DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP!

Sometimes, when we think we tried our hardest, striving for the best, and did everything we were supposed to do and more, we still end up not exceeding our expectations. This can be the worst feeling ever! We just want to give up, throw in the towel, and beat ourselves up, but we must realize that if you did your best, you should feel proud of yourself. Don’t beat yourself up! Dust yourself off, and keep pushing!

“Give yourself a break. Stop beating yourself up! Everyone makes mistakes, has setbacks and failures. You don’t come with a book on how to get it right all the time. You will fail sometimes, not because you planned to, but simply because you’re human. Failure is a part of creating a great life. Stand up to it and handle it with grace. Because, you can.” Les Brown

About a week ago, I received my report card. I felt confident that I exceeded my expectations and goals after knowing how hard I worked to achieve them. Unfortunately, my expectations and goals were not achieved. I was anticipating receiving many high grades and a higher GPA, only for it to be swiped away in the blink of an eye. As I looked at the paper, my heart dropped. I wondered, how can this be? I worked so hard last term to keep my grades up and reach my goal, which made all of my hard work seem in vain.

We all have those moments in life where we work tirelessly daily to accomplish something. We did everything possible to seize it, but we did not reach high enough. What a feeling of D E V E S T A T I O N,   F R U S T R A T I O N, and B R O K E N E S S… Does hard work really pay off? Really pay off? Really, really pay off?

It took me a while to think about something worth appreciating and celebrating. I mean, how do you expect me to be all smiles and teeth when all of my hard work supposedly went down the drain. I went the whole day complaining about what I could have had, what I deserved, and how diligent I worked. Then a very good friend of mine told me what happened, happened and it cannot be changed…the only thing left for me to do is move on. At first, I was very offended because I did not think they understood how I felt. However, after a while, I realized they were right. I didn’t need to bury myself 6ft under; instead, I needed to rise above my minor setback, preparing me for a major comeback.

I choose to FOCUS on what I can do and what I am ready to do.

I CAN accomplish my goals and exceed my expectations.

I AM READY to put more effort, time, and work into my studies to REACH HIGHER than what I wanted the last term.

“Remember that setbacks are only challenges in disguise. Look at them as lessons . . . don’t waste time beating yourself up. Just get back on track and focus on what you want. It’s up to you , and you will do it!” Jorge Cruise