You've heard the expression, "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going," right? It's a pretty well-known saying, and with good reason: it's true. Similarly, I've begun to realize that there are no shortcuts to success, either.

Let me qualify that a little. If there does happen to be a shortcut to get you to where you want to go, think long and hard before you use it. At the end of the day, the journey is by far a more formative experience than the destination. The road to getting where you want to go may be bumpy. It may be full of little obstacles and some setbacks. But it is that very journey that makes you the insightful, interesting, and determined person that is worthy of succeeding. Why would you strip yourself of that experience? After all, nothing will ever beat years of dedication, humility, and achieving something based on nothing but showing up and working hard.

If you want something enough, fight for it. You have to put your heart on the line and go for it. If you're willing to work your way up the ladder and willing to start at the bottom, life will often reward you with success. When it works out, then you truly deserve it. And if it doesn't the first time, brush yourself off. Try again. You gained valuable experience and knowledge from your failure that will surely come in handy later.

There is something to be said for going out in the world and saying, This is what I want from life, and this is what I am willing to do to achieve it. And then giving it your all, and going for it.

Whether it be working towards the vacation of your dreams or trying to get a job in your dream career, if you work hard, there is absolutely no limit to what you are capable of achieving. You just have to be willing to put in the time and success will find you eventually, I promise.