Given that everyone is talking about the oscars, and noting that I haven’t blogged since the 86th Oscars award, I believe my post is right on time! (I know that’s not an excuse). I didn’t get the chance to watch this year’s Oscar’s award ceremony, but thanks to Chad, Steve, and Jawed, I got to watch the best parts without the stuffings. Many of the award speeches were captivating and inspiring, but Matthew McConaughey’s keynote stood out and resonated well into the essence of my personal and professional beliefs – and were certainly well founded in the essence of personal branding.
Matthew said, “I always have someone to look up to, something to look forward to, and someone to chase!” He then gives praise to God as being that someone he looks up to, and his parents and family as that something he looks forward to, and himself in 10 years as that someone he chases after. Can I hear an AMEN? Amen!
We’ve talked about this over and over again, and anyone who’s attended any of my workshops knows that all too well – that someone to chase after is YOU. I said it before, “the only person worth comparing yourself to is the old you”. This is at the heart of personal development, growth, personal goals … Comparing yourself to anyone else, be them better or worse, is of no value whatsoever!
Comparing yourself to those better than you might motivate you, but chances are it will depress you much faster than it would serve otherwise. As for comparing yourself with those that you better, well that will probably get to your head and provide you with a false perception of accomplishment. That’s why, the only person worth comparing yourself to, is YOU. Ask yourself: Am I better today, than I was yesterday? than I was last week? than I was last year? Have I accomplished what I set out to? Have I learned something new? Have I helped someone do better, or BE better? That’s self-worth, that’s something to be proud of, and as Matthew said it so eloquently, that’s “someone to chase”!
What speech did you enjoy at the Oscars? Share your thoughts and your lessons learned from the stars.
A speech worth watching …
Beautifully written John and definitely eloquently said by both Mathew and yourself.
I definitely give a shout out to both of you by saying Amen! may we all look up to and thank God everyday, look forward to and cherish our families, and indefinitely strive to surpass and chase our future selves.
Inspiring speech indeed!!!!
Why do you always have a way of saying it better … show off! My sister, ladies and gents, my baby sister, who already has her doctorate and is helping me with mine! I rest my case, as proving how it’s important to have something look forward to. Here’s to you Jess.
If I keep comparing myself to others I will never like myself; I will always be stalled and not be able to figure out where to go next.
Today’s social media allows too much comparison and competition of self with others.
In order to make it in today’s media-connected world, you have to be able to focus on your own growth and stop looking at others.