It’s easy to give up after one failed attempt at pursuing your dreams or be intimidated by the sheer magnitude of it and not try at all, but these celebrities prove that seeing things through the end will one day pay off. We list down men and women who have worked long and hard hours, faced countless rejections, and shed blood, sweat, and tears—some even literally—to get to where they are today. Click through the gallery to read about their backstories and be inspired to finally do something about your life.

(Photo courtesy of Megan Young's Instagram account)