Being an overachiever is something that is frequently looked down upon. The term overachiever has held a negative connotation since the early days of teacher's pets and gym class heroes, and I'm not talking Cupid's Chokehold, although that song was a top chart jam. When I say gym class hero, I am referring to the students who were ridiculed for actually running the warm up lap during PE or for following the dress code. As one of those students, it never made sense to me why people would defy the rules.

Merriam-Webster defines an overachiever as "One who achieves success over and above the standard or expected level especially at an early age." When looking at it this way, the term becomes rather admirable. I am someone who sets standards extremely high for myself, and I expect others do the same. As you grow older, however, you realize that more people are OK with being stagnant and complacent.

I am someone who always wants more, from everything, and I love a good challenge. It is so infuriating to watch people who are capable of so much succumb to mediocrity and accept less than they deserve. We are given this one life, and we should all embrace our talents and gifts to the best of our abilities even if that means adopting new ones. There is always something to learn or improve upon in order for us to become the best possible versions of ourselves, while putting our best foot forward at all times.

I find this pattern to be true not only in the classroom, but out on the field as well. Teammates and classmates might roll their eyes at you when you raise your hand to add a comment, ask for clarification, or when you do an extra set in the weight room. What they might not understand is that this is not an act of superiority or an obsession with being better than them, it is a personal journey that involves being better than the person I was yesterday. I am in constant competition with myself, and I have no intentions of "beating" anyone, only myself.

I will never stop setting the bar high or respecting positions of authority. Why wouldn't I want to impress my boss or coach or respect them enough to exceed their standards? If they trust me enough to get the job done, I will do it, and I will give everything I have along the way. Of course, I am human and I may not excel at everything, but you better believe I will try my hardest.

I wish that everyone was this way because then the world would be a fuller place. If everyone pushed their limits and accepted nothing less than greatness from themselves, we'd have a society of doers and believers, and a reason to support one another rather than critique. We would see less regret, more accountability and more fulfillment. Although I might be hard on myself and people may misconstrue me as an ass-kisser, I can proudly say I have earned everything I have achieved, and the naysayers will never get me down. I'm on a journey to the top, and I won't stop until I'm there.

As the great Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson says, "Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room".