You're Not a Failure

Successful. What does it mean? Many define it as being amazing at everything you do. Whether it be extreme talent or extreme dedication, these people know what it's like to be the best. Yes, there are going to be people who have probably never tasted failure, and they might not even know what it feels like to be in a slump. Good for them! I think that's really awesome! To me, success means getting back up after a fall. Now those people are my role models.

I face failures every single day. Sometimes I feel like the reason that other people don't screw up is because there are people like me who fail enough times for the both of us. As if it is some sort of action-reaction theorem. To be honest, I am really struggling to change that mindset. I feel like on a daily basis, I make myself out to be a disgrace, that people are disappointed in me, that I am not who I used to be. As for me, I didn't realize any of that. I thought I was the same old me, it's me in the flesh. Apparently, the world around me didn't think so.

I think it's true, that some people do undergo more suffering and disappointment than others. I know, it does get frustrating that no matter how hard you work you can't seem to get your goal in whatever activity or academic related courses. Those people who never seem to fail simply have extremely high expectations for themselves. They probably have held these high standards for their whole lives. To them, a "failure" could be equivalent to "average" to us. So in a strange way, they do feel like they fail too.

What I'm trying to say is, everybody has their moments. Take it from me, someone who probably fails on a daily basis. I still have a sliver of hope for myself that I will come up someday. And you will too, you're no exception! You guys have so much life ahead of you. Don't count your failures, regret, and shame. One of the best things to learn from is our failures. Let the mistakes teach us new lessons. 

Think about it this way-- with each slip up, you are one step closer to reaching your goal! Please don't think of yourself differently when you mess up. Your mistakes do not define you, the way you react from them is what is important. Take your failures in your stride! As long as you are genuinely doing your best, that's all you can really ask for. Your time will come, that is something I will bet on. I am 100% confident in you guys succeeding. Now it's your turn, put a smile on that face and brush it off. You will prevail!

-N

It Does Matter

Future. Mine and yours. I feel like some people forget the scary truth about our future. I feel like some of us are not told the scary truth about the impact and consequences of our daily lives. And the scary truth is that, everything matters- well, if you are normal like me. I look around at my friends and each one of them has a talent that they are extremely good at, whether it be an academic subject or an extracurricular. The time that they spend pursing their talent and ultimately winning in that field, is what will get them a bright future. Good for them! Honestly! I am proud of all you prodigious teenagers!

But how is life going to play out when we are just average? When you just blend in among the crowd, every little thing starts to matter. Any chance we ordinary kids get to stand out, we will take it! And yes, that means that means performing well in school and outside of school activities. Because we do not have that one thing that we excel at, any moment of failure or success in our lives is important. We are constantly trying to prove ourselves to the world, that we are good enough-- for jobs, internships, colleges, and for advertising ourselves for the future. 

People say we worry too much. People say that grades don't define you. People say that it will all work out in the end as if our life fits together like they are some perfect puzzle pieces. Making mistakes is inevitable, I get that. But with every additional failure in our path, the more our stress and anxiety increases. The only things that seem to matter are our rankings- school-wide, statewide, nationwide, and ultimately, worldwide. If we have no extracurricular or talent to fall back on, we are constantly stressing about getting good grades and scores on exams. 

Being normal is not easy, it's quite the contrary. Find ways that make you unique because standing out has never been more attractive! Some people don't see your capabilities and hard work, it's the ugly truth that the results only seem to matter. I'm sure you work so hard to get where you are, but you don't have to prove it to the world. You have to prove it to yourself! You have to be honest with yourself when you say you put in 100% effort into everything you do. You have to prove it to yourself that you can work hard and get your desired aspirations.

My only advice: start now! You have no time to waste! Every time you put off your hard work and diligence, think about your competition. Are they putting in the grueling hours to get into their dream school? Here I am in bed, when my peers from across the world are studying to prove it to themselves that they can be top notch quality. You are all so capable and I wish every single school and workplace could see all of your unique personalities. You don't always need trophies or medals to be talented. Your mind and attitude, if in the right mentality, are your treasures as well. Work hard, play hard, and show the world how it's done. After all, you'll get to be the one saying I told you so to everyone who doubted you!

-N