Why are you committed to change?

I battled with depression for over ten years, going through 3 major depressive episodes. It wasn't really my fault: I was handed predisposed genetics, a cultural environment that didn't support me addressing my emotional needs, and not being taught the coping skills to deal with the massive stresses I put into my life.

After the last major episode a few years back, I decided I had to turn my life around. I essentially owe it all to that moment. There was a point at which I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I was no longer helpless, I was angry. The anger didn't last, but it put me on a journey that has radically changed my life. I went from spending all my savings and not leaving my room to fully engaged with life: a great partnership, a healthy new living situation, good habits, fulfilling work, entrepreneurial risks and loads of self-development.

But if it wasn't for that crucial mindset shift, I never would've gotten better. For me that realization was: "I cannot continue to live my life in this cycle of recovery just enough to get functional, have work that's okay, and then get crushed the next time something huge blindsides me. I will build resilience no matter what it takes".

My life is not perfect, I'm still having to fight years of accumulated bad habits. But I'm truly happy, full of hope and passion.

So, I wanted to ask you all what your motivation is for getting better? Why is it important enough to do whatever it takes? What's your guiding light that will keep you climbing despite the darkness? You're welcome to share it in the comments to solidify it publicly, but I ask that if you are reading this that you at least take a moment to reflect on your why - the deep conviction of why it's all going to be worth going through.

Also, as a result of my journey and all the difficulties I've overcome the hard way, it has become part of my mission to help others get through it. There's too much wasted potential in the world, especially those bright & gifted individuals wanting to make a difference and then get crushed by the system. I dream that we will be able to turn this world around, and we need the dreamers and the idealists the most. Those whom are not satisfied with the status quo, but will push us towards a bright future. That's why I'm still fighting.