Chapter 1: Unlocking Your Potential

Have you ever questioned if this is all there is to life? You’re right to think there’s more. Life offers vast experiences that often remain hidden from our current perspective. The silver lining is that there’s no reason to feel defeated. Each of us possesses the ability to achieve so much more. In the past, I used to use this realization to criticize myself. Does that imply I’m inadequate? Absolutely not. Does it suggest I lack self-worth? Again, no. It simply indicates that I refuse to settle. I’m on a quest to thrive, not merely exist. I’m at my happiest now, thankful for what I have, yet I aspire to achieve even more. Remaining stagnant leads to no change.

Les Brown famously stated:

“You have GREATNESS within you, and it is your duty to express that greatness!”

Instead of wishing for changes, we must actively pursue them. Let’s consider writing as an example. For years, I aspired to be a writer but failed to take the necessary steps. What’s the fundamental requirement for a writer? Yes, you guessed it—writing.

Why did I hold back? I convinced myself that I lacked sufficient time. I was waiting for those long stretches of solitude, free from the demands and distractions of daily life. I imagined professional writers crafting their masterpieces in serene home offices, accompanied only by a well-behaved pet in a tranquil garden. It seemed like a dream I could never attain. Surely, I thought, only retirement would grant me that kind of time? A typical 9-to-5 job felt like an obstacle. But then I had a pivotal realization.

Life is finite.

I will not be here forever.

The Latin phrase "Memento mori" serves as a reminder of our mortality.

As Marcus Aurelius reflected in his Meditations:

“You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”

In my imagined final moments, I found myself filled with regrets. I wished I had written more. I regretted not even attempting to pursue my dreams, letting the notion of perfect circumstances hold me back.

Regret is a heavy burden. If you must encounter it at any point, let it be the last time. Don’t carry those regrets to your deathbed. They weigh you down. To borrow from Alfred Tennyson, “It’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.” Similarly, it’s far better to have tried and failed than to have never tried.

Life can be challenging. At times, it feels like we lack the time, resources, or energy to invest in ourselves. However, there’s never a perfect moment. We must take steps toward our dreams, or they will remain just that—dreams. We don’t need to exhaust ourselves with overwork, but small, consistent actions can lead to significant progress. If we remain stagnant, our goals will always seem out of reach.

So begin today. Write down your aspirations and take steps toward them every day.

You possess GREATNESS within you.

Unleash it!

You deserve to shine. The world is waiting to witness your brilliance.

Thanks for reading!

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First published 27 September 2023.

Chapter 2: Taking Action