What does it mean to “Make it”?

What does it mean to “Make it”

Have you every started a journey or had a conversation and the idea “Make it” comes up?

“Man, I can’t Wait to make it!”

“Only 1 0f 4 people will make it.”

“What are you willing to sacrifice to make it”

What the fuck does “Make it” mean?

Is this another “American Dream” type of thing?

During college, my friends and i would sit around and talk about this Vague concept

“Man, i cant wait to make it” or the “when we get on, its over with bro.”

Little did i know that this idea would plague me in the years to come.

Today, Western Society is so caught up in this idea.

Whether it’s 100k+ followers, getting to the “bag”, or making your “dreams” come true, at some point we are convinced that we have to “make it”.

But what does this really mean?

As i get closer to my 30s, this concept started to frustrate me.

As an entrepreneur, we fantasize about this idea.

Losing sleep, stressing out, becoming emotional distraught.

During my time in Atlanta, I battled with this while learning to be an Art-repreneur (Artist and Entrepreneur).

I would constantly ask my mentors, “what does it take to be great?” Or “what do i have to do to make it?”

Never have i once heard an explanation that satisfied my thirst for a true definition.

Now that I have lived my “dream” this idea of “making it” has changed.

I’ve lived the life that I fantasized about in high school and college.

I met most the people that have influenced my life and my career.

Is this what making it means? Or is there another meaning?

One that doesn’t lead us on a vague journey.

Through my experience, this idea, at least to me, means more than just “living the dream.”

I think “Making it” can be defined as living a life that is enriched with the people, activities, and environments that promote the best possible lifestyle that fits you.

I’ve never been someone that cared for 100k+ followers, making a shit ton a money or driving Bugatti.

Ive always been someone who cared more about well-being, not only for myself but for others as well.

But at some point i got lost trying to find myself in the journey to “make it”.

I made choices that didn’t help me or anyone. I hurt people. I lied.

I wasn’t the best version of myself during this time.

It was then that I realized that this idea,

This drive to “make it” is bullshit.

If i can get up and do the things i love, regardless of the money, the followers, or the car i drive, then i have “Made it”.

If i can feed my family, learn more and teach others, through and with the people i love, the activities i enjoy and the right environment, then i made it.

Unfortunately, we are plagued by the thoughts and opinions of others.

Sometimes we are plagued by our own thoughts and opinions.

Causing us to compare ourselves to others, doubt our abilities and run away from life advancing opportunities.

Growing up in the west, we are constantly told what to do, what to think and how to feel.

When are we allowed to embrace our own individuality?

Why are we subject to external expectations of this idea tp “Make it”?

Jay-z said something along the lines that people are quick to shit on your ideas, dreams and ambitions because they project their own insecurities onto you.

It’s easier for them to project their failures on you, why you shouldn’t do this or that and what THEY think you should do.

Please…

shut the fuck up!

Respectfully.

Let me live my life. Let my learn from my mistakes, let me learn from my failures.

Let me fall so i know how to get back up.

It’s so difficult to be an individual in the west because everyone thinks they’re the main character and that their word is god’s gift.

I spent the last 8 years of my life, living for the moment i “Make it” based off someone else’s definition.

Not once did i stop to ask myself, “what do YOU want, jay?” “Whats going to make you happy?” What does is mean to ME to ‘make it’?”.

Moving forward, i know that my idea of making it was realized when i started doing the things i love, regardless of what others may think or feel.

I only wanted to play two sports in high school rather the three. I only want to study the arts instead of a math or science. I wanted to own a business rather than being an employee.

To me, i made it, 12 years ago when i decided to take this path.

The day i decided HOW i wanted to live my life, I made it.

12 years ago, i started living the life i wanted to live. And somewhere along the way i got lost.

It may have been in high school, or college or in the last 2 years.

Somewhere along the way, I allowed external propaganda to cloud my judgement, i allowed myself to be fooled by the glitter and beauty of a facade.

I allowed this idea of “making it” to seem as tho it was far away, somewhere to be achieve in my 40s or 50s.

But it was all bullshit and necessary.

I had to get lost on this journey to know where i was and to find out who i am.

These experiences along the way make us into the people we are truly meant to be.

So what it YOUR definition of “Making it”?

Have you made it? If not, why? If you have, when did you know?

Share your thoughts with me in the comments

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Im eager to hear what ya’ll think.