There will be uncertainty and uncharted waters. As you row your boat through the tides of life, keep in mind that all people, not just teenagers, are more open to outside pressures during trying times. Society as a whole is full of influences--good, bad, and indifferent. These persuasions come in the form of music, commercials, Internet, television shows, movies, friends, and coworkers. Never let bad influences rock your boat. For an anchor, you will need the character traits discussed in What I Need 2 Succeed. Christopher Columbus said, “You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” Be courageous as you launch your boat into adulthood!

Let’s face it, adolescent years were probably tough. You may have made mistakes, and your parents may have made mistakes. We’re only human. What is important is to let those mistakes go. They are in the past. Visualize mistakes as being in the palm of your hand and your breath as the force within yourself that blows them from your hands into the air to disappear. Certainly learn from mistakes, that’s essential, but it is useless to dwell on them now. How much better it is to concentrate on being the most successful adult you can be!

It is the hope of all who care about you that you develop the tools necessary not only to survive but to thrive in the world in which we live. You can make things happen in your life. Get busy, do something. Don’t let life pass you by!

You’ve read about influential people in each of these chapters. In either a large or small way, each one has touched our lives. We can learn from their struggles--in fact, the way in which they overcame their problems is what led to their success. Perhaps by seeing how they coped, you too can prepare for the unknown.

As time fades, what we remember about these famous individuals is the legacy they leave behind. They wrote quotes that define who they are and what they believe. Perhaps that’s why they went on to find fame and fortune--because they indeed understood the purpose for their life’s work. It was so stated in their quotes that each have written.

They were teenagers at one time also, and they faced many of the same struggles that you, too, are facing. Granted, you may have added pressures in today’s society, but they had even more obstacles to overcome. These famous individuals started out no differently from any of us. They were not or are not necessarily geniuses; instead ordinary people who did extraordinary things.

The common thread that can be observed is their work ethic. They had failures, but it did not stop them from achieving. They never gave up, and neither should you. They were independent in thought and action, and you should be as well. They never expected an easy life--it came to them only through hard work, dedication, and a belief that they could achieve.