Take a moment to consider those people you consider admirable — whether they be close friends or long-dead war heroes. Which of their traits do you most admire? Their tenacity? Courage in the face of adversity? Self-discipline?

Do you think anyone else admires you for those very same traits? Wouldn’t you like to be known for them, too?

Why aren’t you?

The fact of the matter is, you can become anyone you want to become and develop in yourself any trait you admire in another person, if you put your mind to it. It is one of my most fervently held beliefs that the key to making the world a better place is to start inside each individual — because if we are each embodying our beliefs, living what we believe, and pursuing our dreams, it would generate such passion as to be an unstoppably positive force.