TO GARYVEE
M Y N O R T H S TA R
“It’s not about ideas. It’s about making them happen”
– G A R Y V AY N E R C H U K
T H E N O R T H S TA R I’ve spent some 26 years scrambling through life, living in the idea of things - that I knew who I was, or what I wanted, or where I was headed. Persistence being my other defining quality (I’ll say loyalty is the number 1), I’ve headed hard in the direction that my heart drove me in. Then something happened in the February of 2016 which has changed my life and the course of it. I became a practitioner of what I now know is my North Star - Gary Vaynerchuk. I’ve been involved (for lack of a better defining word) with GaryVee content for about 2 years now, but it wasn’t until then that I realized that THIS is my goal, my north star, my version of clouds. That inspired me to get down into the dirt - DO. One of the things he says that has really struck a cord with me is, “It’s not about ideas, it’s about making them happen.” Today my persistence and loyalty are aligned with my North Star, this passion for a vision so real and authentic. And miraculously, this allows me to get over “dumb shit”. Have I perfected this? No. Does that stop me? Hell No! Not being where I want to be only motivates me to try harder, do something more, something different. The North Star is constant - it doesn’t change, but you can!
INTENT If you want something, go for it. Period. Intent is everything, but so is intensity. I feel blessed to feel so passionately about something, something that drives me, makes me happy. When you are lucky enough to have found something so close to your heart, don’t let hesitation and doubt stop you from going after it. If you’re not going forward, you’re going backward. I’m beginning to believe a little more in my intent everyday. It’s only when you go all in on yourself that you will see the universe sending encouraging signs your way. The “secret” is simple - you have to put in the work. It’s not about how much you believe, it’s about what you do after it, the next step. Start out. Go in knowing who you are and how YOU will bring value.It took a while for me to narrow this down for myself. The answer - I have empathy and a love for words - I’m a writer, it’s what I do, what I love. Establishing this has allowed me to focus on my strengths and not disperse my energy. A lot of skills can be learned and honed, but it’s of a whole lot more value if you play to your strengths. Focus.
EXPERIENCE
It’s the only authentic connection. Yes it is unique to each individual, but it’s also the one thing that ties people together. Experience is what I want to share through my words, my writing. This feeling I feel as I look at the Manhattan skyline,I know for a fact is shared across so many human beings. It’s experience that builds a community, identity. It’s sharing of experience that sheds inhibitions, proliferates courage, binds ideas, builds stories. That’s where inspiration is born. Sometimes another’s experience makes your realize what you want, how you feel - it’s the most intimate form of human connection.
A C C E P TA N C E A 10 letter word, an infinite journey. More often that not, we live in the initial idea of things, people, ourselves. The real challenge is when we see a different version in reality. It takes courage to admit the truth to yourself, especially when it’s about yourself. Let me give you an example of this. I’ve always been a writer, probably ever since I could form sentences. But how much did I do to nurture this passion. Someone once said to me - you say you want to be a writer, but what are you doing about it? There was an important lesson learned. If I want to be a writer - I have to write. Not once in a while, but everyday. If I want to be known as a writer, I have to identify with it myself first, nurture my passion, hone my skill, grow my potential. I had the courage to see what I was lacking. I had to cross the bridge of acceptance to reach a place of execution, a land of opportunities. That’s when you realize, acceptance is the most liberating feeling - it frees you from the shackles of ideas and opinions. Now it’s up to you to take it from here, either backward as a cynic, or forward as an optimist.
