"It's the possibility that keeps me going, not the guarantee"; UVA Favorite Word

"It's the possibility that keeps me going, not the guarantee." -Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
Possibility. That's what keeps me holding onto hope. That's what keeps me chasing after my dreams. That's what keeps me living.
A simple hope turns into a flame as I aspire to accomplish my goals with the mindset of possible.
As I was growing up, I was raised to be obedient, always listening and taking into heart the words of others. I grew up with the mindset of reality and expected myself to know what I was capable or incapable of. Constantly afraid of failure, I never dared to dream of the impossible; I never tried to accomplish a goal scarcely out of my reach. Abruptly, that came to a stop with a simple conversation from my father.

He was the first to recognize the timidity of my heart and the unwillingness to strive for greater accomplishments. He sat me down and explained that even the most successful people have gone through multiple failures to be where they are now. "Failure is a necessary step to become great." Those words are still engraved in my memories today and will stay there forever.

I have learned that failure isn't something that I should run away from. It is something I should run toward. Failure is what helps goals and dreams become possible. Results that I would have never thought possible became to occur as I thought I was capable of anything. In just two months of training, I had blended from a novice skater to a nationally ranked skater, third in the nation. I had excelled in my studies and had won a popular essay contest. Those simple five minutes that my father spoke had changed my mindset and therefore changed my future.

That is why my favorite word is possible. I use it to encourage others to chase their own dreams and accomplish feats deemed impossible. Possible beats impossible everytime.

.... flame? I feel it is too strong and does not really go with your idea. This is what I suggest;
A simple hope turn into a determination as I aspire to accomplish my goals with the mindset of "possible".
As I was growing up, I was raised to be obedient, always listening to others and taking into heart their words of others.

Thank you so much!!! I do agree. Does the rest flow well???