Strive for Greatness: Here's some advice on how to win at life

By definition, to strive is to make great efforts to achieve or get something. Greatness is the quality of being great.

We all have the capability to strive for greatness, the question is how do we create our own versions of that?

We're all dealt different cards, you can't change them but you can figure out how to play your hand. Life is what you make of it. 

There is no right or wrong way to strive for greatness. No one will be ever be exactly the same. 

Here are some ways to get the answers on how to strive for greatness and win at life:

Why?

What's your reason to wake up every morning? These goals, this dream you have, who's it for? Are you doing these things for yourself, your family, your future family?

This’ll help you focus on your path. Focusing on your path will allow less time wasted on things, people and jobs that don’t fuel, support or align with your goals.

Plan and set goals

Without a plan or roadmap, it's going to be a bit difficult to figure out how to navigate the life of your dreams. Ask yourself what steps you need to take to get to those goals. Write down every possible scenario and think it through.

Does this align with what I want to do? Will this be a challenge? Am I up for said challenge? If not, what do I need to do to prepare for this challenge? If it's helpful, create an accountability group or tell some of your friends your goal so you don't fall off. 

Progression over perfection

Life reminds me of a video game, level one you're trying to figure out how to play. As you continue there's challenges or quests you have to go on and you may get it the first time you might not.

You don't give up on your character so why do that to yourself? Completing a level is way more rewarding than talking down on yourself or quitting. When it gets tough, push through.

Now don't push yourself too much that you stop, take it at a pace that works for you but that is still challenging.

This is NOT a race, it's a marathon. As long as you keep going and starting to enjoy the process, you're in alignment, you're doing great! Rome was not built in a day.

Fail Forward

Many people don't like talking about this part but you might fail. Failing isn't the worst part though, quitting is. If you don't fail, how do you expect to improve?

Sometimes failing brings you closer than you think. These failures are lessons and a part of personal development. They're what make us who we are. 

Take a listen to Jay Shetty & Joe Jonas on this podcast episode.

Affirmations

When you don't feel like getting up because it's so early, remember your why. Gratitude for another day can also be a part of your morning routine. *whispers * Shameless plug.

Waking up and having affirmations sets you up for success. Statements and compliments to tell yourself can help boost up your mood.”

Studies show that positive affirmations help parts of the brain feel rewarded. Read more about that here. Be intentional with your affirmations.

What is something you may need to tell yourself everyday to wake up and go to sleep in a better mood? Everyday is a new opportunity to strive for greatness. ;)

Action

It's go time baby! Try, try, try! Journal your process, be honest because one day you'll look back and surprise yourself. Maybe you need some daily inspiration. Write down your daily goals on a post-it or your mirror, make a vision board.

Canva is a great source to get creative! Make a mood or vision board on your phone or laptop so you're constantly reminded to strive for greatness.

Also set days to enjoy life/unwind. Whether it's learning a new skill, exploring, or finding or starting back up a hobby, etc; make time for that as well. 

Reflect

Everything that has happened, happened!

What can you do differently this time around? What are you doing everyday to get you closer to your goals? Who are you surrounding yourself with? Are they inspiring you? What are you watching on tv or YouTube? What are you digesting? What social media accounts are you following?

As said earlier, things happen so you can learn from it and keep leveling up as you go through life lessons. The more you reflect, the easier it'll be to release things that no longer serve you.

With all the experiences you handle, you’ll know how to move accordingly. Working on yourself will put you in a better place mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Rest 

Don’t do anything, nada, zilch! Just rest. Rest is just as important as productivity. Spend time away from social media.

Get a facial, or do a spa day, maybe a home spa moment, put your favorite playlist on, and relax. Your future self will thank you. Living a well balanced and fulfilling life.

You got this

All we can do is take it one day at a time. Be intentional and with each action, thought, that we choose to do throughout the day as long as it's with greatness in mind, you’re striving everyday!

Wishing you nothing but success and self exploration to your highest potential. You’re already on your way. Can’t wait to see what you accomplish! 

You are THAT GIRL 

Below is a curated list of quotes by women to remind you to always strive for greatness. Don’t just read the quotes, live by them, embody them and go out there and achieve everything you want!

1. “You can’t master your future if you’re still a slave to your past.” – Rihanna

2. “Embracing chaos might be the journey to take to finding peace.” – Rachel Hollis

3. “Define success on your own terms, achieve it by your own rules, and build a life you’re proud to live.” – Anne Sweeny

4. “I always did something I was a little not ready to do. I think that’s how you grow. When there’s that moment of ‘wow I’m not really sure I can do this’ and you push through those moments, that’s when you have a breakthrough.” – Marissa Mayer

5. “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller

6. “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

7. “A confident woman, a woman who truly knows her worth and her power is a force to be reckoned with.” – Mandy Hale

8. “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples” – Mother Teresa

9. “Honor your calling. Everyone has one. Trust your heart, and success will come to you.” – Oprah Winfrey

10. “I think the key is for women not to set any limits.” – Martina Navratilova

     

✍️ Written by Zaire Michel