Five Grammys, sixteen albums, and an Oscar-nominated Netflix documentary.
Descending into the sea of color, I wondered whether he would refer to any of these when put on the spot.
“Mr. Batiste!”
He turned my way, his smile light and warm.
“Yes?” He said, red melodica in hand.
I took a step forward: “What's the greatest life lesson you’ve ever learned?”
With soul-deep confidence and no hesitation, he responded, “Be Yourself.”
(*Video evidence of the interaction is included at the end ;)
While simple, I still find myself mulling over his answer, likely because it’s something we all think we “know” but, in fact, don’t often apply.
In a world where everyone wants you to be a “somebody”—anybody really—as long as it's not who you were meant to be, “being yourself” is the most tremendous guarantee of success and enjoyment in any life space.
Think about it: How often do we give way to others' desires? Or, even worse, pursue someone else’s goals and dreams blindly as a substitute for our own?
While there will always be a time for personal sacrifice, and we should be willing to serve within our spheres, we must not lose sight of that innermost us longing to be known and exercise its talent.
When we lose ourselves in this misalignment, we believe we are doing well and growing in our abilities when in actuality delaying the facing of our discomfort.
In his book, The Diary of a CEO, Steven Bartlett, a world-class entrepreneur and podcast host, discusses how humans are a “discomfort-avoiding” species.
Meaning we try everything within our power to “avoid discomfort” rather than “find comfort.”
Applying this principle here results in us trying to be someone else, someone we are not, because it seems easier than being ourselves.
But here is the thing: if you were someone else and that other was also trying to be someone they’re not, then there would be no originality or sense of true self.
And yet, we have trudged on and looked to pop culture, celebrities, and influencers to find ourselves, all while succumbing to a cult that lacks authenticity.
Being yourself can seem scary; yes, it may even seem paralyzing, and perhaps it comes with a myriad of unsolved hypotheticals and complications that question our sense of value and identity.
However, as Jon Batiste's life demonstrates, it’s the only way to stand out while everyone else is performing the same old, comfortable, and commonplace “copycat” routine.
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This conscious processing has reminded me of a few questions I had to internalize that go like this…
If you weren't around, who would sing your favorite songs?
If you weren't around, who would eat your favorite snacks?
If you weren’t around, who would hang out with your favorite people, tell your favorite jokes, or laugh at only the things you find funny?
There would be dead silence in every car ride and overflowing pantries in every home.
No people would come together, no laughs would be shared, and no embarrassing moments would forge priceless memories that are the glue that holds us together when the world is at its lowest.
Whether you realize it or not, you're the only person who can be you.
As a matter of fact, you are the best you out there.
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A pioneer within the modern soundscape and a true leader in recent musical revolutions, Batiste turns heads with his joy, kindness, and unwavering values.
In his journey, he has discovered a profound truth:
Walking on the Sunny Side of the Street, enjoying this wonderful world, watching the butterflies flutter, and finding freedom start with Being Yourself.
This week, take it one step further and “be your BEST self.”
Tomorrow’s you will thank you for it.
- Making The Most Of Being Curious
Daniel J. Cuesta
Resources:
Video of the interaction:
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