HUSTLE The only controllable variable. The only word that matters. There can be two things fundamentally wrong with it. First, and what I think is most common - the glamor of “hustle”- the buzz word, the appeal. Once again a personal example - Although I’m all about the hustle, I’m not fully there yet. I’m probably at 60% of the things that I can accomplish in a day. The awareness of this is my first step to getting there. But for that, first you have to know what destination looks like to you, and second, you have to really want it. The glamor of hustle will only get you so far, maybe a meeting, maybe some sympathy, maybe a date! - but it will never get you to the real deal. Now secondly, and this is slightly uncommon, but again something I draw from myself - do the right hustle. You can’t go in not knowing what you really want. Save your energy for that - that’s what will take you the farthest, and in the most meaningful way. It’s like that quote where someone gives this analogy - if you put an mathematician among athletes, you’re going to think he’s an idiot. This bring me to the intersection of the two - with the right kind of hustle, you never have to worry about other people’s opinions, you never hustle to make a point to others, you don’t feel insecure about your hustle - you just keep going, trying, doing. And for that, you have your whole life.
OPPORTUNITY
Sometimes life forces you on paths you ought to have found yourself. That’s one way to look at it, and then there is carpe diem! As a product of both, I have come to realize that there are millions of opportunities all around at any given moment, there are a million ways to DO it. But YOU have got to decide. Excuses are waiting to present their case, and one can always argue that it isn’t the right time. Every indulgence in doubt is an opportunity lost. We have to stop thinking about the outcome and first starting doing. Seize the opportunity. What’s in it if you lose? Only a lesson learned. Then again 1 > 0 so I’d say you’ve still won.
AT T E N T I O N For a while in the beginning, when I had just started following GaryVee, I don’t think I fully understood what he meant when he said, “I day trade attention.” Today, when I’m an invested Vayniac, I realize what he truly means by it. It was probably when he said this in response to a question sometime this April that I truly realized what he meant “I’m all about attention. Snapchat just has it right now.” It’s not only about what’s hot and trending, it’s has to be combined with how relevant it is. Marketing for the year you are in. A simple, yet esoteric statement. If you are perceptive, you will pay attention to where the attention is at. And if you are a practitioner, you will engage with this attention. Because the bottomline really is that, this attention is our only asset in this overly crowded world. We live in a world of inauthentic authenticity - our only breakthrough is if we can tap into attention - and the only way to really make a connection is through authentic communication. Where is the pain and how can you help? Pay attention.
E X P E C TAT I O N 9 out of 10 people do things with the expectation of an ROI, be that in the form of money, time, or some other favor. I believe, this somehow adulterates the process before it even begins. My thought here splits into 2 folds - (1) you should do what truly makes you happy (2) it is then that you will do things without the expectation of any return. If you are self-aware and lucky enough to do something that makes you exceptionally happy every single day, you start building a legacy, a value, that no one else can replace. It’s natural in that case for people to expect from you, the thing to remember is that’s on them not you. You choose how you want to distribute this value, grow it. Sometimes you will be taken advantage of, but then again it won’t matter, because you’re simply doing the thing that makes you happy - nothing can dampen that. That my friend, is the true form of happiness. On that note, I want to say to you GaryVee - I have NEVER seen someone as selfless and genuine as you - and that makes so much sense because I’ve also never seen someone so passionate and happy about what they do. You inspire me every single day. These chapters are an outcome and a selfless effort - I want to write for you, and I love to write! Both of which make me happy :)
C U LT U R E It’s not where you come from, it’s who you are. I grew up in India, a country who’s history is filled with culture. I also grew up as the daughter of a psychologist instilling a curiosity to understand within me. This is intersection defines who I am today. Understanding the cultural code of a human being - why in thinks the way they do, why ones does things they do, and ultimately what drives them in life? Part of this journey has been understanding my own. A non-traditional family, an unconventional childhood. I drew my own meaning of culture. Today, 8000 miles away from home, I seem to have found my cultural roots in New York city - a city like no other, a code like none other. Here I sense culture in the air, a blend of hustle and eclectic stories. It’s not where you come from, it’s who you are, where you belong.
C R E AT I V I T Y
It’s a state of being. Sometimes you are born with it, sometimes its born within you. It can be inspired from the most inanimate objects or the most existential experiences. I’ve felt surges of it in the presence of my magnates, ones that draw me towards them from the core. The secret is to pay attention to these signals and let them draw you into a state of inspiration, ideation, creation. There is no such thing as bad creativity, except for no creativity at all. We each have to define ours. For me, I flourish in the company of challenge and vibrancy. Fear is my enemy. And my weapon - My impetus - to do, grow, learn - for my North Star!
