In the words of DJ Khaled: “they don’t want you to succeed.”
Aside from his eccentric character and aggressive social media output, I resonate with Khaled on some of the things he says.
Let’s be real, nobody cares for your success more than you…your job isn’t to convince anyone why it’s you who deserves the lime light, because you’re not entitled to it. That’s right, you heard me. You’re not entitled to shit. The only thing you OWN is the work, work, work, and work. People eventually don’t have a choice, but to notice your hustle and results. That’s why execution is the name of the game and not talk.
When I started making motivational-type videos and writing inspirational blogs people didn’t really take me seriously. Even with my newly launched podcast (Let’s Grab Coffee), people still don’t take me seriously. Every time I meet someone who’s inquisitive about what I do, they ask me why? why are you doing all of this? ….as if though I have a hidden agenda.
Let me be VERY clear about why I do what I do and why I don’t care whether you like it or not:
Aside from the fact that there’s more to life than my 8-5 job, and I love, have passion for, and really enjoy doing side projects (creating output, producing things)…I genuinely receive tremendous joy from making other people feel good and giving other people hope. It gives me a sense of higher purpose when I am able to motivate someone who may be going through a rough patch in their life, to stop complaining and start doing something to change. That one email, message, text, snap, comment that someone leaves thanking me for the video/or blog provides fuel to all my engines. It is those people who in turn give me a sense of importance, that my existence means something not just to myself, but to those around me. That’s the spiritual reason of why I do it.
Let me also be VERY clear: the reason why I position myself this way, is because I realize that the only brand I own, is the name on the back of my jersey, my name. My actions, my behaviours, my content…that’s all me. I also know that I’m doing this now to be able to leverage all the output I’ve produced over the years to write a book for example, or start a show…because I’ve put in the time, I’ve paid my dues, I’ve responded to every comment, I’ve thanked every follower, I’ve been there for my friends when they needed me etc…
Let me also share something with you. Most times, people that laugh at you for trying to pursue the things you love are so INSECURE about themselves that they have to exude this attitude/behaviour outwards on you to make themselves feel better (without having to deal directly with their inner problems…because that’s much harder). So instead of reciprocating the hate and ridicule…I empathize…with all my heart because I understand what it feels like to be in pain…I understand what it’s like to cry your heart out…trust me I’ve been there. That’s also why I produce this content, to help myself stay strong, remain on the right path, stay productive, live life to the fullest and help others in the process (self-interest vs. selfishness…checkout my YouTube video on this).
So look…I’ll leave you with this: YOU have to be your biggest fan, your biggest cheerleader, your biggest supporter. Don’t expected anything from anyone and just live your life the way you want to. Yes, it’s easier said than done…but when is anything easy anymore? it’s a difficult world out there….so what! suck it up and stop wasting time. Close your laptop, and get shit done.
The next time you see a hater, stop by and say: “Congratulations, you played yourself.”
Another one – DJ Khaled
