Every unforgettable person that “stays with you” in your life has a personal brand, a unique signature. To be iconic, the label must be consistent and enduring. If there is some flaw in the line, it is easily identified. We often notice “up and coming” movie stars, for example. When we watch their films, we are usually struck by their sensitivity and erudition. What a shock at a later date, when they are interviewed, to see that they are of shallow intellect. There is truly nothing there. It was quite literally, all an act. The individuals represented in their films do in no way embody the real person. But, to be fair, they are uneducated artists after all.
This is perhaps why the celebrated, professionally trained actors and actresses are such powerful personalities — Humphrey Bogart, (1) Rita Hayworth (2) or thespians of this caliber. This posits the question, “What makes a person real; what stylizes his personal brand?” I would like to discuss only positive personalities, the world seemingly awash with a plethora of negative or evil ones. They don’t interest us here! Someone that you looked up to and revered, say your grandfather – my grandfather – had a selection of traits that gave his life meaning, and made it notable and epic to others.
First, he was “real.” By this, I mean that he experienced the trials and tribulations of life that we all encounter. In his life, however, he suffered an overabundance of heartache. He received so much pain that the average person would have “broken’ and acquiesced to an unfulfilled life. Western slums are filled with the failed. (3) The stories and the lessons that he related were thus fully lived: he was not a “trifler” on the road of life – and his journey had no end. His memory lives on. Second, he acted morally in the face of adversity. He behaved appropriately even when he could have benefited from some “sleight of hand” (4) or dubious deal. Finally, he believed – as Gandhi did – that his life was his mission. In other words, all his pain and suffering gave us lessons in endurance, humility, and strength — tutoring we that we could learn from.
Thus, my personal brand must, at a minimum, embody three things: my marque must be honest and continuous in every circumstance; it must act in an ethical and honorable way and it must be strong – even when faced with overwhelming odds.
The great Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius (5) leaves us with a thought: You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.
A closing thought: At present, due to the Corona Virus, we are faced with interesting challenges that could be extrapolated to life in general. We all know that we are temporal and finite beings in this reality – regardless of our religious beliefs. We will one day cease to exist. When we fully comprehend this, we are faced with the fear of death or, conversely, the challenge of life. We can be terrified little creatures waiting to die or bold and magnificent spirits wanting to grow and contribute to ourselves and society. The choice is up to each of us. I choose the latter. That is what my grandfather would have done and wanted for each of us.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about our personal brand and its qualities.
To be noted: From Benjamin Franklin (6) — Wish not so much to live long as to live well.
Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+upturned+glass+youtube
For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkIi68Ijk8I
This week on your thoughtful walk, please reflect on what are the qualities of your personal brand.
Every day look for something magical and beautiful.
Quote: We decide the quality of life we want to lead; it is an interior and not an exterior journey.
Footnotes:
1) https://www.britannica.com/biography/Humphrey-Bogart
2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_Hayworth
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV0lsiEyDgI&ab_channel=StrongandBeyond
4) Here the term means deception and dishonesty.