When someone says you can’t achieve something, that you’re not good enough and you’ll never make it, there are only two words you need to say back … “Watch Me!”.

I left school at the age of 16 with no higher qualifications and not a lot of hopes or plans for the future. After a bad bout of bullying in my first job I found myself at the age of 19 working in an extremely mundane job, doing something I had no interest in, with no real prospects, and fully conditioned through my performance at school to believe that I wouldn’t amount to much … that I couldn’t do something special with my life.

While working in the factory my mind constantly wandered onto how I could possibly make a better life for myself. I didn’t know how intelligent I was so I decided to take some night classes to find out my strengths and after 2 different courses I realised that for years I had been selling myself short.

When I finished the second course I knew I had to take action so I decided I had to make a major life changing decision. I had to prove to myself, and to the world, that I was capable of so much more. I handed in my notice and decided if I wanted to make something of myself I would have to go back to college.

When I told my friends and people around me what I was doing the message back from many was “what’s the point in that”, “what a waste of time” and “you’ll never get a degree” … but that didn’t stop me.

Sure, the good friends said well done and a few even believed I could achieve great things and that was supportive, my mum being one of them but the overall consensus was “you’re wasting your time”.

If anything all the negative opinions just fired up the motivation in me even more. I kept going and day by day, month by month my self-belief grew. My confidence in my own abilities soared … and 4 years later I proved all the doubters wrong standing proudly with my degree and a world of self-made opportunities at my door.

Watch Me

15 years on from the day I announced I was quitting my job I am now a business executive with a career at managerial level, living in a home I only once dreamed of having, driving a car I’d always wanted, with 2 beautiful kids and an amazing wife.

This is what is possible if you just take that first step. This is what is possible if you decide this is not how your story is going to end. You have the power to make yourself into anything you want to be … you just have to take the first step, and have the desire and determination to follow your plan through.

Moral of the story – believe in yourself or nobody else can. Don’t listen to doubters and go out there and make things happen.

This is your life, don’t let others fears and judgements hold you back … you have the key and power to do whatever you choose so make your choices wisely and make them happen.

Show the world what you’re made of!