I kind of want to write about the fact that I’m not popular. Is that alright? Can I do that free of judgment? I mean, you’d think that this topic would be long left behind in the locker-filled hallways of high school and junior high’s past. But that’s just the thing, just because popularity doesn’t exist in real life the same way that Hollywood depicts it in the movies doesn’t mean that it disappears with time. It’s not high school anymore, no. But it’s still there. Just more… subtle.

The purpose in this post isn’t to whine about not ever winning that well-deserved “best dressed” or “most likely to succeed” title as much as it is to outline how much things like social media “likes”, party/group chat invites and unsolicited virtual praise, or lack thereof, only matter as much as you allow them to.

We’re all the coolest kids in our own circles—you know, the people who care enough about our well-being to actually matter.

Did you know that when I started this blog I was bombarded with questions about what I wanted to do with it in the future and how much I wanted to capitalize on it down the line? Truth is, I told each person that curiously asked about my goal for the blog that I’d be happy if 5 people from across the world randomly stumbled across my posts and found some sort of joy and meaning from them. Fast forward 9 months into its unforeseen success and you’ll find me occasionally stressing over site views and Instagram engagement. So much for that.

It’d be one thing if I were at least at the point of caring about these things because I’m chasing dollars, but I’m simply chasing recognition.

But, I’m still true to my core nonetheless.

These days I just post what I want and go. I have fun finding quaint little spots around the city to write. I enjoy getting dolled up and taking pictures for the blog. Sacrificing my freedom of creative expression for the sake of fine-tuning my craft to what’s appealing to the masses at the moment just isn’t worth the stress. There’s no fun in doing it for the numbers. I do this for me. And for the people who are willing to listen.

This is easily one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

If I’m impacting somebody, anybody, out there then this entire thing is all worth it.

Popularity privilege exists, and I’m severely underrated across the board. I realize that. I’m self-aware. I know my worth, but I’m not oblivious to the fact that society is set up to benefit certain people with more ease. In some ways I have privilege, and in other ways I don’t.

That’s okay.

I know I’m not alone. I’m part of a global pool of talented and ambitious people who are readily overlooked because they don’t have the trending phenotype, cushion of cash or convenient connections to propel them to imminent stardom. It takes more for people like us. It takes a twist of fate, divine intervention and a heck of a lot of self-motivation to seek large-scale influence when there’s no random entourage of strangers cheering you along, just because.

But it can be done.

People like Kevin Fredricks, better known as “Kev on Stage” are inspiring. The guy exemplifies determination in a way that isn’t always readily available for public consumption. One can watch his YouTube journey and easily see that defying the odds by work ethic and talent alone is 100% a thing. Rather than looking over his shoulder at the success of Kevin Hart or Tyler Perry, he continues to forge his own path, clearing the way for the success of several others along the way. And he’s thriving. He’s now 5,000 steps ahead of where he was when he first started. People like him are a special breed. Do yourself a favor and watch this motivational clip.

When work ethic and talent meet opportunity and access, that’s powerful. But work ethic and strong faith are just as close a match.

My tutor once told me that discipline and confidence are the keys to passing exams. I say throw faith in there and you’ve got a trifecta for success at anything.

As hard as it is to not fall into the numbers trap, deep down I already know that I don’t need hundreds or thousands of IG likes or site visitors to know that my words are meaningful. I have something to say, and I’m going to continue to say it. Most of the incredible things that I’ve achieved in my 25 years have come from my fearlessness of being told “no”. I don’t let fear of rejection hold me back.

I meet failure with resilience, every time. And that’s what set’s me apart. In fact, that’s what propels me forward.

I could have given up hope a long time ago (oh trust, My First Year of Medical School was Hell has a part II pending), but I decided that my future was worth fighting for. And my resilience and faith have somehow placed me on track for an even better success story than I ever thought possible.

So go for it, whatever it is. Be fearless in pursuit of your dreams.

What is YOUR dream worth?