Unlocking Success: Ambition and Discipline for Personal Growth

I found out I was adopted at 15, and my life changed for the better. 

From a young age, I was competitive in everything I did. Defeat never sat well with me—I believed that anything I wanted was achievable by all means necessary. This mindset pushed me in sports, church, and any goal-oriented pursuit.

Like many teenagers, I faced distractions, but learning about my adoption at 15 ignited a fire in me. It reshaped how I approached obstacles. I became determined to build the best version of myself, turning adversity into ambition.

If you’re looking to ignite ambition in yourself, here are three things that helped me:

1️⃣ Use pain or hardship to shape your story in a positive way. Your struggles don’t define you—they refine you. Let them fuel your growth instead of holding you back.

2️⃣ Develop a relentless mindset toward self-improvement. Set high standards for yourself and be willing to put in the work. Retake that class, apply for that job, or learn that new skill. The small steps add up.

3️⃣ Embrace discomfort as a stepping stone to success. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Take on challenges that stretch you, whether it’s a new leadership role, a side business, or a major life change.

These principles helped me get to college, work multiple jobs to gain experience, and earn my MBA. Now, I apply them in business and beyond.