Tenacity: How? Who? Me? You?? And Now The Weather

Heres the thing about tenacity. It's such an enticing feeling to think you can attain, but the second you feel that being out of your comfort zone is too much to handle, which will happen every time, you will want to retreat to the comfort of the known. Many would say that going back is what weeds out those with tenacity and those who may still be afraid to try and put themselves on the line for something they believe. I always take issue with the idea that you have to go into the unknown to innovate. Innovation can always be found outside of the realm of what one can understand, but some of the most innovative ideas I would dare to state are actually closely linked to the known space of knowledge. Artists innovate the best when in the realm of art, scientists innovate the best when exposed to the processes and logical progressions of life, and we can innovate in our lives by getting to the root of what may be the pain points in our lives. It is with self reflection that enlightenment comes, and innovation is as much an inward as an outward process.

One trick to really keep with the work of the class is to just find inspiration in the things you love. Are you hundreds of videos into a vlog and realize they are all connected because they reflect the aspects of living as a minority voice in the culture and society you live in that you are a part of? Bring your voice into the fold too. Are you cutting corners trying to pay for a new camera? get into the nitty gritty of how they are built and create your own design for a cheap camera instead and hell maybe you could even sell the model too.

To be more practical, I'd recommend a journal. An honest, physical journal that you write everything you can into. Schedule your day, make time for something and it will be done before you know it. You can dictate how fast or slow the day goes and how much is done, you just need to keep track. its okay to skip a day or miss a weekend, but always try your best to keep in touch with your time.

My own tenacity is a dreadful mixture of anxiety, procrastination, a fear of failure and knowing I'm too deep to say no to what I'm already doing. But the biggest factor is being able to just look at the day and laugh through the fears and hesitations. The one thing that really helped me break through is knowing how putting my words down on paper or on type like right now will be a huge advantage in getting me to actually sit down and write what I want to write and what I may need to write.

for those who like TL:DR's, here is your TL:DR:

1. Make every day have a purpose. Fulfill that purpose. If you overachieve, be happy. If you achieve just the goal, you made the day count. If you didn't, reflect on what you did learn and what you can do with it to help your goal further down the line. Every moment is a learning moment, you just need to take account of it.

2. Laugh. Really, find laughter in everything, make jokes and make time for merriment. the more you find joy in life, the more you can do mundane work and see it as a chance for focus and more possibility for fun.

3. Learn that you are responsible. No matter if you were taught incorrectly, misheard the guidance given or acted on the behalf of another, learn that you are the agent for all that has occurred. You may feel others are at fault but you should be ready to take the blame for all the mistakes. If you can be okay with the idea of total failure, nothing will stop you from making mistakes for success. I still struggle with this tip, but its one I dare not live without.