As young adults and college students, we are under a great deal of pressure—both from society and ourselves—to be our very best, make an impact in the world, and be successful. This often leaves us wondering if we are doing everything we can, and if we are living up to our true inner potential. What is our potential, and how can we ever really know what we're capable of? The truth is finding out is much simpler and more stress-free than we usually think. All we really have to do is keep an open mind and challenge ourselves to explore new things. Here are a few easy things we can do every day to ensure that we meet our full potential in life.
1. Never turn down an opportunity that excites you.
The most exciting opportunities in life are often the scariest. But we can't let that fear stop us from exploring the possibilities. You may want to change your major, apply to grad school, take a trip somewhere you've never been, pursue a new hobby, or talk to the person in your chemistry class you've had a crush on since the start of the semester. I was personally terrified to start writing for the Odyssey and sharing my ideas, but I knew I would regret not giving it a try. Don't let fear paralyze you, and you'll never have to regret the opportunities you missed.
2. Follow your curiosity and let out your creativity.
When an idea strikes you, don't just sit on it and do nothing. Write down that poem you made up in your head, or draw out the cute cartoon character you thought of. When you have a question about something, research it and find answers. By doing this, you could create something amazing or expand your mind to new knowledge. Keeping your ideas bottled up doesn't help anyone.
3. Surround yourself with people who encourage you.
Believe it or not, the people in your life play a huge role in how you think, how you act, and how you end up in the long run. This is why it's so important to surround yourself with people who lift you up and encourage you to pursue your passions, rather than people who doubt you or tear you down. When you doubt yourself, you need friends and family who will remind you of your capabilities and support you in everything you do.
4. Shut out negativity.
Negativity enters our lives from many sources, both internal and external. Internal negativity and self-doubt is often the most harmful, as it holds us back from growth and happiness. We sell ourselves short and tell ourselves we can't do things. Changing your way of thinking can be difficult to do. The first step is just to be aware of what you say to yourself and to work on switching negative thoughts to positive ones when you catch them.
You also need to shut out negativity coming from outside sources, such as social media. Unplug when you need to, and don't be jealous of the lives people show on Facebook or Instagram. Those "perfect" people aren't perfect; they have insecurities and issues just like you do. Never compare yourself to anything you see from across your phone screen, and you'll be much better off.
5. Don't be afraid to be original.
No amazing invention, scientific breakthrough, or famous work of art was ever created by thinking in a normal way or by fitting in perfectly with the rest of society. Your mind and body are different from anyone else's. Why look at that as a disadvantage, when it is your greatest source of potential. By being true to yourself and following your own original ideas, you can do incredible things that no one else has ever done, and you can live your life to the absolute fullest.
