The cost of ambition

“…Late nights mixed with early days, it’ll probably be that way until the pearly gates…” thank you Big Sean, I couldn’t have said it better myself. But that’s what it takes, right? That’s the cost of ambition. Usually when you look up “the cost of ambition” it’ll give you that shitty list with the same five things on it. But ambition costs way more than just that. And let me just tell you, that sometimes, you will question if it’s even worth it. There are going to be times when you ask yourself why you didn’t just take the easy route.

It’s hard functioning on little sleep, still working your day job while you try to get your dreams off the ground. You have to learn to be fueled by your dreams. You’re going to miss those days in kindergarten when you were forced to take a nap but you can sleep when you're dead.

People will question you. It’s funny how people who don’t pay your bills have the most to say about how you’re paying them. Always. Some people don’t understand that you aren’t built to fit in the 9-5 mold. And that’s okay, the list of people you have to explain yourself to is nonexistent.

You’ll feel lost, more often than not. There’s no compass pointing you due North, letting you know you’re headed in the right direction. You have to be bold enough to decide for yourself. Being lost is so close to being found, so keep searching for your North. Even if you have to search for it alone. Even if it takes longer than you intended.

Doubt will creep into your thoughts like poison. But this ain’t Romeo & Juliet, you don’t have to drink that poison. Don’t be the one who killed your own dreams. Part of you will try to work against what you want, because part of you just wants to do what’s comfortable and simple. Truthfully, you’re going to bust your ass for a long time, with minimal results. Don’t lose hope. Rome wasn’t built overnight, baby.

You’re going to find out who your real friends are. And I really mean that. You will see who is going to support you and who is suddenly going to Danny Phantom your ass and go ghost. They won't pay what you're asking because they think you aren't worth it. But they'll blindly hand their money over to a giant corporation. Sad to say. Don’t mourn the loss of that friendship, just get the scissors and cut the cord. They’re just dead weight, anyway.

You might feel like a disappointment, you’re not. So your parents wanted you to be a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher. Some thankless job that you aren’t passionate about. You don’t have to please anyone other than yourself. You don’t owe anyone your life or happiness.

You’re going to struggle, everyone struggles. Some people are just way more honest about it than others. Don’t believe everything Instagram tells you. No one is going to showcase their failures. But they should. That’s real, that’s authentic. People can identify with that.

You will spend a lot of days and nights, working toward your goal. And lord knows, it’s lonely up here in the clouds. Like I said, not everyone can understand it. Some people will wonder how you can live with the uncertainty of whether or not you’ll succeed. They won’t understand why you can’t just get a stable job, work your way up. They won’t understand why you can’t just settle. You can’t settle because the world needs people like you. We need creative minds like yours. And this is in no way a shot at my analytical, scientific, math-loving, practical people. Because we desperately need you, too.

You have to take risks. You have to be fearless. You have to want what you want more than you’re afraid of failing. Failure is just part of life, learn to work through it. Troubles don’t last always, girl. And if you do fail, it’s only a learning experience. So major in that creative field, build that side hustle, do whatever the fuck you want to do. Life is short and we’re all going to die anyway, you might as well live life the way you want to. You’ll find the success you’re looking for, you just need to learn to look in the right places. Enjoy your journey while you’re on it, it won’t last forever. Keep in mind that your definition of success, doesn’t have to match someone else’s. So in the words on the ever-inspiring Shia LeBoeuf, “Just do it”. DO! THAT! SHIT!

Peace out, girl scout