Accepting one’s failings, rather than being tortured by them, is a self-respect starting point. Appreciating your intrinsic value is “a discipline, a habit of mind that can never be faked but can be developed, trained, coaxed forth,” Didion wrote.
Many people want something more for themselves. They have dreams and ambitions. Yet, few of these people ever get what they intended. Being ambitious isn’t enough. Far more important than ambition is commitment.