We all want to be a badass. You may not think of it in those terms, but it’s true. You want to be a badass, even if you don’t realize it.

There are general connotations with that term. We associate it with being tough, or strong, or daring. We think of Navy Seals or fire jumpers or UFC fighters. But, the description doesn’t stop there. Anyone, regardless of their corner in the world, can earn this distinction. Anyone who tackles adversity, who shows grit, who dreams and achieves, can be a badass.

The kid who worked full-time and paid her way through college…badass. The fourth grade teacher who won “Most Inspiring Educator” in her district…badass. The empty-nester who decided to get in shape and ran a marathon…badass. Anyone who puts their mind to a task and sweats to achieve a goal is a badass.

You want to be a badass. Everyone does. We all want to stand out at something, but that something is different for all of us. Only you know what is important to you. Only you know the things you want to be good at.

Inside your world, you decide what’s interesting. You decide what’s cool, what’s fun, and what’s exciting. So, ask yourself? What things do you like? What things do you want to be better at? How would you feel if you became better at those things? From your perspective, what would make you feel like a badass?

Right now, there is a best version of you that exists within your mind. It’s that version of yourself that you don’t discuss with others. It’s the person you dream of being when you’re alone in the car. It’s that image you create during your long run when you feel like conquering the world. That’s the badass version of you, and he or she is out there waiting. You can decide to be that person. You don’t need permission.

I don’t want to oversimplify it, but I don’t want to over-complicate it either. Whatever your goal is, there is a path to achieving it. It might take a long time and it may take a lot of work, but that path starts somewhere and you can take your first step right now. You can decide who you want to be and then you can start becoming that person. Go be a badass. Go be a fucking badass. You owe it to yourself.