Don't believe those old stories you (and others) have been telling yourself. 

Don't believe the ones who tell you not to work too hard; to go easy on yourself. 

Unless.

Unless you will be completely satisfied with a lesser outcome than the pursuit of and achievement toward your dreams. No regrets, just less stress and more comfort.

If that’s what makes you happiest, then that’s where you need to be.

But IF, in your heart you know that you’re here to do more, then don’t shortchange yourself or your years, no matter how hard or how long.

As you move toward a dream, the dream moves toward you.

~Julia Cameron, artist, author, novelist, journalist, teacher