Despite what people say, nobody knows you better than you could ever know yourself – and even though we all know this, most people let the views and opinions of others define them. 

Others focus their energies, on enforcing their beliefs on others and trying to change them while neglecting themselves. 

For most youth, there is a huge amount of pressure to achieve something worthwhile while still young.

While it is possible, it’s easier said than done. 

In a world where almost any little good deed and behaviour is rewarded or celebrated, it becomes easier to get caught up in mundane activities that simply do not do much for you in the long run. 

If you don’t know your direction in life, you will certainly stand on shaky ground or sway in any direction.

With so much comparison and unrealistic expectations put on the youth, people tend to forget the purpose of their existence, as they get lost in their daily round of projects, business and duties.  

It will do us wise to keep in the back of our minds that we are entirely responsible for cutting through our laziness, addictions and unclarity. 

Failing to do so is on us, and can’t be blamed on anyone else. 

There is nothing to wait for and nobody to blame. 

Whatever techniques are appropriate, use them. 

The solutions are always around us and have been taught to us throughout our lives. 

One can try talking to friends, using therapy, practising meditation or prayer, going on a vision quest, reading scripture, walking in nature, keeping a journal, or studying with a teacher. 

Circumstances and backgrounds of people differ, and only you would know what works for you.

While the solutions are out there, they are worth anything until you do your part and actually commit and see them through. 

Remember that your success with any method you choose depends entirely on your actual commitment to discovering your deepest truth and aligning your life with it.

You could meditate until you’re blue in the face, but it won’t work if, when it comes down to it, you’d rather read the newspaper or watch TV than cut through your addictions, discipline your daily life and give your gift from your deepest, most blissful source.

We are all motivated for different reasons and have different personalities. 

Even though we want the same thing, we have to find the best possible pressure we can endure and work through it to achieve our goals.

 • Olavi Popyeinawa

• Twitter: @olavipopyeinawa

• Email: olavipopyeinawa@gmail.com