Nothing is impossible for the one who believes so. This summarizes Dan’s transition into Canada.

Dan came to Canada as an international student. Back in his home country, he was a thriving professional. Upon arriving here, he was allowed by his employer to work remotely while studying. So, the ambitious professional concluded he wouldn’t take any survival job. But as weeks went by, that plan fell through the cracks because his heavy salary which was paid in his local currency steadily became worthless whenever converted to dollars. So to balance things here, he had to settle; taking a low wage job.

Interestingly, a policy was introduced a few weeks later allowing students to work full time. Dan’s initial thought was: it’s time to go full time with his survival job. But he asked: “Why settle!” And so he resolved: “I’ll be more!” So he started applying for professional jobs. Within 2 weeks, he had applied for over 60 positions. Then rejections trooped in, and some online assessment invitations. He even made it to some interviews before some final rejections. But he kept going, and eventually, he landed a job with one of the Big 4 Consulting firms. That’s how his story changed. Words went around, and everyone was shocked. When a friend asked how he did it, he said: “I just knew there was more. So I went for it!”

This is a true story. In fact, I am that “Dan”. And for an international student in his early days at the time, that was unusual. This is not because I’m special. I am just an ordinary man who has given himself the permission to thrive. And just like me, you have the right to win big. All you need is to first, give yourself permission.

I’ve shared my story just to remind you that you can be more. That you’re a student doesn’t mean you can’t get a great job or even start a business. You can achieve anything you want. You can thrive academically, professionally and in all other facets at once. But first you must think and desire better for yourself. For we manifest what we covet. There is an employer somewhere that needs your skill, an organization that would just want to have you on their team and a firm that would bet on you. There’s a Prof that can make your thesis writing a lot easier. There’s a grant out there that can support your research! There is absolutely no limit to what you can be and do.

So what’s that thing that has caused you to settle? Yours may be a survival job that makes you feel undervalued. Or a lack of progress with your research makes you depressed. It could even be a past failure holding you spell bound. Whatever it is, it’s time to look beyond. What lies ahead beats what’s in the past hands down. The question is: can you see it? And if yes, what would you do about it today? Remember, if you want anything badly enough and chase it madly, you’ll get it.

Now ready to take action? Make a list of those abandoned goals and aspirations; the ones thrashed due to current realities or self-doubt. Then, draw a big square and divide it into four equal sections. In no particular order, write “what I want, what I’ll do, where I’d start and when I’ll do it” on each of the sides. Then note somewhere on the page a personal commitment to act on each. You may even choose to simply write your goal as plainly and simply as you wish. The key here is to jot it down. Make sure to paste it somewhere you can see everyday, and most importantly, do something about it daily.

You don’t need to settle. You can be and achieve more. Don’t let your background or current circumstance keep your back on the ground. A bit of productive doggedness and aggression towards your goals is all you need. If you define what you want, what you’ll do, when you’ll do it and most importantly, follow through with planned action on it, it’s only a matter of time till you get it.

I hope this helps you to dream and pursue more. Can’t wait to read or hear your story!

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Paul Akingbola is an entrepreneur, consultant and coach passionate about helping people accelerate growth in life, career and relationships.