Editorial: Experiencing a breakthrough begins with your self belief

It’s time for the wall to come down so that you can experience a breakthrough.

This editorial came as a result of several conversations with a few friends and student-athletes when it came to their expectations out of live upon graduation and what they wanted to do. It also resulted in a lot of insight.

In today’s technological world, we are in a society that is settling for instant gratification. Known as the “microwave” effect, there are several people who want to experience fame and fortune nearly instantaneously. Some examples of this include posting on social media with the latest dance craze, only for somebody else to come along two minutes later and add a spin to it to claim it their own.

However, what people need to harness is the comprehension that in order to have that breakthrough moment, you have to realize what is holding you from that next level. Interactions tend to be a game of comparing and contrasting, or self-doubt that a person can’t do it. When I ask a student why they aren’t participating in a sport, they tell me they don’t believe they are fast or strong enough. Deep down, a person can sense that they don’t believe they can be successful because they are comparing themselves to another person.

The same thing occurs in the working environment. When people interview for a job or a promotion, there are talks about the qualifications of potential candidates for that position.

But a breakthrough can happen at any time, but it starts with self-confidence and inner beliefs. Is everything going to be perfect? No. Are there times when people will not accept or place you in a position that you desire to be in? Absolutely. But that’s when you take time to realize your self-worth.

I have been blessed to witness several friends and colleagues to receive blessings because they had that opportunity and breakthrough. One day a person is working as a contract administrator and the next day, they are offered a position to run the entire department. There are countless tales from a variety of people, but that breakthrough starts within.

When you face adversity, remember that it’s not the number of times you get knocked down, but the number of times you get up. Don’t be deterred by comparing your abilities to others. You are unique in your own way. If there is something that intrigues you or if somebody asks you to try something because they may have more knowledge about it, give it an opportunity. The worse thing you can tell them is that you’re not interested or it’s not right for you. But remember, no matter what happens, your breakthrough is personal and it’s yours. Use your blessing to make yourself a better and happier person.