I feel like I’m in the midst of another challenging period in my journey. Part of me had wished that things would be better by now, but the reality is, life seems to have been throwing multiple curve balls my way, and I’m doing all I can to catch them as they come. While there had been moments when I managed to catch the ball (some mention-worthy successes and breakthroughs), the amount of failures and challenges have been about the same too.

This morning during my commute, I was reminded about the power of having grit and perseverance. I’m being reminded that it is much easier to give up, walk away from our goals and dreams than it is to stick with it over time. It is always easier to feel motivated and enthusiastic when things are going well. But it is when things start to wear us down that our grit and perseverance feel more deliberate & impactful.

I’ve been reminded that it is during moments like these that walking away, or accepting our fate would seem more logical. Some people might say, “It’s time to accept our losses.” But that is usually also the time for us to do all we can to persevere. It’s about finding that sheer will to push through it, no matter what.

Daily Reminders #1: Delayed Gratification

“Want something? Work & Save up for it. Always remember, it is about enjoying delayed gratification.” – Life Lessons No. 13

Over the past decade, I have more than enough regrets to remind me of an incredibly important lesson – doing/accepting what might seem right in an instant doesn’t mean that it is the wisest decision in the long run. There had been moments when I gave in to the temptation and in that very same moment, I also said no to a potentially better opportunity that would eventually come along.

In each of those instances, I remember thinking to myself, “If only I had held on for just a little longer, I would’ve landed a better job, or a better paying gig.”

All of those instances continue to remind me that it is always worth it to hang on, be patient, and wait. Waiting here doesn’t mean sitting on my hands doing nothing. Waiting here means being patient while still have a sense of urgency in whatever it is that I’m trying to achieve. It’s about knowing how to say No to something when I know that it is not right for me instead of saying Yes just to satisfy my needs/desires in an instant.

Daily Reminders #2: Not Compromising My Character/Integrity

“Focus more on building up your character (integrity). Real trust is the only real currency in the world.” –  Life Lessons No. 5

As I continue to do whatever it takes to survive and overcome my current challenges, I’m also being reminded of another key lesson from my journey so far:

Do not compromise on your character/integrity.

One of, if not the number one lesson that I’ve carried around with me for the past 7 years is one about having a strong integrity and character. I wasn’t always good with that, and for a long time, I had lost that too. It has taken me many years to find it and make it a part of my daily life again.

For some people, the idea of “doing whatever it takes” may involve compromising on their character or principles and they might even argue and try to convince you that it is a necessary part of life. But I’ve also come to learn that it is never worth it to compromise on our character and values, not even for just one tiny moment.

The thing about having a strong character and integrity is not so much what we choose to say and do in front of others, but what we do when we think nobody else is watching. What kind of person are you when nobody else is noticing?

Daily Reminders #3: Don’t Do Something for the Attention

“It is always better to talk less. Results speak louder than words.” – Life Lessons No. 18

As I continue persevering and pushing myself forward an inch at a time, I’m also being reminded that my actions are not as important as why I am doing it. Yes, intentions matter, especially when we decide to do something only because we think it would get the attention of someone or some people.

For all of the times when I did something because I thought it would get other people’s attention, I’ve realized that those actions were never sustainable in the long run. We can try to impress others for an instant, but eventually that attention will wear off and we would want more fresh attention again.

There may be a few really good examples I can think of in my life where I didn’t do something for attention for a really long time, only to reveal myself later and surprised everybody around me with what I had done, or what I was capable of. I remember that in those moments, what I had done in silence/private had made a far greater impact than anything else that I had ever done before.

When I think about what this period of my life means to me, I’m reminded of that memory. That impact when I surprised everybody. And that is what I’ve been getting back into.

Closing Thoughts

I am grateful and appreciative of what those lessons have taught me and also how they have helped me to become a better person through the years. I wasn’t always consistent and I don’t always have good days. Some days, despite my best efforts and intentions, I still fall short. But I also continue to refuse allowing those failures to stop me from trying. I know that I will continue to fail many more times before I can get to where I ultimately want to be.