In life, it’s common that things don’t always go as planned. When such chaos ensues, there are two roads you can take: let it go or fight for what you want.

It’s easier to simply settle when life doesn’t go as you expect. However, you have to be willing to accept whatever happens in place of your original plan. Can you do that?

Being stubborn is often viewed as a negative trait, but the benefits of such a quality cannot be ignored. This school year, I personally have learned a lot about fighting for myself from my own stubbornness. I’m someone who can’t easily settle for less. Therefore, as problems arose throughout my 2018, I didn’t choose to let it be. Does that make me stubborn? Sure, but I’m glad I fought and that I continue to fight for what I really want.

According to thebusinesswomanmedia.com, “If something seems impossible, being stubborn can mean you have a ‘never say quit’ attitude and won’t until you find a solution.”

For me, when scheduling conflicts appeared for my second semester this year, I kept trying to fit what classes I wanted up until the last day of school before winter break. I had been fighting to add AP Psychology into my schedule after taking Introduction to Psychology first quarter, and with the help of my sweet counselors, everything got figured out as first semester came to a close. I fought for my education and what I wanted to do.

Being stubborn has also helped me in loving my friends well, even when they’re upset with me. I’ve made some mistakes this year, but haven’t we all? When my friends were upset, it wasn’t in my heart to let it be. I had to apologize and try my best to fix my mistakes. I fought for my friendships.

According to a personal account shared on theodysseyonline.com, “Being in tune with your morals, your values, and the things that you believe in will bring you a far distance. With being stubborn, I have become a person that has been able to stay true to myself and I am so proud of that.”

One last lesson stubbornness has taught me is that I should always be looking forward. If I mess up, I can dwell on my mistake, or I can look ahead to what my next move should be. To me, this is similar to the cliché of controlling what you can and not worrying about everything else. I fight for what I can for my future and my well-being.

According to Forbes.com, “Stubborn is not resting on what you did last quarter, last month, last week. It is what you do next.”

Although being stubborn requires more work on your part, I urge you to pursue what you truly want. At the end of the day, it’s always worth the extra effort. It’s your life, and you should have the largest voice in what it’s like.

Homeschooled sophomore Kelley Dunn said, “…working hard and living out what you believe in will never reap a bad outcome. Despite our personalities, shy or outspoken, it often is essential at some point in life that we are bold with our beliefs. You never know the impact it can have on the world.”

In all, it’s wise and reasonable to be stubborn for what matters to you. Take a risk and go for it. Fight for what you really want.