"You always do what you want..."

Chasing your dream isn't easy. It's not supposed to be.

This is a tough time of year for me, like most stuff, I'm pretty open about that. It didn't get any easier when I was driving down the highway yesterday and an 18 wheeler blew a tire in front of me. I got very lucky. Some people were looking out for me, and I made it out with just a few hundred dollars of minor damage to my car. But through the tough times, all the while, I keep my eyes fixed on where I want to be.

Honestly, I couldn't do that though without all the great support I get from so many outlets. I want to focus on the support other people give me. I have great mentors, friends, and brothers looking out for me, and I'm very blessed.

Last Friday, I talked to my AMC, one of my favorite fraternal brothers. Benny is someone I look up to, and he helped me become the man I am today, like any good AMC is supposed to do. It was his birthday and I was on the phone with him. We were catching up, and I was telling him about some of the ups and downs I've had the past year. Then he said something that made the difference for me, and really has picked me up.

He cut me off and said, "That's what I admire about you, you always do what you want to do."

I'd like to agree that this is a true statement, for the most part. Always is such a definitive word, but I'd agree that I try my hardest to do what I want to do. I figure, if your time on Earth is limited, why not spend as much of it as you can doing the things that are important to you. I guess I developed this habit, or maybe it's better framed as a philosophy, as a teenager. I placed value on doing certain things, like working out and hitting the basketball court, working on my game, every single day. Then around that, I was able to manage my time accordingly.

It's important to find what you enjoy doing, find what you need to do, and find what you're obliged to do, and do it. I waste time. I'm guilty of it, we all are. I don't get even get close to doing everything I'd like too. Now I have to ask myself though, "Well, what's holding you back?"

4 years ago, when I lost a brother, I got a brutal reminder that one day all of us run out of time. I posted on here about a month ago telling you to stop wanting and start doing. What a great compliment to have someone tell you that you are successful in this, especially someone you love and respect.

So, as you plan how you spend your day, waste less time, and always strive to do what you want to do. Chase your dreams, work to not only be happy, but to be at least confident that you got the most you could out of today.  Live in your own reality and trust that good days are ahead if you make them.

Twitter: @travisponton