Before my family and friends understood my goals, I had to endure a couple years of isolation, secrecy, and struggles on my own.
I couldn’t openly talk to many people about what I had on my plate.
Whether I wanted to rant or celebrate, I often kept it to myself.
If someone asked me what I was up to, I’d be vague, rarely enthusiastically diving into details.
Fortunately, now I’m able to be a lot more open about what I’m up to with (most of) my family and friends, but during the years where no one “got it”, things were really tough.
There were no rails to hold onto. No mattress at the bottom of the stairs to catch me if I fell.
I had to be my own supporter and cheerleader.
Knowing that the road to success was going to be paved with rough terrain and countless obstacles, there was no way I would’ve accomplished any of my goals without believing in myself.
The aspirations and vivid images I had then are still clear in my mind.
I’d picture writing an article every week, laptop in place and coffee shop noises buzzing around me.
I’d fantasize about living and working anywhere in the world so often that I’d be able to smell the ocean waters that lie thousands of miles away.
I’d smile at the thought of making money in my sleep or while spending time with my friends and family.
I’d get shiver and get goosebumps at the thought of running a business.
These were all things no one I knew could relate to when I first started out. These goals were considered unrealistic.
So I pushed myself to make them real.
In truth, I was never really alone. My friends and family would’ve been there for me if I needed them to catch me.
But alone was how I felt during the beginning.
So I had to dance when no one was watching. Sing when no one was listening.
The victory celebrations were a fist pump and a thrust of the hips.
The downward spirals were me leaning in my chair, staring at the sky with a heavier heart.
Good days or bad, I kept powering on.
I may have had to keep myself accountable then, but I’m glad everything turned out the way it had.
Taking ownership of your own success (regardless of what you’re trying to achieve) and being accountable for yourself is a valuable skill.
It’s good to have cheerleaders, but you have to know how to wake up and spring to action on your own too.
After all, your face is the first you see in the mirror every morning. Your thoughts are what fill your head when all else is quiet.
You’re the person you have to live with for the rest of your life.
Why not be your own biggest supporter? Why not keep powering on?
It takes courage and fortitude to keep powering on without the support of others but what’s alternative? I’d say it’s pretty bleak because when I haven’t kept on going on I always felt I left something significant behind and that felt worse.
I personally like being on the edge just a bit, knowing if I slow down then there will be repercussions. It helps fight complacency.
This post came at just the right time.
Thanks for reminding me that even if it seems like no one understands your goals, you have to believe in yourself.
Awesome, Joseph! Glad this was helpful. 🙂
I am having trouble articulating these ideas to my roommate. She complains that she ‘doesn’t want to be alone’, so she lets stray humans inhabit our living room. Finally, the latest two strays are moving into their own apartment on Friday, so now she has started with the ‘I don’t do well alone’ whine. I keep telling her that she has to learn how to live with herself, in her mind, with her thoughts, and not have the luxury of having someone else around at all times.
I came to a realization about two years ago that I am okay in my own skin, and I can sit in the quiet with my own thoughts, and still be more than okay. I have found (uncovered?) my inner happy, and realize that I am more than enough myself. My happiness and life do not depend on anyone external to me, and I am trying to make my happiness contagious.
I am going to share this article with my roommate when I get home from work. Sometimes, someone else’s words make more sense than my own, since I am too close to my own situation. That is just another of the many reasons that I love your blog, that I love that you share your story, the good, the not-so-good, and the struggles (as well as the way you have overcome these obstacles, even if they are self-imposed.)
Thanks, Vincent.
Let me know what your roommate thinks of the article! 🙂
Power ON! Full throttle to the afterburners. Brace for G-Forces. You’re streaking towards the unknown. Yet there are forces that stand beside you in your behalf waiting to help you. Why? ‘Cause you took the step and keep on stepping. More power to you my friend!
B|
BOOM!
Spoken like a true legend Vincent, your story telling skills are epic! when is the biography coming out? Haha
Hahah thanks! I’d say 2086 is when the bio comes out. By then, there should be some pretty neat chapters!
Í dont have a supporter to help me to perfora