Wouldn't it be great if life just worked out the way we pictured it would? We'd live care-free knowing things were going to turn out exactly how we wanted and expected them to.

We have these images in our minds of what our lives should look like, but the images are often fantasies that will never become a reality.

It's so difficult to accept that these fantasies will (most likely) never come true. If life is so unpredictable, it's easily understandable how people settle for the normal and the mediocre. It takes a lot of courage and faith to step out and work for what you want most in life. Looking at movie stars and pop sensations, we can lie to ourselves thinking that they got there without working for it. This may be the case for some, but watch any documentary or read any autobiography of a famous person and you'll know the path they took was quite unconventional and difficult. Life will never be perfect. That's just a fact of humanity and the life we live here on this earth.

If we never attempt to reach our dreams and goals, they will probably never come true.

Yes, I know that sounds like a cheesy line out of a Disney movie, but I really do mean it. Nothing in life ever just comes to you, you need to work for it. Put in the effort - it's so worth it! When I graduated college, I pictured a job falling right into my lap. Obviously, that was a complete dream; that never happens. I had to work hard for hours upon hours submitting resumes, writing cover letters, completing interviews, etc. I am finally at a job I thoroughly enjoy that makes me want to go to work.

Now, I can tell you that I have still not achieved my true goal of becoming a professional writer and editor, but hey, I'm young - it'll come eventually . . . if I work for it. I am constantly putting forth the effort to better myself as a writer (i.e. writing for Odyssey), and I know that you can achieve your goals if you work hard too.

Life may not turn out exactly how you pictured or wanted, but I know it's still going to be great.

You are your own greatest advocate - no one else wants you to succeed more than you do. This also means you are your own greatest help - no one else will work to achieve your dreams. People may help you along the way, but you're the one who is most motivated by your dreams and goals.

Live in the fantasy world for as long as you want and dream about your future, but remember to put in the work and you will go far.