Everything is possible. There is nothing you cannot achieve/do – as long as YOU (1) believe in yourself and (2) are passionate about it.

The world around you will give you all the wrong messages about how difficult it will be for you, no one has done that before, or you cannot just do it, etc. The noise level of these messages can get so loud, that you start believing them – that is all you can listen to. They fill your mind and block your own rational thinking. I am not saying do not listen to sound advice from well-wishers who seek to guide you. The noise of the naysayers needs to be silenced in your head so that you can listen to yourself and let your passion and self-belief drive you to success.

At the same time, be honest with yourself and your abilities. There are a lot of things we might want to achieve, but for some reason, they are just beyond our reach. OR, given our current circumstances and commitments, they may not be feasible to pursue at this time. Believing in yourself and your abilities to execute, also requires being totally honest with yourself. Oftentimes, you may just not be ready right now. So back-burner that thought for now. Some of these paths may be very difficult to tread. That rationale should not stall you if you are passionate about following it; the level of difficulty will be a secondary factor. Remember no pain, no gain.

When you are at a cross-road and have to make a decision on what path to take – first have a conversation with yourself. Trust your analysis and the potential choices in front of you. Then, consult your family and best friends/mentor. Listen with openness and consider all the inputs. Eventually, choose the path with the firm belief that it is the right one for you – and the one YOU chose to follow. Believe in yourself, that you can and will, make that path work for you. And not because someone else has convinced you that it is the right path for you.

It is perfectly fine to take your time when facing a life-changing decision. Could be a job change, career transition to something different, or personal life impacting decisions – whichever one it is; the last thing you need to do is to rush the decision. Let your passion drive you coupled with your self-belief in the next steps you will take.

I have made 4-5 major cross-road path decisions, with the firm self-belief that I can make it. In all cases, once I decided – there was no re-assessment; just the desire to move forward and reach the end goal. If I can, so can you.

As Teddy Roosevelt once said – “Believe you can – and you are almost there”. Self-belief is an amazing motivating power, and you will not ‘re-question’ every next step on your new journey.

Ultimately it is your decision and yours to execute. So make the leap, accompanied by your self-belief and empowered by your passion. The sky is the limit.