How I Find Endless Motivation In A Single Phrase: 'Do Not Give Up'

There will be moments along life’s journey when we feel like giving up on our dreams. Some of us will give up before we start, while others will give up steps away from reaching our dreams.

Why? We are human. Life is full of surprises so we make choices that we deem best.

Then comes a voice: "Never give up!" It is one of those cliché phrases we hear again and again and again. Well, there's a reason for it.

However, each time the thought crosses your mind, realize that following your dreams is not meant to be easy. If it were, it would not necessarily be as exciting or as rewarding. I am thankful for the phrase -- here are 10 reasons why:

1. Since I am writing this, I am clearly alive and well. (If you’re reading this, you are too.)

Unless you’re dead, there is no reason for you to give up. Your blood circulates, the chemicals in your brain run effectively and reflexes in your body can take on anything that comes your way. You have a choice, so choose to keep going.

I am thankful I am alive and have the choice to chase my dreams.

2. I am in a better position than most other people.

You are in a better position than you think. I am not saying you should not or do not have difficulties. Life is hard for everyone; it is hard in different ways for different people.

That being said, talk about it, face it and learn how to move on. Ultimately, there are people who are worse off than you are and while you might be terrified about an exam you have tomorrow, remember that there are kids who wish they could go to school and be in your position. So, keep on fighting.

3. I understand I have to be realistic

...But this doesn’t mean you should change your dreams or cease to dream completely. It simply means you have to realize that achieving your dreams will not take place on your first try, your second try, your third, your fourth or even your 100th try.

You must continue trying because you never know which try could be “the one.” And, when you get there, it will be the best feeling in the world. Keep trying.

4. I am thankful for the many role models who surround us.

There are countless numbers of people around you who started off with nothing and ended with so much. What excuse do you have? Failure is part of the process. Face it.

5. I am closer than I think, and you may be closer than you think.

Even if you’ve only taken one step and you still have a long way to go, you still made that step. Your dreams are closer to being realized than if you did not take the step at all.

6. I am thankful that I inspire people sometimes.

You will inspire people along the way, too. Each day I work toward my dream, my friends are there to remind me how much I inspire them by being strong and brave. By doing so, regardless of how difficult it may be, it motivates.

Little do we know, our actions and words could easily catalyze other dreamers and believers to start chasing.

7. I am thankful that I always have something to look forward to.

What would you do if you gave up? What is the point to giving up on all of your dreams or goals? Don’t give up and keep in mind that you must work harder.

8. Since others can do it, I know I can, too.

If others can do it, so can you. You have watched several people achieve their dreams, whether on TV, a movie or in real life. You have heard of or know someone who has overcome many barriers to achieve their dreams. If someone else can do it, why can’t you? You can, as long as you work for it.

Only you can make something happen. No one else can do this for you. However, you are not alone. People care about you, but you won’t find them if you fail to try.

9. I am thankful for the haters.

There will be people who discourage you, loathe you and/or criticize every move you make.

Know that these people are nothing but distractions and distractions are only distracting if you allow them to be. Ignore them and keep on rising. Imagine the look on someone’s face when you finally achieve your dreams. Suck it, suckers!

10. I am thankful for being able to live the life I want to live.

Ultimately, never giving up means you are fighting for the life you want to live and there is nothing wrong with that. You are a dreamer and you have every right to dream and reach for the stars. Everyone deserves a shot, no matter what.

Believe in yourself and doors will open for you.

Dreams and goals are meant to not be easy. They are exciting and rewarding because of the journey all of us must take to reach them. There will be people who come into and exit your life; there will be countless moments of disappointment and frustration.

Change is inevitable. Embrace it and remember that perseverance pays off. Obstacles lead you to grow as a person so that one day when you get to your dreams, it will be more meaningful than you would have initially expected.

So, friends, don’t give up. There’s a beautiful rainbow just behind the dark cloud that awaits your arrival. You just have to choose to see it.

Photo Courtesy: We Heart It