Do you have a dream?

Think about it for a second. Is it a new dream, is it a goal that you have had for a long time or just a few months? Now hold on to that thought. Don’t change your mind on what it is, stick with the first thing that came into your head when you read the word dream. Now stick with that hope, and believe in it. Believe in yourself.

Do you have a goal?

Is it something that you know you can achieve? Is it something that other people think you can achieve? If other people say that you can’t do something, you know your goal is perfect. You know that you goal can be a reality. All because they are motivating you even more. If someone says that you can’t do something, do it. If you’re the first person to do something, pave the road for the people behind you, help their dreams and goals become reality to.

Do you have a voice?

Is there something that you really want to say? Say it. If you’re in the middle of a class debate, voice your opinion, even if no one agrees. Say what you want to say, and don’t be ashamed of it. Don’t shy away, let the words just come off of your mouth. Be brave and spontaneous.

Do you have something in the way of these things?

If you do, then work harder. Or pave another road entirely. Go a different direction. If you’re missing something because you can’t afford it, try an alternative. Do something else. Disappointments will happen, and in my opinion there is no truer emotion than pure disappointment. Don’t let this get in the way of your ambitions and your dreams.

Do people have a negative influence on what you do?

Are you friends with someone that doesn’t support you? That doesn’t cheer for you and your accomplishments, that even if they doubt you, still encourages you? Are they willing to have a 45 minute conversation with you and tell you what hurts? Are you willing to tell them? The people around you have the greatest influence of who you are as a person, they lift you up or they can drag you down. Don’t let them drag you down. Be the person that brings them up, that matures and they follow in your footsteps. That you can tell your dreams and they won’t doubt you for a second. Be friends with that person.

Do you believe in yourself?

Do you believe with every ounce of your heart and your soul that you can do it? That you can achieve the dream that you are working for? I believe in you. I believe that you can do anything that you can set your mind to. If this is the voice that you need to hear in order to go on and achieve it then listen to it. You can do it. You are capable of doing it because I believe in you. And I believe in me, too.

Cover: http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/27/politics/fbi-surveillance-mlk/