12 Step Manifesto: The Art of Legacy Creation
We all have felt the pull of fleeting applause, the dopamine rush of lot’s of like on our post. It's the sugar rush of the soul—it leaves us wanting more, and strangely empty. This pursuit of the superficial can consume and make us rotten from the inside. And we do that more often than we think. It’s in our subconscious survival mechanisms.
There is a different path. Instead of chasing these ephemeral moments, what if you started to build something that endures? Something born not of fleeting praise, but of your own joy, legacy and intrinsic value?
Schall und Rauch
Germans call it "Schall und Rauch," which means "noise and smoke." It suggests something noisy and dramatic that ultimately has no real substance.
We all do this sometimes: We get drawn to what seems new and exciting and forget what is truly important.
But honestly, relying on others for approval is a trap. You need to find what you value inside yourself. That constant online feedback just keeps you chasing things that aren't real.
Think about it. How much energy do we waste trying to get these temporary moments of "success" that don't truly satisfy us? It's tiring to constantly chase something that isn't even real. We're going around in circles, trying to catch shadows.
But ultimately our soul came to earth to create something that truly makes a difference. What’s that? It’s your legacy. The thing you leave behind once you die. The thing people that people remember you have done.
I’m big on finding your purpose and creating your legacy. It’s my mars in leo thing.
And today, I created a little manifesto for that. For my Self, but also for you to have a little inspiration.
Let's delve into crafting a legacy that whispers through time, long after the applause fades.
Tarkan’s Legacy Framework [WIP]:
1. Don’t be a A**hole
Let's be honest. No one creates a lasting legacy by being unkind. It simply doesn't work. You might get some attention or temporary influence, but it won't last.
No, maybe it will lead you even to long lasting success.
But… you get what you give. If your way of climbing the latter to success is destroying others, you will be conquered by someone else too. And your downfall will be uneasy to watch. Some will enjoy it for sure.
“I believe you build the tallest building in town by building it — not by tearing other people’s buildings down.
You don’t have to be mean to “make it.” In fact, kindness is a much better companion to ambition than cruelty.
When you see other businesses within your industry killing it, be happy for them. Be competitive, be an executor, be tenacious, yes…but be happy for others because there is enough success to go around.”
— Gary Vaynerchuk
