Rebel Talk: Look At Me

The other day, I was talking to my ex-wife about her need to get a new car. She’s been through a revolving door of used vehicles—we’ve all been there. You buy a used car to save money, but in the long run, it ends up draining your wallet with constant repairs and headaches. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way myself.

Recently, I got lucky and picked up a used Chevy Equinox for $6,700. It had 165,000 miles on it but ran like a dream. I suggested she take a look at a Chevy for her next car, something practical and reliable. Her response? "I'm 40 years old; I'm not driving a Chevy." She said she’s considering a Lexus or something similar.

That response hit me hard. It made me realize that she’s still caught up in the “look at me” phase of life—a phase I once knew all too well.

Two years ago, I bought my dream truck: an all-black GMC Sierra 3500 AT4, a one-ton diesel beast. I love this truck. I bought it because I’d always wanted it, and I use it when it’s needed. But recently, my used Chevy Equinox has become my main ride. I call it the Silver Bullet. Initially, I bought it to cruise back and forth to my cabin, putting about 600 miles on it every weekend. But now? I drive it everywhere. In the past six months, I’ve put almost 20,000 miles on it.

The Silver Bullet drives like a little go-kart, gets over 25 miles per gallon, and oil changes cost me $50. Compared to my truck, which drives like a bus and guzzles fuel, the Equinox is a breeze. I can park it anywhere without worrying about dings or scratches. It’s practical, affordable, and honestly, I just like it. People ask me all the time why I’m driving this “plain silver car” when I have a show-stopper truck sitting in my driveway. My answer? “Because I want to.”

It took me a long time to get to this place. The “look at me” phase is a trap that’s easy to fall into. It’s fueled by the need for validation, the desire to project success, and the belief that what others think of us defines who we are. For years, I wanted people to see me as successful, accomplished, and “the guy who’s made it.” And while there’s nothing inherently wrong with having nice things, the problem arises when those things become a measure of your worth.

Buying the Equinox and choosing to drive it every day is a small but significant testament to how far I’ve come. I don’t need anyone’s approval anymore. I’m confident in who I am, the life I’ve built, and the journey that got me here.

Breaking the Spell

The “look at me” syndrome isn’t about what you own or what you wear—it’s about the why behind those choices. Are you doing it for yourself, or are you doing it for someone else’s approval? It’s a question worth asking because living for others is exhausting and unfulfilling.

Here’s the truth: confidence doesn’t come from validation. It comes from owning your story—the wins, the losses, and everything in between. When you’re confident in your choices, you stop worrying about whether they’ll impress someone else.

So how do you break the “look at me” spell? Start small. Make choices that align with your values and needs, not someone else’s expectations. Drive the car that works for you, wear the clothes that make you comfortable, and pursue the life that fulfills you—even if it doesn’t look flashy on the outside.

For me, the Silver Bullet is a symbol of freedom. It’s proof that I’ve let go of the need to prove anything to anyone. I’ve learned to live for myself, and in doing so, I’ve found a sense of peace and confidence that no amount of external validation could ever give me.

Your Turn

Take a moment to reflect. Are you making choices for yourself, or are you stuck in the “look at me” trap? Be honest with yourself, and start making decisions that serve your happiness, not your ego.

When you let go of the need to impress, you open the door to a life that’s simpler, freer, and infinitely more fulfilling. You don’t need a fancy car or a designer label to prove your worth. The only person you need to impress is the one staring back at you in the mirror.

Because at the end of the day, true confidence isn’t about making others look at you. It’s about looking at yourself and knowing you’re enough.

Stay Humble. Stay Hungry.

Stay Relentless,

Ryan