In life, there are two main driving factors: proving someone wrong and proving someone right. Both serve as motivation to do your best either in spite of or because of someone’s viewpoint of you. Depending on what type of person you are, you may be pushed more forcefully by one than the other.

Some thrive on a challenge and will do anything to prove that another’s opinion of them was wrong. These people thrive off critics because they see each criticism as a new goal. Then there are people that are at their best when surrounded by people that support them. The high opinions of others help motivate that individual to become the person everyone may see in them.

Despite living in a very supportive and proud family, I have spent most of my life proving someone wrong. This isn’t necessarily because they said they thought less of me, but sometimes just thinking less of yourself in comparison to someone is enough to drive you to change. I let my perception of someone else’s opinion navigate how I lived my life.

Don’t think I’m smart enough? I’ll take AP classes. Don’t think I’m talented enough? I’ll join clubs. And this mindset followed me into college, where I found myself pushed to try harder in classes just to preserve the progress I believed I had made.

There’s nothing wrong with doing well. But what concerns me is the motivation behind my actions. For instance, I have no interest in chemistry, yet I am pursuing a minor in that subject. Why do you ask? Because in high school, I wasn’t good at it and they knew it.

Now, I’m proving them wrong. Now, I study twice as hard as I did before, making sure to put in the most effort toward making my education appear effortless. But what happens when this spite runs out?

Being motivated by the idea that you’re not as good as someone else is a toxic way to live, believe me. During the times when you’re getting good grades, it may seem as though it’s a great motivator toward getting what you want. But during those times when things don’t go your way, it’s a soul-crushing experience.

Recently, I have come to embrace the opinion of others and quiet the voice of self-doubt in my head. Now, I join clubs because I am interested in them. I hold E-Board positions because I want to make a difference. I do well in school because I want to be the strong applicant who my family and friends know I can be for medical school.

Occasionally, I find myself reverting back to my old ways when I get a new position or a grade back and think, ”Ha, that’ll show them”. But I wish I didn’t.

Being motivated enough to start your day in the morning and push through all day is important. Motivation to work hard, study, and do your best is essential to succeeding in college. However, take some time to think about what drives you, and make sure it’s something you want to be defining yourself with every day.