There are hurdles we must jump in life and until we do, we will not become all we are meant to be. Initially the hurdles diminish our confidence and self-esteem, but obstacles are necessary; they are part of the way—the journey of heroes, inventors, and legendary entrepreneurs—and they represent universal laws of life, or tests, that lead to success. The hurdles exist to toughen us up; they help us fulfill our highest and greatest purpose by teaching us critical lessons.

Think about something precious, like a diamond. From one hundred miles beneath the earth’s surface and after more than forty million years, something as basic as carbon withstood tremendous heat and pressure and transformed into a priceless diamond. Without the process, the gem would not exist. People are no different. It is the process that makes us who we are and defines what we become. To succeed, we must run into the fire despite fear.

The first hurdle you must jump in life is overcoming all the naysayers— the people who tell us our dreams are silly, we’re not smart enough, rich enough, or strong enough.

Ignore them. Be strong and follow your heart. The only person you have to prove something to, is to yourself!

Everyone—and that means you—was born with a purpose, a dream, and a gift. It is unique to you! It is your passion and it is your purpose. When you act on this passionate purpose it gives you power, and that is your light, so let it shine!

If you ignore inspiration then you deny yourself a chance to embrace your uniqueness. Leaping the first hurdle is a critical step in the journey of life and until you do it, all the subsequent hurdles are impossible. That first obstacle— ignoring the naysayers—teaches you confidence, courage and faith. These are three of the most essential qualities—invisible forces—you need to achieve your dreams and live a life filled with purpose and meaning. In closing, you cannot skip or ignore these hurdles. There are no short cuts in the laws of life; you must pass these tests on your own.

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