“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
Spoken like a true leader, and one of the most influential men who has ever lived. You have the power to be whatever you want to be as long as you are ambitious and intelligent in your choices. Do you want to be a President, or do you want to be a great President? Do you want to be a teacher, or do you want to be a teacher who your students remember for changing their lives? Be the best version of yourself.
“There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” – Nelson Mandela
Find what you love, and find what you are passionate about. Life is short and spending it doing something that makes you miserable is a waste of potential and a waste of time. What are we on this planet for if it is not to make a difference in the world and enjoy the ride? We are all capable of doing great things and should strive toward a life of greatness.
“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” – Joseph Campbell
Rarely does life go as planned and if you are constantly waiting for something to happen you are going to miss all of the things that are actually happening. Life happens when you are waiting for the next step, so let go of your preconceived notions of how things are going to be and appreciate the surprises that come your way.
“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama
Kindness opens doors to opportunity both professional and personal. Be an ambitious go-getter, but don’t step on toes to do it and don’t burn your bridges. Hold the door open for people, engage in random acts of kindness, help an old lady carry her groceries, and donate anything you no longer need including your time.
“Be in love with your life. Every minute of it.” – Jack Kerouac
If you are unhappy with some aspect of your life, change it. Life for you, not for others. Early adulthood is the time to make mistakes and learn from them, and to take chances that may or may not work out. Life is what you make it, and whatever it is you should be in love with each moment.
