As little kids we were always encouraged to follow our dreams, and to be ourselves. Why does that go away when we grow up? Suddenly, the things we dream about aren't practical anymore and we're forced into this reality called adulthood. Who says being an adult means you have to quit doing the things you love? Or quit a job you love because it doesn't fit the world's stereotypical view of practicality. The more we do this "adulting" thing, the more we realize how unfair the world can actually be. Being successful is harder than we might have thought, and sometimes it might feel like the pressure of the world is on our shoulders, and might crush you. I have three words for you. DON'T LET IT. Here are 10 things to remind yourself when you're about to give up on something you love.

1. "You are Conscious Matter."

If you live near Quincy Massachusetts, that saying might look really familiar. (Yes, I got it from the rock at the Quincy Quarries.) The point is, you are ALIVE! We only get one life, and one shot to pursue the things we love. If someone tells you that you can't do something, don't listen. The only one who can put limitations on you is yourself. As long as you're alive, you have a chance at achieving anything you set your mind to!

2."You're strong enough to do this."

Sometimes we just feel like crawling in the fetal position and crying. The pressure of leading a goal oriented life can get lonely sometimes, and just sometimes the weight seems to hard to carry. Giving up can sound like a great idea, but it's not! This is your dreams we're talking about! If this truly means something to you, then you will find the strength to pull through and make it happen. After all, you do have the strength.

3."You already have the major key."

You are the major key! (yes, this is a DJ Khaled reference.) The key to success is inside of you already. No one is as passionate about your goals as you are, therefore you are the best person to get the job done. Don't throw that key out just because you're feeling a little down! The world needs you! You're conscious matter that can and WILL make a difference. (and DJ Khaled would be disappointed.)

4."Prove it to yourself."

You want to do this, and despite all the let downs that come along with following your dreams, theres this fire burning inside you pushing you forward. You haven't given up yet despite everything you went through. Why stop now? You can do it and you will, but success is the only way you can prove it to yourself. Success doesn't have to be a big success. Think of every little victory you have achieved along the way in your journey, and use it as fuel to spark that fire inside of you again. Every journey has ups and downs. You know what they say, Nothing good comes easy.

5."You didn't come this far, just to come this far."

Don't quit now when you've already come so far. You've put yourself through so much to get to where you are at this moment. All the hardships, and all the little victories you've had weren't for nothing. You put yourself through this for a reason, you have come this far for a reason. Somehow after everything you still care about what you want, that is all the motivation you need. You put yourself through all this, you were strong enough to pursue what you wanted in life. Don't stop now, Dreamer.

6."Your failures make you stronger and smarter."

Although no one wants to fail, it happens to the best of us at some point. Besides if you haven't failed at something yet, are you truly living? So what, you failed at that one performance/speech/idea/ ect. It doesn't make you bad at what you do. It doesn't define you as a person, nor does it define you in the future. It certainly doesn't define your abilities. If you're down about failure, brush yourself off and keep moving. It will be worth it in the end.

7."From a small seed a mighty trunk may grow." -Aeschylus

You started off knowing nothing, but this adventure we call life has changed you. You know a lot more about yourself than you did yesterday, or the day before that, and the day before that. Personal growth is part of that "major key" you have. You know what works, and what doesn't. You know yourself and what you can handle. This journey has only taught you more about who you are. Don't give up now, because you have everything you need inside yourself.

8."You inspire someone!"

There is someone out there who's seen everything you've done and admires it, whether or not you know it. Your perseverance has inspired someone else, and they wonder what you have that makes you such a driven person. Be the inspiration to help someone else like you know that they CAN and they WILL succeed.

9."If it feels right, It's right. Don't question it."

Even though sometimes you feel like your not good enough and feel like giving up, something still feels right about it. If it feels right, it's right. Don't question what you want, don't let negative thoughts invade your mind.

10."You deserve to succeed!"

Believe it or not, you deserve it. You deserve to be happy, and the only way to achieve happiness with yourself is to never give up. Don't stop now and deprive yourself of what you deserve!

Don't give up, dreamer! If you try hard enough you will get there. Patience is important, you will get there. Don't let that little kid in you die, that little fire inside of you that gets excited at the thought of what you want. Don't let practicality stop you, not everything in life makes sense.

I'm sorry because this is probably one of the most cliché things you've ever read.

This article was inspired because I once felt like I wanted to stop believing in myself, OH and my cousin's college graduation cap.

When you feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders, and you want to give up. Remember these three words. DON'T DO IT!!