Everyone has an opinion on what is needed to be successful in the world. Often, those attitudes subconsciously tell us that reaching success is impossible.

Voices echo inside our brains, telling us the statistical mountains that we need to climb, the societal molds we need to fit into, or the data that needs to align to make our dreams a reality. When we allow these to grow roots and spread out, they fill our minds with doubt, scattering second-guessing like leaves in the autumn. They are a weed, and they will reproduce and fill every space, blocking the light, unless we take action to stop them.

Taking time to pull out the unhelpful beliefs, prune back the overgrown branches of doubt, and dig up the negative thinking is exhausting. It opens holes and memories that we wish to keep buried. We will stumble and fall, second-guessing our purpose. We will challenge our views and question our motives. But it is so worth it.

We will reach our goals when we pull out the weeds and boulders that stand in the way of what we are driven to achieve. There is no magical process to solve our problems. It’s achieved through hard work, self-awareness, and vulnerability. It starts by recognizing that you do not want to live with a mind overgrown with negativity. Sometimes, it is hard even to determine what you want to achieve because imagining what can exist other than the mess is hard. The good news is you do not need to have an end goal to start the journey. All it takes is one step: Pulling out one prickly plant. Making the decision that you are not willing to be the outcome that people expect of you based on your gender, age, race or ethnicity, religion, family, trauma, or history.

You do not have to do it alone. Friends, family, mentors, and leaders can help. They can share tips and tricks that they have learned from their own experiences. They can offer a refreshing glass of water, a nibble of encouragement, and leave behind seeds to be planted.

Slowly, the space will evolve and you will have evolved as well. You will have developed clarity, courage, and strength. You will have new growth — fruitful growth that nourishes your goals. Your space holds beauty and light. With the work that you have done, you have achieved success. Make a choice and pull the weeds.