Level up.

These two little words have been circling my brain for at least a week now.

Level up.

It sounds like something to do with gaming or, I don't know, Pokemon Go, but I know nothing about either of these things. In fact, I'm not sure where I heard the phrase, or in what context, but I know what it means to me: taking control, and becoming the best possible version of myself.

I'm trying to level up in all aspects of my life at the moment; my style, my health and fitness, my career. In moments when I'm feeling a little bit gloomy, unmotivated or down in the dumps, these words remind me that at any time, I have the power to change things for myself. To get up, to make things better, to put in the effort and hard work it takes to get to where I want to be. If I'm feeling blue, I just have to work harder at whatever it is that's getting to me. I have to level up. Because I'm the only one who has that kind of power over my own life.

I'm a huge advocate of the phrase "comparison is the thief of joy". Wishing you had what someone else has, or wishing you were more like them, is never going to make you happier. More than one person can be beautiful, successful or clever. We have to work on ourselves, and be the best we can be. Focus on our own stuff.

But still, it's so easy to compare ourselves to other people. The blogging/youtuber world is full of beautiful and successful people, amazing girls (and boys) who have so much going for them. On days when I'm makeup-free, wearing my old leggings and writing for hours and hours and hours in my apartment, I can feel like I'm not getting anywhere. Like I'm not good enough.

And then I remind myself - if I want to get somewhere, I have to work for it. Hustle. Level up. Our dreams only work if we do. And so I put on a full face of makeup, a good outfit, and drink a big old coffee. And then I get on with it.

I'm not sure how well I explained that, but we all have different little phrases and ideas that motivate us. What are yours?