DRIVE What drives you? A question frequently asked by GaryVee, a question that needs to be asked more frequently by each individual. For many, it is fear – something so easily planted with one tiny seed and which can outgrow into a manifestation clouding all other reason. For some, it’s hope for something better – the perfect illusion always just around the corner. For others it’s acceptance – feeling wanted, loved, needed – although there is enough room for everybody just as they are, isn’t there – different, yet together. For most it’s power – the smell of authority, fear, obedience. And yet what it really should be, and few are lucky to see it, is happiness, your own happiness – one that comes from a secure place within yourself, one that allows you to think, not follow thoughts, one that breeds positivity and growth, not subdue them, and above all makes your life better, this world better. A dream is a powerful thing. A dream with ambition is a goal, and the passion to achieve this is drive.
LOSING CONTROL There will comes times in one’s life where everything seems to spin out of control, like a whirlpool of chaos disrupting all harmony of the animate and the inanimate. The thing to remember in this moment is - there was never a real control you had over your life. 
 Again, the only controllable variable - hustle. Even in the greatest moments of disparity you have choice - a choice to respond vs react. If we could all just ask ourself this question in that very moment - how is going to bring any value? Taking a step back and looking at the macro picture allows you to get through the micro issues. Losing control isn't necessary a bad thing, it just means you have to pivot. In the words of Bruce Lee - be like water - mould, adapt, move ahead.
ALL IN Would you bet on yourself? Your instinct will give you the answer. It’s not just about intent, but also about intensity. Having a goal, and working toward achieving it are 2 very different things. Everyone likes the feeling of being inspired, although most get crippled with execution. Coming from a personal experience, when I realized that this is it, I need to back myself 100%, it gave me the momentum to execute. Yes, sometimes you need the external stimulus to make you realize what it is that you want, that drives you. For some it’s self awareness, for me, it is my North Star. Unlike an actual gamble, when you go all in on yourself, you really have nothing to lose. Victories pivot, and losses redefine learnings. All that matters is that your intent is pure and your effort is real - If you want something, go for it. Period.
HERO What makes one? My opinion - one who touches real lives and makes changes - be it 1 or 1 million. Gary Vaynerchuk - The first piece of content I watched was one of his keynotes, one in which he spoke about email open rates in 1999 as opposed to now Maybe it was the simplicity with with he spoke, or the authenticity, but that connection resonates within me a little more every day. As an active practitioner of Vaynerism, I feel intuitively connected with GaryVee. It’s almost like his thoughts align with exactly what I need to hear along a sporadic timeline. The only constant across it all - his authenticity - it’s what commands such deep revere, this all encompassing selfless love for him. When he says he wants you to win, you believe him, because he believes it. Results - Lives changed, VaynerNation confirms. P.S: To be in the presence of your hero, I close my eyes and I feel still experience the same exhilaration.
VISION You can’t teach it, you can express it. You can’t instill it, you can practice it. You can’t fake it, you can own it. I am NOT an entrepreneur by any means, but I own GaryVee’s vision. Realizing this has made me self-aware of a strength I didn’t know I had - one to go all in on something I believe in, even if I didn’t create it. This ties back to my thoughts on passion and drive, of doing what you love - that’s what make you happy. And if someone’s vision aligns with what makes you happy, it’s that right there you know - this is your mission. You are instrumental in the manifestation of this vision. That’s when it becomes grand, yet real, and worthy - a picture larger than life, yet what is now a way of your life.
PRACTICE
You may not master the art, but you may certainly master the practice. It’s the try, the effort, the will to learn, grow, do. Where is that curiosity? Do you really have it? Are you curious to know, or are you curious to grow? Is your practice a routine, or is it your challenge, your impetus? What are you satisfied with - that’s your answer for your practice. So until you find it, put in the work, practice - patience, skill, effort, intent. Practice makes you perfect? Practice makes you.
