So this blog may trigger people, whilst others may completely disagree with it but here goes. Going off from my vLloOG, today I want to talk about the things that influence us and how we tend to live our life based on what others say or do and the 'greener grass' they present. (This is more geared towards the value we hold in motivational people and influencers).
So I was talking to my mentor a few days ago and I spoke to her about xyz, who was the typical person who would motivate young people and help them network and get careers, which is all fine, and I told her how I wanted to do something, career wise, like xyz and my mentor said:
Young people love to follow what other people are doing but do not realise that xyz is making a profit from motivating and inspiring us with a 'greener grass'
To make this easier to understand let me paint a picture of someone under the influence of xyz:
- They neglect their studies on the basis of the world caring more about the extra things we have to offer to stand out so subsequently goes to every networking and work experience event under the sun and are probably the people who post motivational posts on Instagram on a daily basis
Don't get me wrong, seeking these opportunities are good, but we need to think about substance.
Like I said in the video, these top students took what was happening or what they witnessed in their lives and sought to do something about it, and from there, sought to help others and give them opportunities. However, the result should not be a desire to mirror their lives but to seize these opportunities, 'wise words' and platforms given and do something of our own, under our own influence.
The army of xyz's has grown so much that they have become indistinguishable, there is nothing that is making stand out.
(Moreover, if you began to mirror xyz more and more, people will constantly be comparing you to them, when they see you they will see them. So if people believe you are not as 'good' as zyx, that is an automatic judgement on your head)
Which is where substance comes in. If you choose to be passionate about anything and everything, and nothing all at the same time, you will find yourself scattered, probably doing many little things, which offer a temporary form of self-gratification.
But what was a corresponding theme for the black students is that they had 'one' passion and the ran with it.
From a young age, they had their eye on mental health issues, helping the black community, providing relief and healthcare for their home countries and it is from this 'build up', this long-existing vision that they were able to build something great from that 'one' passion.
I'm not saying you have to think of what you want to do from the beginning of time, because many people do not get these passions or visions until even well into their adult life! But if what you want to do is anything and everything in the name of being an xyz then evaluation is needed.
I feel like in this generation, more young people are becoming trail-blazers and world-changers and I wish nothing less for any of you, but this must come from not a you seeking to mirror others’ lives, but a you that is in focus of their own abilities, their own environments and their own passions.
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"There are two parts to influence: First, influence is powerful; and second, influence is subtle. You wouldn't let someone push you off course, but you might let someone nudge you off course and not even realise it".- Jim Rohn
"Influence is to be measured, not by the extent of surface it covers, but by its kind". - William Enery Channing
"You don't have to be a "person of influence" to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they've taught me". - Scott Adams
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