Work on Yourself — You’ll Thank Yourself Later

Work on Yourself — You’ll Thank Yourself Later

Working on yourself is the best thing you could ever do for yourself.

I wish someone had told me that sooner. Maybe I wouldn’t have understood it back then — being young makes you a little naïve, doesn’t it? You don’t really think about your future self — not in a personal, emotional way. You think about the degree, the job, the house, the travels… all the “big” milestones. But you rarely stop to think about you — your peace, your mindset, your emotional intelligence, your ability to stay grounded when life gets loud.

The truth is, to thrive in any role — whether it’s as a student, an employee, a manager, a spouse, or even just a friend — you need to be tuned in with yourself. You need to know who you are, what you value, what calms you, and what drains you.

In the pursuit of success, we often forget what it takes to stay sane in a world that moves fast — and sometimes feels like it’s moving against you. Being abroad, for example, can easily put you in survival mode. You’re trying to adjust, fit in, find a job, stay on top of school, and still remember who you are. But survival mode isn’t meant to be permanent, when it lasts too long, you stop living, and start just… existing.

When you stay in survival mode too long, you forget that life is meant to be experienced — not just endured. You forget to dream, to breathe, to be proud of how far you’ve come. You just keep swimming so you don’t sink. But you can only do that for so long before you start losing yourself.

And it’s not just students abroad — it happens when you’re working too. You give so much of yourself to your job or studies that you forget to nurture the person behind the effort. But here’s the thing: when the world quiets down, when everyone goes home and the noise fades — all you really have is yourself.

So work on that person. Ask yourself the hard questions. Be kind to yourself when you fall short. Stay consistent with your small habits — they add up. Speak life into your dreams. Find your peace — whether that’s through faith, prayer, journaling, movement, or silence.

Being abroad will test you in many ways. There will be moments you’ll feel like you’re not doing enough, not fitting in, or just barely surviving — but remember: you’re not alone, and this season is shaping you into someone stronger, wiser, and more grounded.

To my fellow international students — don’t let life abroad become a never-ending loop of survival. You are not here just to “get by.” Take moments to live. Go for a walk after class and talk to yourself kindly. Reflect on the day. Practice gratitude. Call your parents. Laugh with your friends. Remember: you are safe, you are growing, and you are doing better than you think.

Because dreams don’t work unless you do — and that applies not just to your goals, but to you. You deserve peace, progress, and joy — but you have to put in the work, gently and consistently.

So start today. You got this.