DECISION It could be as simple as making a choice. The consequences could be life changing. Yet every single moment you have to make this decision. Prolific choices, no right, no wrong. What most people don’t get is your attitude towards your decision plays a bigger role in the outcome, much bigger than you think. There’s only so much you can do to make an informed decision, and for the most part people will listen to their heart. Only the bold will have the courage to face the consequences. But the trick here is simply to make the decision, because in that moment of judgement, if you listen very carefully to what your gut is telling you, the choice will be made. That, my friends, is self-awareness. Flip side is limbo - an uncertain period of awaiting a decision, if you don’t make it, someone else will.
FEAR The crippler, the lure, the bait. How often in a person’s life does he encounter this Fear? From childhood He lurks, from under the bed to the back of our head. His face may change, and so may His form, but he’ll make sure he’s just around the corner, waiting for that one weak moment and BAM! He often brings along a bunch of his friends - Insecurities - they almost always crash on the couch if you let them in even once. And over a period of time, you will become so familiar of their presence that you almost think of Fear as your Protector. The one way to get out was not letting him in but with that as less of an option, your only weapon of defense is Happiness. Trust me it’s addictive. If you are happy doing what you do, and if you are lucky enough to be good at it, you’ve won. No fear, no insecurity, no opinion can bring you down. So instead of living in the shadow of fear, go forth and find your sunshine, your happiness.
POSSIBILITY
What are the chances? What is the guarantee? So many questions, so much pondering. But as a wise man once said, pondering is squandering. Why do we always forget that now’s all we’ve got? So DO more in this moment! If you are brave enough to dream it, be courageous enough to do it! Because beyond the doubt of a possibility, is the infinity of possibility itself. Seize every opportunity, give it your best shot. And you know, with the power of execution you CAN turn that possibility into an ability. Awaken it. Own it. Do it. Like the saying goes, “ Because you are alive, everything is possible.”
CURIOUS Why? Possibly the most important word in the English dictionary. The mind who dares to ask why, is a mind to be mindful of. It questions the question itself, and seeks and answer beyond the obvious. Why accept status quo? Why be a part of the run of the mill? Why do you just do what you’re told when you can know what you’re being asked to do? Is there a better way? How will you know if you don’t question what is? A good answer should evoke a new question - a why, a reason, a meaning, a purpose. That’s what strategy is right? A path of answers, a justification of whys? I used to think that curiosity is innate to all, but how wrong was I - why? Because most people are settlers, comfortable in mindless directives. But reachers, we have a power - we make curiosity contagious. Why? Why not?!
D E D I C AT I O N
10 letter word. A lifelong promise. It’s the one thing you need to know your real passion, to grow your real passion, to live your real passion. Dedication is what makes the journey. It’s what happens when no one is looking. It’s the real deal. Yes you have to be inspired, and yes you have to be motivated, and of course you have to hustle - but the one key ingredient that makes it all real is dedication. What are you willing to give your life to? What will be the priority? What will always take precedence? What will make you do the right thing? The one devotion - the pledge you make, the purpose you surrender to, the one that will drive you and not the one you drive? Dedication - a lifelong journey, a life’s purpose.
REFORM
Fight or perish. Perish or survive. To be who you want to be. Break free from the shackles of mediocrity and distractions. Of fleeting relationships and people. Of fleeting feelings, induced and aroused. Give YOUR life a chance, the respect it deserves. Get started and DO. Give it all that matters. Go beyond words now. It’s time to perform. The curtain has risen. Will you act to reform?
FIGHT
But it’s their job to hold you down, they are just playing their part. This world, the people, your people. When will you play yours? When will you rise to the challenge? Put up a fight? This fight that will cost you blood and sweat and tears, and yet the taste of it will be so liberating that all of it will be worth it. The fight which is the process, the process that makes the journey, the journey that is bigger than the goal. Fight to achieve that, to live life on your own accord, not to prove to others but simply to exhibit - what winning looks like. The fight that will have many losses, the fight against things that are expected, the fight that is sometimes against your own self for your own self.
