How many people are living your life? Two, three, four, a hundred?
Sooner or later, you realize that there’s only one person who can live your life. And when that happens, things radically improve. Unfortunately, some only come to this realization in old age, and then they have regrets. They feel like life was empty, as if it followed someone else’s script.
You! - just one person can live your life
So, the central question you must ask yourself is, on what basis does your sense of self-worth rely?
There are two options.
Option one: It’s rooted in your deep self-awareness because you know who you are, what you’ve achieved, and where you’re going. Great.
Option two: You live off the affirmations of others when they tell you that you’re successful and attractive, when they praise you, when they like and share your posts.
If it's not clear, here's another test. What all do you do to be liked by others?
Option one: You search within yourself to find the energy and uniqueness that is exclusively yours. Excellent.
Option two: You buy clothes so that people will say you look good, you take pictures by the sea that will get lots of likes, you say only what sounds nice and what people want to hear.
I hope the answer was clear both times – option one.
If not, it's time for a change.
Furthermore, when you live your life in a way that seeks to please the eyes of others, your life will remain empty. It will be merely a copy of society’s general expectations.
All successful people in the world, not just in business, became successful by realizing their potentials and writing a story that is uniquely theirs. To put it in business terms, they knew how to differentiate themselves. It’s quite clear – think about what you remember – it’s not what’s entirely similar to others. You remember what stands out from the average. What’s unique.
For example, take a look at Richard Branson – he’s a great example of the power of uniqueness. He’s not ashamed of anything, and he’s not afraid of what people will think. Besides that, he’s an excellent salesman and showmaker. For instance, once, to promote his airline, he dressed up and did makeup like a female stewardess and served passengers on a flight.
But nobody knows about them anymore [few years later]...
When I was in Belgrade this summer, I went to an exhibition with photos of young people from the years after World War II. The photos showed beautiful, smiling people in their twenties and thirties, most of whom are probably now deceased. While looking at those pictures, I thought – look at how many people are in these photos. But nobody knows about them anymore. And it was important only for them to live life to the fullest and according to their own script. They had no influence on me or you. Then I thought about the most famous people from over 100 years ago. Do you know who Andrew Carnegie was? Well, don’t worry if you don’t. Most people don’t know him. But, beware, he was the richest person on Earth over 100 years ago. He was the man who practically controlled the entire steel industry.
We don't know even who was #1 100 years ago... Well - time goes on...
Can you imagine – we’re so focused on our lives and the time we live in that we don’t even know about the richest and possibly most influential person from just 100 years ago. That’s not very long ago. You see, most likely, in over 100 years, not many people will know about Elon Musk. Even though he is constantly a subject of debate today.
Be yourself
The main message is as follows: live your life. Be yourself. Don’t think you’re successful when others say you are. Don’t think you’re beautiful when others say you are. Don’t think you’re worthy when others say you are. Don’t let the expectations of others dictate your life.
And if you’re preoccupied with this – you must know that the problem is not in other people. The problem is in you. You’ve placed your value on the wrong foundation.
And one more thing to finish – which is often a mistake, especially among successful people. I’ve made this mistake in the past as well. So, people often have the mistaken belief that more business and financial success will bring more human respect and better relationships. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Read various studies on this topic. Often, the opposite happens.
Think about it, it’s entirely logical. If you have issues in your relationships, whether in love or friendship, you won’t improve them by becoming more successful in business. Just as you won’t solve weight problems by becoming better at math. The two aren’t connected. Better relationships with people and more mutual respect will be achieved by respecting people and working on good relationships.
It’s time to live your life and realize your potential. Be unique.
Take the reins into your own hands.
Only one person can live your life.
