I often find myself focusing on the mantra, "What's meant to be, will be", and while this can be extremely helpful, comforting, and consoling in certain situations, I also think it is so incredibly important not to put aside the fact that not everything should be left up to fate.

If we want something, it is important that we do what we can to work for it. I very much believe that fate and karma do play a role in certain things, but I also believe we have just as big of a role. If we sit, idle, not working for the things we want to achieve, realistically we might not (and probably will not) achieve those things. I think fate and karma come into play most often in situations where we already have a path underway, because if we do not have the beginning stepping stones of a path in place, how can we expect fate, or karma, or God, or whatever other higher power you might place belief in, to understand where we want them to lead us?

Conversely, maybe you hold a more concrete, tangible viewpoint. Maybe you don't believe that any higher power gives anyone a helping hand. If that's the case, this might apply even more-so to you. If your belief is that everything is left up to you, you sure as hell need to be working for the things you want in life.

Regardless of how, where, or why your beliefs lie, I cannot stress the importance of staying motivated and channelling this motivation into effective productivity.

No matter how big your dreams may be, I firmly believe that there is always something, no matter how small, that you can do to help get you there. For example, if you ave big dreams of the writing world, start a blog. Get your work out there and share your words. The internet is a wild place, and you never know who might stumble across the platform you've built for yourself. Moreover, it never hurts to have some sort of proof that you're actually engaging in the thing you claim to be so passionate about. Keeping yourself in practice will never work against you.

More generally speaking, I feel that there are always small stepping stones we can take to ultimately get ourselves to our final destinations. Look into opportunities that might be offered by your school, or hometown, or friends-of-friends. If opportunities don't directly present themselves right away, networking could also be a beneficial first step. Use the people around you to your advantage. Find people whose goals and interests align with yours. Building relationships like this not only feeds your motivation, but also potentially introduces you to a new world of opportunities that you may not have found as easily on your own. See what others are doing to work towards their goals, and try to mirror this in whatever way is most realistically for you and your life. Pull inspiration from your environment and the people around you.

I believe hard work always pays off, if not right away, then someday. Personally, this is where I partially believe karma comes into play. What goes around comes around. If you're working tirelessly for something, seizing every opportunity that presents itself to you and making the most of your experiences, I genuinely do believe that karma will give you a little push. Good energy attracts good energy.

Ultimately, no matter how big or small, how crazy or reasonable, how complex or simple, your dreams and goals might be, work. Work hard, and work often. We are at the point in our lives where we truly are starting to set up our futures in terms of career, and I think it is so important that we make the most of this.

Feeling unmotivated? Turn to a friend whose hustle never seems to stop. Go to your school's career services, or talk to a loved one and ask for some advice. I also think it can be so helpful to make a dream board, regardless of what form it takes. For some, it is most helpful to do this on a poster board or bulletin board. Others might be able to find the same inspiration and motivation from digital versions. Maybe you turn to Pinterest. Whatever it may be, do it, and see how it effects your outlook and motivation.

I think having some kind of reminder for ourselves that *this* is what we are working towards is extremely beneficial.

To be quite honest, I have spent this whole time discussing career-related topics, and I don't think this necessarily applies only to that realm of things. This can apply in your personal life, too. If you want it, work for it. If you want to fix a friendship, give it a shot. If you want a better, stronger relationship with a family member, go for it. Take baby steps if you need to. Any step in the right direction is still a step.

All things considered, I don't know about you, but I fully plan on making 2019 my b***h. Or rather, letting 2019 be my b***h. This is our year, ladies and gentlemen and everyone in between.

Get your hustle on.