CHALLENGE
What do you do in the face of challenge? In most cases it’s one of two things, you either look for excuses, or solutions. The value of the prize that comes with the challenge is what determines what way you take. The prize though, has to seem enticing enough to get out of your comfort zone. Because isn’t that why most people find any excuse to avoid a challenge? Comfort? To those who cannot rest in mediocrity, to those who cannot wait to do something, to those who feel that fire within, to them I say, go out and seek the challenge, chase it, pursue it, and conquer it. But whatever you do - DO.
EXCUSE
Easy. Inviting. Fleeting. An excuse is like that person at the bar, the one you simply know you can take home with you, and you won’t even have to work it. The definitive success is what makes it so appealing to most. And while you might end up having a good night, you know it will never last. Morning will come and there you will be back to square one, naked and hungry. So while you may think you won, and you may even smile for a moment - it will never feel like a win. And that my friend, is how the story of every excuse ends. Don’t get trapped by ease. Choose effort over excuse, because the fruit that effort bears is like the taste of warm homemade pancakes that you will wake up to, after a night of sweet effort.
WANT
I want to be on your team. That’s what I want. But it doesn’t stop there. When I first felt this, it was probably just a want. But slowly it evolved into becoming not just a part of my life, but me. I started seeing meaning in what I was doing. I started seeing what I wanted from this want - moreover what this want meant for me. I want to be on your team - what does this mean for me, more importantly what does this mean for you. I extract the experience into an articulated elixir - a powerful story. This is my purpose. My purpose is meaningful if it is combined with a powerful vision. Hence, I need to be on your team. My want is actually a need for purpose.
101 Inside your Heart, Brain, and Soul. Inside you. YOU. The man. The reason. The force. You stay real so you feel real. You mean it so we believe it. Your truth is hustle and your core selfless. I’ve never seen someone with so much good heartedness. Your words, they resonate because there’s a belief in your eyes, your smile, hell even your cursing has emotion, How can one not get fired up? How can one not not be a part of VaynerNation? Just a moment in your presence has given me positivity for a eternity, You are my North Star, will always be I will make this a reality Give you my life, my effort, my loyalty, Just me give one chance - Please GaryVee!
Y E S T E R D AY
There is no such thing. Yesterday is the past, which is over, finished, hence nonexisting. If you looked at it in this simple manner, your urge to live there would no longer be valid. Forward would be the only way. And why is that a bad thing? You move, you go on, you pivot, you change paths, you learn more, you grow. You may not have planned it this way, but it still happened. Because you did. Now how would any of it happen if it was still yesterday?
G R AT I T U D E I thought so many thoughts about what I had to lose, I thought so much about losing it. But then I realized how lucky I am to have something that I fear losing. In one word - grateful. For years I lived in the unknown, not knowing meaning, or purpose. Now I live in the purpose of my meaning every day. And every day I try, I fight, I get fired up, I do. For this journey, I’m grateful. For this purpose I’m grateful. For knowing you, I am grateful. For you, I am grateful. Maybe I’m not doing something right, but I’m grateful for the opportunity to even try, I’m grateful to live to try, to live in this day and age to be able to try, I’m grateful for this drive to try. And this gratitude is the reason I will never give up.
C O M M U N I C AT I O N
Talk, speak, communicate, emote, express - Do it! As humans, you would think that speech and language is our leverage, our strength. We hear time and again that good communication solves problems before they are even created. And yet the biggest fears we live in today are because of the lack of this very communication. Speak up, have that talk, reach out to that person, say hello to a stranger, bring those words from your mind to your mouth. Make your communication your conversation. Share, and you’ll feel the joy of sharing. But most importantly, bringing that thought to life, will free up room for more thoughts, better ideas, even actions, and therefore growth.
