I’ve been learning some tough lessons lately, the majority of which have been centered around the idea of “being a boss.” As millennials and Generation X, we often hear the term “boss” in conversations of entrepreneurship and leadership, and while it’s glorious to be one, many don’t talk about the reasons why we all aspire to be the head honcho of our own lives.

Well, in the last 8 months of me working my first “big girl job,” I’ve realized that my personal reason of desiring to be a boss is simple. When it comes to my own aspirations, I’ve realized thatno one will have my back like I have my own and no one ever will! It may sound brash to some, I know, but it’s the truth!

So, in order for me to see the fruition of my aspirations, I must be a self-starter (a term that I’ve found on countless job applications.)

According to Webster’s dictionary, the definition of a Self-Starter is listed as the following:

"a person who is sufficiently motivated or ambitious to start a new career or business or pursue further education without the help of others."

Lame terms: a hustler, go-getter, BOSS! Someone who is their own reason because they’ve realized that if not, then what will sustain their dreams?

For the sake of this article, I’ve selected 3 gems that I’ve created based off an inspiring caption that I found on Instagram to hopefully give a jump to the tired self-starter that is within us all.

Gem 1. Know that you are on the right path, even when you’re pulling double duty to keep your obligations and dreams together. You’re on the right track!!!

“Shout out to every entrepreneur, mogul, personality, actress, creative, student, and every other type of person that works for themselves. Whether you are a freelancer, in between jobs, working one job to pay the bills and another to fulfill your true calling… you are doing great work. And you are on the right path. Pleaseeee don’t give up.”- Gia Peppers

Gem 2. The “grind” is HARD, hence why it’s called the “grind.” However, the perk of being a self-starter is that you control your own destiny, meaning that it’s all up to you.

You have the complete wherewithal to manifest what you envision! Sacrifices are a part of the deal, yes! And will some feel God-awful when making them? Absolutely! But just as 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 kindly reminds us, “No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, never so much as imagined anything quite like it - what God has arranged for those who love him.” Translation: if it’s just you “shooting in the gym,” so be it! You control the odds of manifestation!

“But also, know that this grind is not always glamorous. The journey is even harder when you don’t have someone else to work for. You have to decide every single day that what you need to do is more important than what you want to do. Every single thing is up to you.”- Gia Peppers

Gem 3. Seek out like-minded people as you create the space that you wish to work in.

For those who have weekends off, utilize that time to strategize for your purpose. For those who don’t have early morning classes, wake up and create a hub of inspiration in your room! Keep yourself inspired and intrigued. Take pride in your brand, believe in your abilities, and be courageous. Approach every opportunity and encounter with zeal, let your charisma seep out, and attract those who will further your agenda. Remember, “closed mouths don’t get fed," so embrace the grind and process enough to motivate yourself to speak up and boldly talk yourself into the spaces that you envision being in.

“There is freedom in working for no one, but there is also a new standard you have to hold yourself to that can be overwhelming at times. Hang in there. Create environments that cultivate your creativity. Drink really good coffee. Keep people around you who believe in you, And most importantly, when all is said and done, believe in yourself enough to make everyone you meet with believe in you, too.” - Gia Peppers

Above all else, keep the mentality of a self-starter and when you find that your starter needs a jump (because we all get frustrated in well doing). PLEASE believe in yourself enough to seek out guidance. Work hard and be fearless enough to show the universe that you deserve what you’ve been aspiring!

To the self-starter in you, the reasons you began whatever you’ve created is worth seeing this journey to the end. Your purpose is worth bringing into fruition!