​Building a brighter future doesn’t mean one has to attain a certain level of monetary gain or credentials. There’s no precise way to measure the amount of success one must achieve in order to determine how bright their future will be. More so, it's about building a future and lifestyle that consists of stability, financial security, a healthy and safe environment (for oneself and family), self-fulfillment and gratification, etc.
 
One person’s aspirations may differ from another. Often times, a person’s upbringing (good or bad) can influence how bright their future turns out to be. Hardships and adversity can fuel a person’s ambition to create a better life for themselves and their loved ones. Growing up in an environment where family members have paved the way for you to be successful by demonstrating what success looks like through strong work ethic can also have an influence on how bright of a future one may have. It often starts with the parents. They set the precedence of building a brighter future by their hard work and dedication. This can have a significant impact on their children’s future because they may aspire to become successful like their parents.
 
My previous blogs within this series (Don’t Give UP, Don’t Beat Yourself Up, If You Believe It You Can Achieve It) talks about ways to get there. They’re filled with information and tools that will help you along the way of building a brighter future.
 
Listed below are some additional tips that can assist you along your way:
 

• While on your path to a better, brighter future, make sure your actions are in alignment with the future you see for yourself.
• Set goals that will help you create a brighter future.
• Study and research information about your goals.
• Speak with individuals who have experience in what you are trying to accomplish.
• Find a mentor.
• Read things that will keep your mind focused on your future #LifeinitsRawestForm
• Any books that motivate you and spike your interests even more will start to resonate and set you on the path for success!
• Be selective in how you spend your time and who you spend your time with.
• Avoid spending time with people or doing things that will hinder your progress.
• Celebrate and commend yourself every time that you reach a milestone.

 
There’s not just one specific way as to what a brighter future looks like or consists of. This may vary for different people based on several factors (i.e. upbringing, beliefs, aspirations and ambition, circumstances, etc.). What’s most important is that one puts forth their very best effort in being the best that they can be. If they do that, then naturally, their future will be as bright as a shining star.
 
You hold the key to your future.
 

These three words “don’t give up” can sound like a cliché to many. They are so commonly used (in just about every situation and/or hardship) that for some people, they may not hold as much weight anymore, causing them to lose sight of the amount of power these words together can hold. These same weary people may feel like taking the easy way out or quitting is more convincing than the words themselves. I’ve been one of those weary people before that lost sight of the true meaning in these three words. I am guilty of letting certain circumstances and hardships discourage me and doubt the power these words hold.
 
I’ve learned that giving up can only make matters worse. In addition to losing what may have been a great opportunity, the psychological pressure and guilt, alone, that one may experience from giving up, can make the situation or circumstances tougher to bear than if they were to stay the course and see things through. Typically, the best things in life (i.e. accomplishments, achievements, victories, etc.) don’t come easy. They all require sacrifice, perseverance, endurance, resilience, and a can-do-it attitude.
 
Many may have grown accustom to giving up when situations or circumstances gets tougher.  Depending on how one may have been brought up, some may be conditioned to not pushing themselves beyond their limits because of systemic behavior that can be the result of what they were exposed to. This can also be attributed to a societal or environmental epidemic within certain communities where resources and opportunities are scarce.  
 
These three words (don’t give up) may sound easier than it truly is, but it is factual that not giving up and choosing to keep going and seeing things through to the end is far more rewarding and self-gratifying than giving up.
 
Before choosing to give up, consider some of the things below:

• Push yourself harder each day and you will slowly start to light at the end of the tunnel.
• There are others who look up to you and who may be counting on you.
• You may be the first to break the cycle of quitting or giving up too soon.   
• Your determination may influence others to improve themselves!

 
 Here are some things to help you along your way:

• Redefine Yourself. A new definition of who you are brings new possibilities.
• Write down what you want for yourself! Imagine it and focus on the experiences that these things may render.
• Once you have a vision of what want, go after it!
• Commit to the new you! To the new experience of who you are. If old habits or thoughts pull you back, move past this test in a different way with a new choice!

 
When things go wrong and you make a mistake or poor choice, don’t beat yourself up (see last week’s blog on this topic). These things are inevitable and happens to the best of us. Overcoming and learning from our poor choices, mistakes, and failures is what makes us stronger and wiser, so welcome these opportunities and turn these negatives into positives. Once you do, you will recognize and appreciate the power of these words.
 
 I am convinced (and a believer) that God does not make mistakes. I DO believe that He would not give us more than we can bear.
 
Don’t give up!