Humans are always looking for ways to become better versions of themselves and grow to the next level. With a ton of self-help books, we are determined to get ourselves together and run that road that is less traveled. We are hungry for success. We set our goals and say that we will do whatever it takes to achieve them. However, do we walk the talk? Are we convicted enough to chase our dreams?

The Fear Factor series comes to mind whenever I listen to myself say I will do whatever it takes to get where I want to be. I always pose this question. If it meant feeding on raw intestines would I do it? As gross as that sounds, it simply means not taking no for an answer and overcoming any barrier no matter what. It means burning with fire from within that you want success so badly to withstand any suffering, pain, and discomfort as you stay on course to what’s at the finish line.

“Don’t do your best, do whatever it takes.”

The naked truth is that if you are not ready to do whatever it takes, then you have not convicted yourself enough. You lack self-belief and are afraid to take risks. Well, you may have the conviction but when it comes to execution, you fail terribly. What makes most people who are hungry for success, fail to do whatever it takes?

1. Compromise
2. Lack of a strong mindset
3. Failure to believe in oneself
4. Fear to fail

What exactly should you do to fasten your belt and literally do whatever it takes to accomplish your goals?

I recently read a story of a young Nigerian girl who was spotted doing her homework under the security light of an ATM lobby in her neighborhood. Does that sound to you like doing whatever it takes? This girl did not care about the cold or the crawling insects by the night. She was determined to do her homework.

The lack of power or lighting at home was not an excuse enough for her to fail. She quickly formulated a plan of how she’d overcome her challenge and get her homework done! She braved the weird stare of strangers passing by and took the action. She was determined to DO WHATEVER IT TOOK to pursue her goal of completing her homework.

As cliche, as it may sound, being comfortable with the uncomfortable, is the first step in doing whatever it takes. Going against all odds and coming out a champion. Doing the unimaginable; the uncomfortable. What most people are not willing to do. Being ready to face any challenge and overcome it. Being hungry for success. To keep moving no matter what.

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk, crawl but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”  – Martin Luther King

If doing whatever it takes means waking up at 3 am, do it. If it means cutting down carbohydrates and sugar intake, do it. If it is taking the public commuter, learning continuously for six months and deferring present gratification for future benefits, DO IT!

Research has it that if you do whatever it takes to make your dream come true consistently for the next 90 days, your results will skyrocket, you will live your dream and will have a life of abundance. What’s holding you back? Start right away, get up and DO WHATEVER IT TAKES to make your dream a reality.