When I first got to college at the University of Houston, I had my mind set on majoring in Marketing, which is in the business school. After needing a remedial math class my first semester, I knew that wasn’t going to work. It was so bad I even had a guy I was dating at the time take my online quizzes for me (good lookin’ out, Brandon!). I knew early on that math wasn’t my strength and while I always got it taken care of, it was always a struggle. So one semester in, I decided to double major in Communications and Business, which would cut down the major math and accounting classes that would’ve held me back.
I was very strategic in the classes that I chose each semester when setting up my schedule. I knew what would take up more time than others, and also knew which classes would require more effort than the ones I knew I could excel in with little dedication. There was one course in particular that I avoided every semester for five years; psychological statistics. For someone who had to take a practice math class before being able to actually take algebra, the word statistics alone scared me. I didn’t want to deal with it and had no desire to wrap my mind around it. I knew it was going to be difficult for me and dreaded taking it on. Honestly, I doubted my capability to learn something new, unfamiliar and seemingly difficult.
I was able to put that course in particular off until my final semester of college, but it was required in order for me to complete the courses necessary to graduate. So the last semester of my senior year, I had to take it. Not to mention, I was working full-time and had managed to land an internship with a prominent Public Relations agency three days a week, on top of taking four other classes that didn’t include the most difficult class of my college career. But I had to do what I had to do, and so I did it.
Looking back over the course of that five months is a big blur. I was running at 90 miles an hour from class, to work, to my internship, on top of all the other preparations that come with graduating. Not only did I take the most challenging course during the busiest time of my life, I ended up passing it with an A-. Just to be clear, the class was hard as hell. There were nights it took me hours to solve only a few problems because my method was off. Do you know how frustrating that was? There were timed quizzes I failed because I was one number off from the right answer. There were homework assignments missed because in between my workload, I just didn’t have the time to do it.
Nonetheless, I pulled through and ended up surprising my own self. I’d prepared myself for the level of difficulty, so although I knew it wasn’t going to be easy I also knew that if I applied myself, I’d eventually get it. I did more than get it, I aced it. Too often in life we put things off because not only do we tell ourselves that we won’t do it well; we tell ourselves we can’t do it at all.
What is it that you’re avoiding doing because you’re selling yourself short? I want you to treat it like I treated that statistics class, as an avoidable requirement that eventually must be done. Before you do it, prepare yourself for the difficulty you’re well aware it comes with. Once you understand what it’s going to take to excel, you’re so much more inclined to do whatever necessary to handle it. Chances are that like me, you will likely surprise yourself. You don’t know what you’re capable of until you do something that you thought you could not.
I’m always doing things I thought that I couldn’t. How else would I get them done? Have a great week babes, xx.
I haven’t put 100% into my modeling dream in fear of failing. I know getting rejected is part of the this industry, but im not prepared to take the criticism I’ve given myself all my life. There are things I know I need to have before pursuing this career, like clear skin, my worst insecurity. In order to be a model, this is a basic. A model basic. I’m already in my late 20’s and my soul is dying working these 9-5 jobs I care nothing about only to pay my bills.
Well this comment was unexpected. Thanks for the post!
Clear skin is a small issue. The majority of models have their own “issues” they deal with. Troubled skin being one of them. I remember seeing Tyra on Proactive commercials after she was already very successful. People were willing to overlook her acne and she was still able to build a lucrative career. With photoshop, dermatologists and everything else that comes with a modeling career the last thing you should be doing is letting something as small as blemishes stand in the way of what your dreams are. Who cares about criticism?! It’s about growth! Please, please follow your passions. YOU DESERVE THAT.
Sista Brand – Right. On. Time. Especially with moving into the last month of the first quarter of 2017. We are all trying to keep that momentum strong, and sometimes that little push of encouragement can be the icing on the cake. Thanks girl.
-avid reader
Cassidy!
You’re very welcome love bug. I know the journey all too well and honestly, most of the time these posts are meant for me. It’s just a blessing that it works for you all too 😉 xo
I really loved this post…Thanks for the Monday Motivation!
I’m glad you enjoyed it Jessica! Thank you for reading <3
I’m really interested in starting a shop for customizing clothes and things. My only problem is that I don’t no where to start. I have so many ideas that I would love to bring to life. It’s kind of difficult when you don’t know who to talk to or what to do next.
That’s the problem most of us have. And it’s also the reason why most of us never start. We don’t know where to. The solution to that problem is easy – Just start! I’ve mentioned in other posts many times that I didn’t know where to start either. I published a post out of the blue one day and just kept them coming. Are you looking to start an EBay account? Or an actual website? You can Google almost anything these days. I had to learn how to do pretty much everything on my own, so I know for a fact it’s possible and the information is available.
You are wise beyond your years young lady:-)!! Luv this post!
Thank you Pat! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Miss you! <3
Thanks for this post Courtney…something I really needed this Monday!!! I wish I would have read this post earlier today!
Just because it’s Tuesday doesn’t make it too late! 😉 Get started as soon as you can.
“You don’t know what you’re capable of until you do something that you thought you could not.” definitely a GEM. I needed this motivation. I’m completely guilty of this. Like, on a daily basis which isn’t good. This helps! As always, thank you!
You’re always so inspiring….great post!