DREAM
You taught me not to dare to dream, but to dare to do. You said it’s not just about intent, but intensity - nothing valuable comes fast, and so you taught me patience and perseverance. You taught me the value of value itself - the real meaning. You taught me self awareness, and so you gave me purpose - for that I am grateful. You showed me your effort, your hustle, and I learned persistence. But above all you taught me it’s not about ideas, it’s about making them happen. How badly do you want it? Yes a dream is a powerful thing, if you put in the effort. So am I willing to bleed out of my eyes for it? Hell YES!! Like you said - 1 LIFE - And mine is yours!!!
ACCESS
The way to enter, the means to obtain. Present or acquired, yes access is required. It’s a result of trying, but also a blessing of time - a time in which you are born, a time in which you are breathing, living, and more importantly doing. It’s the privilege of connection, and today that’s the internet, a medium, a system, a network of possibilities - possibilities of connections, conversations, and contacts, of stories being shared, of strategies and tacts, of dreams coming true, of fame out of the blue, all within reach of this access anew. Oh what all you can do! Question is - will you?
PERSEVERANCE
Most people look at success today and aspire to achieve it overnight. But success is part of a journey , one that started several hundreds of hours ago - with an idea, a passion, a determination. It grew with every passing moment of effort, became stronger with intent, and manifested into the reality of life with intensity. This journey which became the foundation of success, which faced several moments of failure, but ultimately overcame them, which tasted the losses and and yet rose to the occasion, with persistence and courage - this came to be known as perseverance.
COMPETITION Who are you competing with? Who do you want to beat, win against? The whole world may lose to you, but did you win against yourself? Are you better than yourself yesterday? There’s enough room for everybody to win on their own accord, and also enough pressure to push you out of the race. But that’s the secret of competing - it’s really about winning your own race, against yourself. Like training for a marathon - you can’t be at the start and compete against the Olympic record, you have to beat your own time, try harder with each attempt. That is real competition, one that fosters growth, one that never ends, because you can always push your own limits, redefine your win, your challenge against yourself.
OFFER
If someone were to offer me the act in action, the moment where you disappear into the state of execution, spiral into doing for the pure love of motion, the sense of addiction - of that moment, that sensation, do over and over with a real devotion, that feeling, that connection - if someone would offer me such predilection, what would I have to offer - my 100% attention.
YOU
What makes you, you? Can you really answer this? Can you really be that person? Can you really be that person in front of the whole world? When the spotlight shines, will you uncover this persona? Or will you hide in the image this world created, the one that you’re so comfortable behind of? Will you let yourself suffocate in the smoke of others opinions? Or will you rise from the dirt, reach your head out into the clouds of your own desires and manifestations?
GRIND
It’s real, it’s routine, it’s a way of your life. You wake up to the smell of fresh ambition in the morning, eye on the goal, inspiration in your mind. You put in the work day after day, you watch, you learn, listen, observe, imbibe - you take it all back with you, into your plan, the next day you wake up, plan bigger and grand. You see no criticism, only feedback it is, take in all that’s valuable, and hustle on to the finish. And even when you get there, you go on and on, because the grind is real and your goals have risen on. You love it, you live it, and that’s why you grow, and once you learn to grow, the grind is all you know.
MIND
Levels of particles, yet together a whole world. It’s where thoughts are born, reside, also die. It has the power to drive, as well as decide, but also forget and easily suppress. A mind is all you need to conceive an idea, a great one will be a stage for execution, making it real, that idea. A brain is common to animals, humans alike, what makes you different is the theory of this mind. Don’t reduce the consciousness of the mind to the brain, we are all creatures of ideas, so go hustle, focus, and attain - that idea, that dream, that goal, that passion - that was born in your mind - enliven that manifestation.
STORIES
I believe in the power of a good story. It’s probably the reason I love New York so much. So many people, making it every day amidst the hustle of this city - so many stories, endlessly inspiring, engaging. You are doing something, anything, you want to say it - it’s more about the way you say it that will decide the outcome - remembered or forgotten? Every story has a plot - a beginning, a middle, and an end - and every story has a meaning - to each, another one. That’s the difference between a good story from any other, individual yet collective, unique yet resonating - striking a cord with every one, in some way telling their story, proliferating into a dozen more stories.
