Rebel Wired: Self Made

This world is filled with stories of triumph and success. What's often not talked about, is the road to get there. Some are handed a silver spoon or given a path without the obstacles that many of us endure. I wonder if the road is as rewarding to those as it is to the ones who have more struggles. The ones that have overcome every barrier known to man. Those that can look back and say holy shit, I did it. Somehow, some way, I'm here, and I overcame it. Those are the ones I am talking about. Those who are "self-made". It's a term that carries weight, resonating with the essence of resilience, determination, and the unwavering belief in one's abilities.

I didn't write about this in our "About Us". My road wasn't an easy one. Admittedly, it wasn't as hard as some though. I grew up in a 2-parent household and was fortunate enough to attend good schools. But as I laid out in our about us page, my mind was never in the books. It was always on "how can I do it my way". The books helped. If you're young and reading this, school helps shape the mind. It helps you develop. For good or for bad depending on how you interpret the curriculum. I was always questioning it. Leaning, but questioning. Trusting, but verifying.

My father had an insurance business. He had worked most of his life developing relationships, and building the business based on renewals of policies. He was beginning to think about retiring a few years after I had graduated college. One day, he invited me over and sat me down. He asked if I wanted to come work for him, and gradually take over the business for when he retired. I told him I had to think about it. As I did, this seemed to me like an easy path. A pre-built, laid-out path to a predictable life and income. A head-start if you will, a leg up. Something I could step into and build on. What was my answer? I told him no. It broke my heart; I could see the look of disappointment on his face. Why did I tell him no? I had to follow my heart. I knew that was not my path. Although an easier one, it didn't ignite the fire inside of me. I needed to build my life and pave my own path, for better or for worse. Why do I tell you this? Life is full of important choices. For me, the choice was to follow my dreams and go down a path (which I didn't know what it was) that would force me to have to build something from nothing myself. So, I did just that, and I failed, and I failed, and I failed again. Until I didn't. I finally became "self-made".

The Road Less Traveled

Being self-made is not just a destination; it's a journey—one that often takes the road less traveled. It's about embracing challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties with an indomitable spirit. The path to success is seldom a straight line; it's a series of twists and turns that demand adaptability and perseverance. Choosing to be self-made means being unafraid of the unknown and understanding that each obstacle is an opportunity for growth.

Owning Your Narrative

One of the most empowering aspects of being self-made is the ability to own your narrative. It's about writing your story, rather than letting circumstances dictate it for you. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an artist, or a professional carving your own path, being self-made means taking control of your destiny and shaping it according to your vision.

Cultivating Resilience

Life is a rollercoaster, filled with ups and downs. Being self-made requires resilience—the ability to bounce back from failures, rejection, and moments of doubt. It's about viewing setbacks as stepping stones and using them to propel yourself forward. Resilience is the cornerstone of a self-made individual, allowing them to weather storms and emerge stronger on the other side.

Unleashing Creativity

The self-made mindset encourages creativity and innovation. When you're not confined by conventional paths or predefined roles, you're free to explore uncharted territories. Creativity flourishes in an environment where individuals are encouraged to think outside the box, and being self-made is synonymous with breaking free from constraints and letting your imagination soar.

The Joy of Independence

There's a unique joy in being self-made—the satisfaction that comes from knowing you've charted your own course and achieved success on your terms. Independence doesn't mean isolation; it means having the freedom to collaborate, learn, and grow without being tethered to external expectations. The self-made individual understands the value of interdependence and cultivates meaningful connections along the way.

Inspiring Others

Perhaps one of the most impactful aspects of being self-made is the inspiration it imparts to others. Your journey becomes a beacon of hope, showing that dreams are achievable with grit and determination. By being self-made, you pave the way for others to embark on their own journeys, fostering a culture of empowerment and resilience.

Let's wrap it up.

Being self-made is not just a badge of honor; it's a philosophy that transforms lives. It's not just about money or business. It's about finding your own path to happiness and to a "life worth livin". It's about not conforming to societal "norms". It's about embracing challenges, owning your narrative, cultivating resilience, unleashing creativity, reveling in the joy of independence, and inspiring others to embark on their own quests for greatness. So, dare to be self-made in that respect, and in doing so, you unlock the limitless potential that resides within you. Your journey is uniquely yours—embrace it, shape it, and let the world witness your unique ability to define your own narrative. To become “self-made”.

We, all of us at Relentless Rebel, believe in you. Like we say, "We've got your back, literally". We mean that. Go get yours.

Stay Relentless,

Ryan