We all aim for excellence in our lives, whether it’s happiness, fame, health, or love. However, much of what we desire in life is beyond our control. We can strive for success, but it isn’t always within our grasp. The most crucial lesson I’ve come to understand is that everything unfolds in its own time, and patience is essential when chasing your aspirations. The truth is, you won’t transform into a sensational superstar overnight, you won’t discover the love of your life right in front of you, and you won’t ascend to the role of CEO at the company where you just began your journey. However, you can certainly work towards it step by step. Taking that initial step is essential for achieving success; we must take action or begin from any point. 

This took me back to my influencer era; during the pandemic, my sister and I decided to create a TikTok account. We shared a few posts and managed to earn some revenue, but nothing took off. Our aim during that time was to entertain people while also hoping to create a viral hit on TikTok. We attempted to keep up with the latest trends, but it just wasn’t effective. We understood that we weren’t being true to ourselves and were attempting to mimic others’ successes, looking for shortcuts instead of following our paths. 

Reflecting on Dee Thomson, I found a connection with her narrative through her writing. A significant takeaway for me was the advice to “Take your time, consider the message you want to convey and foster relationships.” I discovered from Dee that building your own brand requires developing a unique style, staying true to yourself, and maintaining your integrity. Individuals seek out creative minds rather than mere copycats to admire, so embrace your passions and add your unique twist. While we were in lockdown, we thought giving the house a fresh coat of paint would be a good idea, mainly out of boredom. My sister and I focused on my room, and while we were at it, we decided to film a little TikTok just for fun, not really expecting anyone to be interested. After all, who would want to watch two teenage girls painting a room? Well, It received 50,000 views and garnered 20,000 likes. We were shocked by the outcome but are curious about why it went viral.  

Looking at Want to Create Great Content? According to Brain Traffic, it’s essential to “grasp and understand the context for your content.”  (Traffic, 2012.) Most people are looking for your genuine self, not just what’s currently popular, but rather what resonates with you and what you find amusing that others might also enjoy. We didn’t pursue success on TikTok, but it arrived when we least anticipated it. This experience has truly guided us in understanding what content to produce in the future. As Traffic mentioned, “By knowing the why and when, you can get one big step closer to delivering the right content at the right time.” (Traffic, 2012.) We began following that trend and maintained our audience, but once COVID-19 faded, we chose to step back and return to our usual routines. It was enjoyable while it lasted, and I learned a few things about online platforms. However, I understand that achieving success requires time, and if you encounter setbacks, keep pushing forward while staying true to your own brand.

Land Acknowledgment

The University of Guelph-Humber and Humber College are located within the traditional and treaty lands of the Mississaugas of the Credit. Known as Adoobiigok, the “Place of the Black Alders” in the Mississauga language, the region is uniquely situated along Humber River Watershed, which historically provided an integral connection for Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Wendat peoples between the Ontario Lakeshore and the Lake Simcoe/Georgian Bay regions. Now home to people of numerous nations, Adoobiigok continues to provide a vital source of interconnection for all. We acknowledge and honour the land we are walking on, the moccasin tracks of our ancestors and the footprints of the future generations to come.

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