B AT T L E S C A R S
They sure are attractive - to onlookers, who may not, will not know the reason for them, these scars. But there always is - the reason. In a moment of clarity, I realized the kind of person I want to be - the one who gets right back up after being crushed to the dust, to rise and grind, do it all over again, and better. Embrace these battles, show off those scars - if you’re good enough, no one can stop you - re-read, re-do, rewrite - your destiny, your hustle, your story.
LOSING
It’s better than not trying. Look at it as a failure, it can easily crush you, look at it as a lesson, you’ll only see value. Losing means you tried, you took a shot. It means you’re capable of trying, that’s further than most people can act. Losing is an action, not a state to be in - you lose, you learn, and do over, or on to the next thing. Lose and you you taste the dirt of the loss - but you’re also one step closer to the taking the next shot. Forward is the only way.
CLARITY
A plethora of options, dimensions, and thoughts - we all have multiple variables to us, and our our lives, our strengths and weaknesses, just too many opinions to misguide and confuse us. Too much time is spent either on dwelling on all that we are not, or spreading too thin on all that we think we want. But if I could wish one thing, anything to be true - I’d pray for clarity for me and for you. It takes courage and self awareness to realize your true strength, which will be your passion, your roadmap to success. Only you can truly know what that is - only a moment of clarity can make you aware of it. If you seek anything, seek that clarity first - only when you know, can you pursue, move forward, and grow.
PA C K
Who is it? Your pack? The sum of your average. The company you keep, the minds you entwine with - that’s largely the direction you take your life in. You put curious minds together in a room, an idea will be born that’s a given. You don’t have to be similar, not even remotely, all you have to have is drive, and that’s enough company. Augment the strengths, alleviate weakness, test everything you can, because you have the ammunition. Channel your thoughts to what you really want, that’s when you’ll draw the pack into a bond - one that will envision dreams together, build the roadmap, put in the work, and make it real.
ABILITY
The means to do something, the skill for it. Innate, acquired, even emulated - it’s what you have, can have, can do. How far is your reach to acquire your goal, to acquire the skill to reach your goal? We live in an age where skill comes easy with every means at your disposal - no excuse can stop your ability to achieve. The only ability that then really matters, the one that no one can enforce, no technology can hand out - it’s that of intent - your ability to intent, to intensity, to action.
HAPPINESS It drives everything. Why you do, what you do, why you do what you do - it’s starts and ends with the same 9 letters - HAPPINESS.
I wake up in the morning, my north star in mind - happy; I power through the day, my star guiding me - happy; I go through ups and downs, my north star drives me on - happy; Every interaction counts, that moment pours happiness - happy; I end each day grateful for it, my north star - happy; A new day arises, a new opportunity, and yet the same feeling - happy;
You exude more positivity if happiness is what drives you. I urge you to find yours. Keep one thing in mind - more often than not, this happiness lies deep within you, if only you let it open up and shine bright, out into the world. Listen carefully, look within - I’m positive you’ll find it, just like I did mine :)
REASON
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot of the meaning behind things, my own meaning even MY Life’s purpose, and reflecting on the past year I’m more sure than ever - Stories. The Reason? GaryVee I’ve tried not to write to the point of focusing on him (that’s what my blog is for) - but when I talk about reason, I can’t not spell it out. I recently read a quote by Charles Bukowski, “If it doesn’t come bursting out of you in spite of everything, if it doesn’t come unasked out of your heart - don’t do it”. The ONE thing where this stands true for me - My North Star, The Vision, His Vision, Our Vision - The Reason.
REFLECTION
Time goes by, you live, you learn, or you don’t. There come moments in every person’s life, even days, where you think of all that has been, there is, and all that is to come. If you’ve lived the way you are to live - with positivity and drive - your reflection will be filled with happiness and inspiration. If it doesn’t drive you to move forward, you know it’s time to make a change. The thing here is to be real with yourself - your reflection is after all your own - you know your regrets, you know your journey, you know your aspirations, you also know your actions - reflect and learn live up to the person you want to see in the mirror of life’s reflection.
