At my crossfit gym in Los Angeles, there’s a great quote about brick walls. It references a now-famous speech by Randy Pausch, a professor from Carnegie Melon University who was given only a few months to live after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Pausch gave a speech called “The Last Lecture” which went viral on YouTube.

The quote is as follows:

The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.

And when we do want something badly enough - and when we go after it no matter what other people tell us and in spite of the obstacles we face - brick walls show us how strong we are. We don’t realize our strength until we’re put in a position that tests it.

By overcoming obstacles and realizing our goals, we have the opportunity to see what we’re really made of. We see our intrinsic greatness, which so many of us choose to hold dormant within.

Don’t be like the other people. Make choices that are bold and in alignment with your dreams and desires. Be strong. And let your greatness shine.