"You gotta be hungry!"

Being "hungry" isn't about literal hunger—it's about having a burning desire to achieve something. When you're hungry, you have a drive that pushes you to go after your goals with everything you've got. It's that inner fire that keeps you moving forward, even when things get tough.

The phrase "You gotta be hungry!" was famously popularized by motivational speaker Les Brown. He grew up in poverty and struggled academically, but he didn't let that stop him. He wanted more from life—he was hungry for success. This hunger drove him to keep learning, to keep pushing, and eventually, to become one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world.

Let's talk about a real-life example. Think about Oprah Winfrey. She was born into poverty, faced numerous hardships, and experienced significant personal challenges. But she was hungry. Oprah's hunger for a better life led her to work tirelessly in her career. She didn't just want to be a news anchor; she wanted to create her own media empire. And she did. Today, she's one of the most influential women in the world. Her story shows what can happen when you're truly hungry for something—you find a way, no matter what.

So, how can you apply this idea in your own life? First, identify what you’re truly passionate about. What is it that you can't stop thinking about? Then, channel your hunger into action. Set clear goals, create a plan, and start working towards them every day. Don't let setbacks discourage you. Use them as lessons to grow stronger. Remember, being hungry means you're always looking for ways to improve, to get better, to reach that next level.

Imagine you're a young artist who dreams of having your work displayed in a prestigious gallery. You might start by showcasing your art in local cafes or community centers. Maybe the first few places you approach say no. Don't let that stop you. You're hungry, remember? Keep creating, keep improving, keep networking. Eventually, you'll catch a break. Maybe a local art critic sees your work and writes a glowing review. From there, your art catches the eye of a gallery owner, and suddenly, you're on your way.

This hunger isn’t just for big dreams—it works in everyday scenarios, too. Say you're training for a marathon. The early morning runs, the sore muscles, the times when you just want to give up—it’s your hunger for crossing that finish line that keeps you lacing up your shoes and hitting the pavement.

Think about it like this: if you're not hungry, if you don't have that intense desire, it's easy to fall into a comfort zone. You might start to accept mediocrity because it's safe and familiar. But hunger pushes you out of that zone. It makes you take risks, put in extra effort, and keep chasing your dreams even when they seem out of reach.

So, what's it going to be? Are you going to let life happen to you, or are you going to be hungry and go after what you want? The choice is yours.