Perseverance is a choice. Not everyone has the ability to dig deep and find the strength within themselves to keep going when life puts up a road block. Curtis James Jackson III, widely known as 50 Cent, is one of the few.

50 Cent was born into an environment full of poverty and bloodshed. At age eight he had to overcome the loss of his mother. At 12, he was selling drugs and at 25 he was shot nine times. But he fought his way out to truly realize his potential and in 2007, was named the second wealthiest rapper in the industry by Forbes Magazine.

The rapper’s impressive rise to stardom could have easily been cut short by an early life of crime and violence. Instead, he came out on top.

However, even once he was successful, he still faced some hard times. In 2005, 50 Cent starred in a semi-autobiographical film called Get Rich or Die Tryin’ that was critically-reviled. Still, 50 Cent emerged relatively unscathed and even the blow to his acting career did not shake his confidence.

“The things I’ve been through made me the way I am today,” said 50 Cent in an interview with Ebony Magazine.  “After I got shot nine times at close range and didn’t die, I started to think I must have a purpose in life.”

Failure was never an option for 50 Cent. Like the title of his album and film suggest, he made sure that nothing would get in the way of his goals to become a successful music artist – not the loss of his mother, or a failed movie, or even a near-death experience.

50 Cent’s prolonged determination shows us that anybody can go from rags to riches, as long as you have the guts and the gumption.

The next time you’re faced with a difficult situation, whether it’s getting laid off, or coping with the loss of a loved one, do not let it hold you back and overshadow your goals. Instead, use it as inspiration to work harder to achieve your dreams.

Learn More:
50 Cent’s Top 10 Rules for Success