I used to be just like you — Don't worry, it gets better! Growing up I was a natural with math and science, and had sensitivity to the arts. I would often figu

I used to be just like you — Don't worry, it gets better! Growing up I was a natural with math and science, and had sensitivity to the arts. I would often figure things out before needing to be taught, and because of that I always felt more comfortable in the truths I _knew_ that I knew, not just the truths that I _believed_ I knew. I would get discouraged and frustrated when I wasn't able to use all of my intelligence to solve a problem, but was told over and over again: "Even though your answer is correct, since you didn't show your work or write down the formula using the exact model I showed you how can I tell you know the right answer?" and I would always answer, "Because if I didn't know the right answer my test wouldn't be the first to hit your desk and I'd still be working…" Fast forward to high school, same thing. Even in college I had a me-vs-teachers struggle where I fought to push the limits only to be told time and time again to stay within the lines and do what's right in front of me. Since graduating I've worked for a few companies, but for the last three years I've been self-directed. My income comes from large contracts and small freelance jobs and if I don't work - I don't get paid. The other cool thing now - if I can work smarter, I can make more money! So I would say that if you feel like your boss, your teacher, your leader, your '_x_' is holding you back - cut them out and _become_ that in your own life. You'll find the motivation to eat! Now I've flipped. The amount of hours I work in a day _directly_ relates to how much I take home. My freelance rate is also a multiple of my contract rate, so it's easy for me to work hard and literally take home _double_ that day. Now I don't have a motivation problem, I don't have enough hours in the day ;)