For many of us, young people in particular, there is pressure to do what society, parents or peers tell us to do – go to university, become a doctor, or work for the government.

But if these options are not in our heart, we must resist the pressure from outside, look within and carve out our own unique path, wherever it may lead.

Know Your Gift

We all have gifts, often unrecognized by ourselves.

Bestselling author Steve Harvey put it this way: “Your gift is the stamp you leave on the world every time you use your God-given talents and skills at your highest capacity.”

You will recognize your gifts when you look within, not outside.

What comes easily to you? What gives you pleasure? What do others compliment you about? What do you think and dream about?

Be honest. Be open.

Your inner naysayer is just this

Many of us give up on our dreams because our inner self-talk asks, “Who do I think I am?” We convince ourselves that what we want is not attainable.

The negative voice inside of us is the manifestation of our deepest insecurities.

We are telling ourselves lies. They are lies to avoid action and remain in our comfort zone.

Reality is different. It knows that anything is attainable given a good plan, preparation, relentless practice, determination, and a willingness to learn.

The opinion of others matters little

When other people reject our dream – they are judging us as being incapable. They do so without knowing our inner passion, and as a result, have little credibility.

Some people do not want us to succeed for fear we will make them look smaller in their eyes.

Others express their negativity only to quickly move on, forgetting all about us.

We are worth much more than a fleeting thought on the part of other people.

The VIP (very important person) in the room is us.

The person we answer to is the one we see in the mirror each day.

That person’s opinion is the one that counts.

If we give power to the put-downs of others, we will never be happy.

Katy Perry was told she would never make it as a singer or performer. Albert Einstein was told, while in school, that he would never amount to anything. Thomas Edison was told he was “too stupid to learn anything.” Harrison Ford was told he just didn’t have what it takes to be a star. Steven Spielberg was rejected from film school…not once, or twice, but three times.

All of these people chose their passion over the negativity of others.

Step into the ocean, then…

People scare themselves with uncertainty. “What if I fail?” “What if it doesn’t work” “What if I look like a fool?”

There are two important things for you to consider.

Firstly, remember that nothing is written in stone. Plans are meant to be changed. You will fine-tune and adjust as you go along. Trust your ability to change direction as needed. You may surprise yourself and end up in an even better place than you intended.

Secondly, in the event you do not succeed, you will become an expert at how not to do something, giving you a new role as teacher and mentor – sharing your lessons learned with others. In this sense, you cannot lose.

It’s about being happy with yourself

Following our passion is the key to being happy, regardless of the outcome.

Trying to do what others feel is best for us will leave us empty, unfulfilled and ultimately unhappy.

2017 is your year because you will finally grab hold of your right to determine your own destiny.