Over the last few years, I’ve encountered and met a lot of different people. People who are in different stages of their life than I am, people who are actively trying to switch their career paths, and people who are passionate about what they’re doing.

Everyone has their own story to tell, everyone is at a different stage in life, you too are at a different stage than I am.

I grew up hearing, “there’s always going to be someone better, smarter, and better looking than you.” Great motivation, huh?

If there’s someone who’s always better than I am, then what’s the point in trying? If there’s always going to be a stronger candidate with a stronger resume when applying for jobs, school, etc., then what’s the point?

You shouldn't live life comparing yourself to others. 

Instead of wishing you had their life and letting this drag you down, channel this energy to look straight ahead to run after your goals and dreams. Work hard and try to find work you're passionate about.

Don't know what you're passionate about?

Go put yourself out there, join different organizations, talk to people, and start to weave out what you like and don't. Figure out how you can mature so you'll be a better version of you tomorrow than you were today. Never lose that motivation and continue to challenge yourself. Success will eventually follow in its own time.

Everyone is at a different stage in their life 

Just because your peers are more successful than you are, this doesn’t mean you aren’t doing well for yourself. Just because they have a higher degree than you, this doesn't mean you should go back to school and try to get yours so you can be on par with them. Just because your peers are starting up their own company, this doesn't mean you have to do so as well.

You're moving at your own pace, and if you're truly giving your 100% and you’re doing work you believe in, then I believe that you’re headed towards the right direction, your direction.

You can't live life constantly comparing yourself to others, so instead, start thinking about the type of life you want to live and set-up a game plan on how you're going to get there. 

Oh, and don't be too hard on yourself if you move 2 steps forward and 5 steps back. When you fall, it’s okay to sit and rest for a bit, but when you’re ready, pick yourself back up and start climbing that mountain once again because once you get to the top, that view is going to be worth it. Never let go of that motivation of yours and please, never let laziness takeover your life.

You only have one life to live, so go make the most out of it. 

I dare you to take courage and a leap of faith even if you're all alone. If it's something (or someone) you believe in, then I challenge you to at least try to see where life takes you.

So often do people tell me stories how they regret not trying. Whether it's not trying to explore a new city because they were uncomfortable about the cultural barriers they might encounter, not trying new cuisines, not trying to attend that concert because their friends wouldn't go with them, not trying to make a relationship work, the list goes on. 

It’s normal for us to stop ourselves from doing something because we’re afraid, after all, we are human, right? No.

Here's my challenge: I challenge you to take a leap and start living your life by chasing after your dreams, even if it means you have to make a few sacrifices.

If you can attend that dream college of yours despite it being across/in another country, go for it. If you received an amazing job offer and it's a job you fell in love with but it means relocating and moving away from your friends, go and take that chance; don't worry, you'll eventually make new friends. If you want to take a chance on a relationship but you're scared because you've been hurt before, don't let that past experience hold you back. 

Don't ever let past experiences hold you back but use it to strengthen you.

It's life, so hardships and heartaches will come and go, since we're forever stuck on this crazy rollercoaster of a life. But wouldn't you rather give something a shot and learn from those experiences than sit there in regret wondering, "what if?"  

Have courage. Have heart. Don’t let fear hinder you.