Getting your "Swag" on

Without a doubt, one of the most popular words in, not only, hip hop culture, but in popular culture is the word "Swagger" or "Swag". Though a precise definition of "swag" is difficult to ascertain, it could be generally defined as: one's personal style or manner in which they carry themselves. It is that unique spark that separates an individual from all the rest.

Some have been able to profit from their swagger while others are still looking for it. Individuals such as Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jay Z, Beyonce', 50 Cent, and others have mesmerized us with their self confidence and charisma and thereby, profiting from their swagger, but, how can you profit from developing your swagger?

How can you not just make an impression, but an impact on those around you? How can you get a complete makeover without spending one red cent? Well, I will show you in just a few quick steps. You got a moment?

It is important for you to realize that not all profit is financial. Some profit is happiness, self confidence, respect from others, a fresh new outlook and perspective, an increase in opportunity, more excitement and a better sense of purpose. By finding and developing your swag, you can achieve all the above and much more.

1. What is your social fingerprint? that spark that makes you different from everyone else. The primary and most important thing is to discover the thing that makes you, you!! What is it that makes you an individual? Is it your, walk, your dress, your personality, your creativity, the way you talk, your talent? Search yourself and find it. I purposely did not include asking others what do they find different about you. Other people can only judge from a limited frame of reference. Most times, they will put you in a box with everyone else. When you find it and KNOW it for yourself, you increase your self confidence and come closer to developing your swag.
2. Be unapologetically YOU. Make people look at you with a Hubble telescope instead of a microscope! Consider Muhammed Ali. He was, arguably, the greatest heavy weight boxing champ of all time. He was said to be "The man you love to hate". Whether you loved or hated him, he never changed. He never apologized for anything he did as it relates to being who he was. His result, He was one of the most famous men that ever lived!! Be you unapologetically. Celebrate your uniqueness!
3. Get over people!! A person can only be what you allow them to be in your mind. At the end of the day, we are all human. Black, white, rich, poor, wrong, right, we are all human beings. Do not concern yourself with the thoughts of people. You will never please everyone. YOU are the ONLY person who has to live with YOU 24/7. You should be the one that you aim to please before anyone. 1/3 of your life you spend sleeping, another 1/3 you spend at work. It is that final 1/3 that you actually live in! Spend that 1/3 with confidence and get the maximum out of it.
4. Change the lens in your mental camera. Enlarge the way you think of yourself! Change your perception of you. You are a great person with value and potential. You live in a time of endless opportunity. You incite excitement and adventure with your presence! Speak well and positive of yourself! Celebrate your own greatness! If you wait for others you will never get a celebration. You must celebrate yourself regardless of the approval of others. If you have applied the second principle, then you are "unapologetically you". Be who you are without reservation, fear, insecurity, or guilt. Be not afraid to think of yourself as a worthy individual. Would President Barak Obama be the president now if he had succumbed to the thoughts of others? You can have an equally great story! Why, because you are the author of your own book.

By doing these things, you will be well on your way to developing that swagger. It is important to note that developing your confidence is not arrogance. Arrogance looks down on others in order to puff itself up. Arrogance thinks highly of itself by lowly of others. Truly great people recognize greatness in others and seek to be around it. Great people associate with other great people. Let your inner greatness shine and it will attract other great people. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to the new you!!