A lot of things in life can define us. How we spend our time, the things we do for a living, who we surround ourselves with, our realized and unrealized dreams
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about exactly what it is that defines things. Me, for example. I think a lot about what it is that defines me.
Is it what I do? The words I speak? The look on my face? The things I didn’t say?
Not who am I — but who am I to you?
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Today, a friend of mine is launching a book. A book about personal branding.
I’ll tell you right now that I haven’t read the book. So if you’re looking for a review, try here instead. But I promised Dan that I’d be writing a post about his launch, so what I can tell you is that Dan knows a thing or two about how persistence, dedication, and pluck can help you create a solid personal image. And I can tell you first-hand that Dan’s pretty much proven over the last few years that, at the very least, he practices what he preaches. And he preaches about personal branding. So, you do the math.
But here’s what’s interesting about Dan, other than his extreme dedication and relentless effort: I’m not the only one who will tell you the exact same story about his hard work and expertise. Because everything Dan does is focused on defining exactly what he wants to be.
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Sometimes, what we don’t do defines us.
I think about this a lot. About the projects I didn’t pursue. About the class I didn’t take. About the relationships I let fade away.
I’ve always been a person who has a hard time saying no. Letting go is not one of my strong suits.
But it never ceases to amaze me how important saying no and letting go can be, in the end.
The guy I didn’t marry. The job I didn’t take.
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What you choose not to do creates the space that remains.
What will you build, in those places?
Tiffany – awesome post and you raise a question that I have thought about extensively lately (check the latest post on my blog – there is some amazing discussion going on there: http://www.lifewithoutpants.com/philosophy/work-vs-life-what-is-your-white-whale/
To your point – I think far too often we let our ‘legend’ define us. We want to be remembered, we want to have a huge impact on the world. I want that, you probably want that too. But I know that I won’t let that define who I am. What’s more important to me is living for myself, having a positive impact on family and friends, the people that were there in the beginning and that will be there in the end. I think living for yourself defines you, establishing your own goals and meeting them, writing your OWN legend.
Great thoughts here. Enjoy your blog, glad I stumbled across it, and look forward to reading more from you!
@ Matt – Thanks!
I think the idea of what defines us is pretty complex.
I really admire Dan and his hard work – I hope that’s reflected in this post. I think he’s a great example of actively defining yourself in a positive light. So many people need this skill, I’m glad he’s able to have a voice in our generation. And I think it’s important, too, that what he doesn’t do also defines him – he’s not blogging about wine or cooking or anything else.
But I also think that it’s ok to be defined a little less loosely, to really grapple with this question, and to let your personal definition evolve over time. I’ll have to check out that post – thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
Rebecca has a great post about Dan, and this book. If you’re wondering whether or not you should buy the book, check it out: http://modite.com/blog/2009/04/07/a-plug-for-the-blogosphere-i-love/
Tiffany,
This is a great post. I like that you did something much different than everyone else, while still plugging the book.
I think you bring up the best reason to buy Dan’s book – the guy knows what he’s talking about.
25+ people have written the same exact post about who Dan is. Because he projects the same personal brand to everyone, which is what Me 2.0 is about.
@ Monica – I agree that Dan’s is a great example of building credibility through action. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Thanks for your post Tiffany.
It’s kind of like that cheesy quote about dancing like no one’s watching.
People appreciate those who are authenticate – which means letting our warts show.
I know I’m not nearly as inspired by stories of selfless humanitarians, brilliant CEOs, or cutting-edge mavericks, as I am the lives of people I can relate to – regular people who overcame obstacles and personal failings to achieve something great.
I hope that I’m more “inspiring” now because of my authenticate/authentic typo.
Just showing my warts.
Ah, Summer, you crack me up. I definitely get where you’re coming from. I think that transparency and authenticity is valuable – which means it’s something worth grappling with. How much is too much? Not enough? Weighing that is such an important process.