When I began the application process of applying for grad school to earn my master’s degree, I never imagined myself to be where I am today. A little over four years ago, I decided to chase my dreams – and I haven’t looked back since. There have been countless nights with very little sleep, but there have been numerous days where I have been able to see all the hard work falling into place. Tears of frustration have been shed, and I have had to walk away from my computer more times than I can count. And the caffeine intake? Don’t get me started. But. Here we are,

 

Saying that I have learned a lot throughout the last four years is an understatement. I have learned more than I did in the 23 years before that. One of the most important lessons is that hard work takes dedication, and there are no shortcuts to getting there. If you want to be successful, you MUST put in the work. To anyone who believes that success is given to someone, they’re wrong. A truly successful person puts in time when no one else is watching. They stay up late and wake up early in the morning. They don’t waste their time complaining about how hard something might be. They don’t blame other people for their failures. They aren’t phased when someone doesn’t like them. Successful people work through the challenges and downfalls because they know there is something bigger and better waiting for them.

 

I am not here to say that I am perfect or that I have done all the hard things needed to be successful. I don’t see myself as being truly successful. Not yet. There are small tasks that I have been successful at, but I haven’t reached my bigger goals. Yet. I am still in the process of getting my Doctor of Education degree. I am constantly trying to find the best research to improve myself and my clients. I always want to be learning and growing. I don’t want to settle for something less than my best. And I haven’t reached my best. Yet. 

 

So, when you think about what it takes for you to be successful, please take into consideration that we are all on different paths. What I deem as being successful may be your failures – and vice versa. Our end goals may be similar, but our journey and path to get there will NEVER look the same. Your path to success is going to require time, effort, and hard work. You won’t reach the level of success you’re looking for if you don’t put in the work. Success isn’t given to anyone. It must be earned. So go earn yours.