The bad guy in all of this

Earlier today I started thinking about how books and movies are a lot like living life.

Each person is the star of their own show. Friends and acquaintances play supporting characters.

The main character's effort to reach their life's goals drive the plot. Life's twists, turns and challenges that keep each person from those goals make their story interesting.

If we're honest with ourselves, the most satisfying stories are the ones where the hero eventually overcomes the antagonist and finally gets the prize for which he/she has been striving.

But who are antagonists in your story? Who are the people with whom you deal that want to see you fail to achieve those goals?

For many, the honest answer to that question is the same person who stares back at them in the mirror every morning.

If that's the case in your story, I have both good news and bad news for you.

The good: You are just as strong as the villain in your story.
The bad: The villain in your story is just as strong as you.

Now, who's going to win - your hero or your villain?