"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle."
- Christian D. Larson

"You can't do that."

"You're not capable and won't do that."

"You'll never achieve that."

Yes, I can!

If you're anything like me, you're very goal-oriented. Always dreaming of what could be and will be. You're always planning ahead because you're excited for what lies ahead—because the thought of the future elates you. You can't wait to make something of yourself and do great things. And again, if you're anything like me, you have all the people telling you that you can't.

I think a great deal is to be said about those people; why they don't believe in you is a mystery. Most of the time, it's because they don't believe in themselves. They can't attain something, so why should you? They fail to see the possible im(possible): the possibility inside of impossibility. Or, some just cannot stand the thought of you succeeding more than them. They put you down, more than anyone you've ever known; say things that will make you want to quit... until you finally do quit and don't have any will to try anymore at all. Unfortunately, there are also the people that ultimately want to see you fail. (Stay away from those kind of people.) They'll do anything to make sure that you do. Upon your demise, they'll sit back, kick their feet up, eat some popcorn, and enjoy the show.

A person's determination is the greatest ingredient to one's recipe for success. You have to keep pushing through, even on the bad days. I am one of those people who will work harder than anyone for what I want, even growing up with the doubters. In my early ages, I used to believe everything negative and wouldn't try. But after having many experiences in my life, good and bad, I grew as a person and became stronger. I learned a lot about who I was and who I am today; I think that's very important for one to do for themselves. So, I put on my shades and "blocked out da h8ters." Honestly, that was the best thing I could have ever done for myself. I did not concern myself with what other people said or thought. They took notice and after awhile, their shouts came to a whisper and then came to nothing at all. Mutual respect. An understanding that you won't say anything about them and they won't say anything about you. With learning a great deal about myself, I figured out what I wanted to do with my life and how I wanted to do it. Since then, I have truly been unstoppable.

In my religious beliefs, God placed you here for many reasons, one being to do well and provide for those you love. So, do exactly that and make a great impact on as many people as you can. No one can tell you what you can and cannot do; only you are the judge of that. Find your limitations and then exceed them. We are only given one shot to make something of ourselves. Work hard, "block out da h8ters," and most importantly, prove them wrong. Write your own story. Dream big and bigger.

"You either walk inside your story and own it, or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness." - Brene Brown