We have come a long way and that cannot be begrudged. Comparing where we are to where we were, calls for a collective pat on the back. We deserve a great deal of kudos for not succumbing to all of the ordeals and obstacles that were placed upon and in front of us. While the collective congratulations are in order, this is not the time for complacency. Just as a high school diploma is a great accomplishment, high school is not the end. There is nothing wrong with striving for more; trying one's best to attain what is deserved.

 

On the individual level, some people do settle for whatever comes to them. The thought of, “I have done good enough” or “I did better than my parents” pervades in many people's minds. What must become pervasive now is that we can accomplish more. There is no need to settle now. Yes, accept the round of applause at the high school graduation. Again, that is an accomplishment. The grander accomplishment will be attaining a Bachelor's degree and with that will be louder applause.

 

As the ideas of not settling and striving for more are grand, the question of how to go about doing this will come up. I strongly suggest not blindly holding onto old thinking when seeking new results. Keep in mind that we have amazing power within us. But focusing on doing just enough, just getting by and not seeking what one’s full potential is will retard the grand results everyone can have. “The way I do this is how I have always done it and this is how my parents did it. Why change?” As long as the results are satisfying – living hand to mouth, worried about how to attain the basics for the family, not being able to have a nice night out once in a while, continual stress of not having any savings for when an emergency arises, one child getting new clothes while the younger ones can only have hand-me-downs – change nothing if that is what one calls living. As we all know, the heart may beat in