Focusing on Legacy

Last week Friday was a landmark day for me personally as it was my first public speaking engagement, which came at a bit of a surprise especially as the brand is just over a year old. I knew eventually there would come a point where I will do talks and interviews. It was a great learning experience especially as I'm naturally an intervert and quite. I was super nervous about speaking to a group of 17 year old students. I'm not a shy person, more the quietly confident type, I just don't like being the centre of attention, hence why I like that I don't have to be the face of the brand but I understand that people want to know the person behind the brand and accept that. I find it super appealing that Phil Knight, the founder of Nike probably doesn't get noticed much in public yet everyone wears the brand he created.

It was great doing the talk & workshop with the students, it is definitely a highlight of 2017, the fact the students were inspired by my journey is very humbling and a reminder to myself to always share my experiences as it can potentially be helpful to others and bring them value, even if it buts me in an uncomfortable position (hopefully I will get used to public speaking the more I do it).  It was an honour to part of it all and share the stage with other great young entrepreneurs who are where I aspire to be.

For the talk I spoke about legacy, breakdown why I focus on legacy and why young people who aspire to build something should because it emphasises focusing on what you want to be remembered for, thinking long term and your end goal. Making your daily decisions with your vision in mind, which will help you stay motivated and dedicated because the process is difficult and can be overwhelming but you have to remember why you do it and what you are aspiring to build. Legacy is about perspective, seeing what life is really about and finding your purpose.  

The day was a great experience in which I get a bit of insight into what it's like being 17 in 2017. These kids are very self aware and trying to find themselves and their purpose a lot earlier then when I was that age a decade ago. In the social media era it shows you what people around the world are doing and achieving which can put pressure on you to achieve when your youth is your biggest asset and you have time. It's important not to get too affective by the perceptions online and instead focus on finding yourself and your purpose. Focusing on legacy allows you to see the bigger picture and realise that this is a marathon and not to get dragged into short term behaviour, instead make decisions based on your end goal. Legacy..... 

Self awareness

The reason self-awareness is so key is because society can usher you to believe you need to be this or have that.

In 2018 you must have a personal brand to grow your business, you must have a big following on Instagram & Snapchat, you must do this and that. How about understand yourself, know what you are good at, do what you are good at and work hard. In an era where so much focus is on the amount of followers, popularity & numbers, never underestimate just plain old raw talent which was rooted in being self aware and knowing who you are and what your gift is.

Just because something is on trend doesn't mean it's for you, it might be, but it might not be.

Not everyone is supposed to be a YouTube star or vlogger but people see that other people are finding success and trying to do it but maybe it's not in your character and nature to be a vlogger or an entrepreneur. Self-awareness is the key. What makes it seem attainable because the reward is high but the application seems simple enough until you try it and you may realise it takes a lot work and dedication, and it's if not you, it's difficult and if it is for you the market is saturated and you must be the best at it. Before everyone wanted to be rappers or athletes but that seemed and is very difficult because it's purely based on the principles or talent & hard work, also with athletes and rappers there is natural talent involved, Lebron was always going to be Lebron. You must also realise Casey Neistat was always gonna be Casey Neistat. Just because it seems easier to be a vlogger, and just because you pick up a camera and film yourself doesn't mean you will become Casey, just because you can pick up a basketball doesn't mean you will become Lebron. That doesn't mean you shouldn't pick something up. There is an art makinh something you are passionate it becoming a career. People should explore different things and try stuff they have a passion for.

However when you are self aware and know who you are, your intuition will tell you whether this is for you and what you are supposed to do for a living, what your career purpose is. Know thyself. 

Vision

The vision is to empower and motivate people, especially the next generation. It's important to understand your platform however big or small, we all have gifts and abilities capable of inspire someone, never take that for granted.

Channelling your why will always give you perspective, it will make you realise what really matters in life. The vision is always the key and should be the thing that dictates your decisions in life.

This drawing by 14 year old Melody is a reminder to us to always remember why this brand was created and what our vision is. #legacy

Take the stairs

Putting in the work will always get you where you need to go, it's the one variable that is completely in your control. No shortcuts or quick gains, take pride in going on the narrow path. The long road leads to great things. You must put in the effort to work hard and be dedicated because it means you are then in control what happens on your journey. Life has so many layers and aspect to it and  many in which you are not in control of so setting your goals and target then putting the work in and taking the steps towards achieving them is the most practical option.

Take the stairs because elevators break