GROWTH
Like change, it’s not inevitable. You choose to grow, move forward on ahead - agreed time goes on and so does life, but growth, that’s something you decide. Sometimes the circumstances will aid this growth, and mind you they may not always be pleasant, that’s when the decision is possibly the toughest, also the one that will bring you the most - return on effort, intent, and happiness, a growth so fulfilling, no change can dishearten. The growing pains are painful no more, the feeling of accomplishment has now taken over - Growth is now a companion.
TIME
It’s the most that you have, until you don’t. It’s all you have, everyone has the same, what you do with yours, that’s what changes the game. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about what you do when you have it. Time will keep ticking, keep moving, so don’t try to race it. Be patient and put in the work. Work hard, work smart, then work some more. The time will come for your moment to shine, all you can do is be ready for that time - when the hard work will pay off, success will be yours - until then persevere alongside time’s path.
FUTURE
What is it, if not an illusion? An uncontrollable projection of today’s plans, of today’s actions, of today’s dimensions. The common thread - today. In order to get to your “I will”, you need to start with “I do”. Not to say you shouldn't have a goal on the horizon, that is the macro. Now that you know your future, set it aside, and work on the present - what will you put in now to see an ROI later? What will you build today to be able to fall back on tomorrow? The future will always be there, the illusion. But the present, that will quickly fade into the past - so be sure to make it worthy, to carry forward with you - onward, into the future.
MONEY
Some call it reality, some say it’s power. I say it simple is. If that’s the thing that drives you - great, go for it, put in real work, buy that car that makes your heart race - if that’s what gives you real happiness, let money be your north star. But be real about it. I’m not a millionaire, hell I’m not even a thousand-aire, but I do know what used to be my drive for money, quickly changed into a drive for purpose, once I found my true calling. Do I still need it? Of course. But does it inspire me, motivate me? Probably not. It’s become more of a sustaining necessity, an occasional indulgent companion, but certainly not second skin.
POINT
So what is it? This whole point that every talks about? The point to anything - action, words, outcomes, effort? One might say it’s the meaning to everything, I say yes, but also the direction. To make your point, you don’t need a pool of words, you don’t need a thousand opinions, you don’t even need a million validations - all you need is conviction, backed by action. The North Star, is a point per say - but so much more in a realish way. You can be anywhere, any place, and yet the North Star will stay the same. Some might say the point, it’s a dot - I say, it’s an infinite line, just look from all the way across - it’s yours to define.
EXPERIENCE 2.0
The most authentic connection. The act of getting your hands dirty, really immersing yourself in the action, making it your own, a part of you. It’s your story - to tell, re-tell, live & re-live. The one true reality, it doesn’t come easy, nor is it free. It costs you your time, your effort, your life - it teaches you lessons as a reward for your strife. The best source of knowledge, it has no dimensions, get it right get it wrong, it’ll only brings you closer to your vision. It’s yours to share, and you must, you will - the most valuable bonds from this will be built. Don’t be afraid, nor ever regret - experience is the one true meaning, never will you forget.
PIVOT
The central point - the point of change - the change for growth. Keep your eye on your vision, the manifestation of your goal, make sure to adapt and pivot as life unfolds. No one has walked on the path to success, exactly as they mapped it out in their head. Only minds that are agile to embrace change along the way, see the fruition of their dreams in the light of the day. So know your strength, your self, your path, and use that to pivot and take you afar.
EXPERIENTIAL
The immersion, the experience, the surrender to it. And then to be able to communicate that, connect with it - to an object, a person, or even a thought. The power of experience, the power to feel, to transform so completely into the feeling of it. You can lose sight, even your mind, but the understanding of experience, the ability to relive - that one cannot forget, that cannot be taken away or taught or inherited, only experienced - that is what will always remain, and carry forward into an experience of its own. Experiential - the art of learning through experiencing.
N I S H I TA TA M U LY
F O R E V E R G R AT E F U L