There will be many people in your life who may not live up to your expectations, or even their own responsibilities. Maybe you had an absent or poor parent, a friend or spouse who betrayed you, business associates who took advantage of you, and people who didn’t believe in or support you when you needed them. Perhaps there are those whom you’ve disappointed. Regardless, understand and accept that you have no power over the behavior of others. The only person that you can control in this world is you – And of people you may have let down or been let down by, it’s most important to ensure that YOU don’t make the list.

Be there when you need you, above all others and against all odds. When you need to persevere, find the strength. When you need to accomplish a goal, find the motivation. Find a way, even if you start small and progress slowly. Put in the work and time to get where you want to go in life.

Being true to yourself is worth everything it may cost. Whether it’s relationships, family, friends, jobs or opportunities, none of it is more valuable than you.  Decide who you want to be, work to become that person if you are not already, and then never compromise who you are. Be honest with yourself about what you want. It’s ok to change your mind but once you’ve figured it out, don’t let anything or anyone deter you from obtaining it. The responsibility you have to yourself is your greatest of all. You cannot effectively fulfill any other obligations when it is neglected.

Always follow your dreams, your heart and your conscience. You can heal from being failed by others. You can come back from that, even stronger than before. But when you let yourself down, you’ve severely damaged the only person who can pick up the pieces.