in mind. You wil make mistakes and that’s okay, it’s how you’ll learn. This is the time to not only envision your dream, but take accountability for their realization. The buck stops with you. If you don’t do it, then who will?
- Unwavering Determination:
- Knowing that the responsibility lies on your shoulders ignites a fire within. It fosters a sense of determination that no external support can match. You become relentless in the pursuit of your goals. Set a to-do list. Lay out your priorities. What do you need to do every single day that will either put you in the right mental space or move you one step closer toward your dream?
- Adaptability and Resilience:
- Relying on yourself forces you to become resourceful and adaptable. You learn to pivot when the plan isn’t perfect. Get creative and improvise in order to find solutions. You will probably have to work a full-time job and still find time to achieve your personal goals with your free time. I do, because I’ve accepted that I’m going to achieve this dream, no matter the cost. There will be one good day within a horrendous week. Weather the storms, they are an inevitable part of any journey towards success. Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable.
- Learning and Growth:
- Taking charge of your dreams means becoming your own best teacher. Seek out knowledge, skills, and experiences that will propel you forward. Find books, mentors, YouTube, websites, anything that feeds you. You’ll find golden nuggets where you’ll least expect it, but be vigilant because once you make this choice within your life the universe starts to shift, in order to bring this to fruition. Good luck, because there is a final exam and you will be tested to see just how much you truly want what you claim. Sacrifices must be made, so choose wisely.
- Most of this journey is a matter of you discovering what makes you unique, then applying this to your craft. Don’t misunderstand me, you’ll have to master the craft, but your perspective and individuality is what separates you. This quest for self-improvement is an integral part of your journey.
- Fulfillment and Empowerment:
- There’s a unique sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that you are the architect of your own destiny. It empowers you not just in your professional pursuits, but in every facet of your life. Every decision you make carries weight, every choice is either one step closer to your dream or one step closer toward drifting along, wasting the limited time that you have.
Overcoming the Fear of Self-Reliance:
Admittedly, the idea of being solely responsible for your dreams can be intimidating. It means facing the possibility of failure without a safety net, as if you were cliff jumping without a parachute. And trust me, the fall hurts, enough to almost kill you. But if you can pick yourself back up again, then you’ll transform into something new. Taking that leap is scary, but it’s essential to understand that this fear is a catalyst for growth. You must jump, meaning take action.
Embracing Self-Reliance:
- Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Break down your dreams into tangible, actionable steps. This not only makes them more manageable but also provides a clear roadmap for your journey. Your daily to-do list keeps you on track, BUT IT IS NOT TO OVERWHELM YOU. Make your list of daily actions attainable, it’s easy to overwhelm yourself by thinking that you have to do everything at once.
- Seek Knowledge and Mentorship: While you are your own cavalry, that doesn’t mean you have to go at it alone. Seek out mentors, books, courses, and communities that can provide guidance and support along the way. Find a tribe or create one, you never know when you might need some support.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. These victories are milestones on your path to realizing your dreams. There needs to be a scheduled time for relaxation as well, recovery is a major aspect of motivation and clear thinking. There needs to be a time where your brain is shutting off, because the subconscious works in mysterious ways and you might get inspired by something that surprises you.
- Adapt and Persist: Be flexible in your approach. If one path doesn’t lead to your goal, find another. Adaptability and persistence are your greatest allies.
The truth is, no one is going to hand you your dreams on a silver platter. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it’s also incredibly liberating. Embracing self-reliance empowers you to shape your own destiny, to write your own success story. So, muster your courage, set your sights on the horizon, and charge forward – for you are your own cavalry. And that’s a good thing because now you don’t have to wait for anyone else. It’s up to you.
For further reading, check out my other article: The Mysteries of Destiny: Taking Control of Your Life.
Embracing the Mysteries of Destiny: Taking Control of Your Life