*in great quantities.

We all want to progress and improve. We all want success and to achieve goals that make us proud, and to help others around us.

That’s a really good thing.

In order to do those things, some days you just need to live. Be honest with yourself about your good intentions and forget how big the world is. Some days it’s just about breakfast and the laundry and filling yourself up with things that make you feel whole. Read the unopened mail, open the windows, hike outside with kids. Some days it’s not about measuring progress or how much you’ve achieved-it’s knowing that you’ve achieved something already just by trying.

Amidst the chaos, the quiet moments in life are a prerequisite to accomplishing the big, bold things. Live in these moments fully. See how they enrich the louder moments. Savor them.

Then start striving.

Repeat this for the rest of your life.

That wasn’t a typo. I’m just averse to writing the phrase “fake it till you make it.” I’m also averse to hearing it and saying it to others. It never feels right, even when I know what it’s supposed to convey.

I understand the idea behind it, and agree wholeheartedly that you should believe in yourself. Fully. To the point where people believe what you say even if you don’t believe it.

This may be a game of semantics, but in our world, semantics matter. Words matter. They carry power, and we’ve seen the incredible power of a kind word, the unforgettable destruction of a negative word. That’s why great leaders inspire us-their words resonate because they remind us of who we really are, we see in ourselves the qualities which we admire in those we respect.

In our heads, the conversations we have with ourselves and the words we speak influence our actions. Thoughts are things. They become words, then actions. If we’re trying to build a tribe or start a company or lead a movement or believe in ourselves, why choose to start with something that uses the word “fake” even as a passing phrase?

Benjamin Zander says that this entire world is a game. I agree. Our realities are subjective based on our desires, needs, and dreams. The strategies we use and the words we say have an impact on the events and people in our lives, and games are played on many levels.

Why then, don’t we play a game that allows us to win? Why not, instead of “faking it” we remind ourselves of the potential, the power, the influence we already possess? Why don’t we remember we were born with these inherent qualities? Why do we need to fake it at all, when reminding ourselves of what we already have is good enough?

“Faking it” doesn’t motivate. It leaves me tired and unsure. Reminding myself of the courage and abilities I have, leaves me invigorated, ready to tackle.

Remembering your true nature takes away any desire to “fake it”-to be someone who you’re not. You realize that where you’re at is exactly where you need to be. Working hard and competing and learning new things and improving your skills are great things to do. Necessary, if you want to succeed. But to do those things, “faking it” will only get you so far. To push past the finish line, remembering your true nature will get you across into the winner’s circle.

You’re a powerhouse. Of energy. Of enthusiasm. Of passion. Of intention. Of purpose. You have the skills and abilities to get what you want and to help others do the same.

Why not remember that instead next time you feel the need to “fake it”?

Spike Lee gets up every morning at 5a.m. and starts his day of work.

He’ll write or craft a scene or screen footage. He starts the process of filmmaking in some capacity.

Frank Lloyd Wright said, “To love one idea is to love God.” He worked tirelessly and made those around him exhibit the same discipline in their work.

Determination and willingness are not “trends” among successful people in the world. They’re qualities that reveal a deep knowing of where you’re going and why.

It’s a single, clear focus. A set path on which you’re moving with full momentum.

With a clear direction and concentrated goal, waking at 5a.m. is not a chore. Or an obligation. It’s what you do because you know your target and what it takes to get there. There’s no question in your mind about running full speed ahead because you see what you’re running towards.

The trouble lies when there are four paths in front of you, not one. When you’re uncertain of what your purpose is and how to get there. Then the willingness to be alert or to stand at attention wanes. It’s harder to purposefully get up when you’re not sure what the purpose is.

Getting clear on what you want and how you’ll get there is a crucial first step in being able to make the effort needed to succeed. Because waking up at 5a.m. or working till late in the night, or working tirelessly requires serious effort. The larger meaning behind it has to shine through for you to toil away daily and exceptionally.

It’s not just about getting the work done. It’s about wanting to wake up every day ready and excited to do the work you know you were meant to do.