The Power of Your Story | Lukas Oest | TEDxUSFSM

Summary

In this heartfelt narrative, the speaker recounts a childhood memory of financial struggles that sparked a determination to change his family's generational outlook. Moving to the U.S. at 16, he faced culture shock and loneliness but found his 'why'—to redefine his family's legacy. The speaker emphasizes the importance of discovering one's purpose, building a supportive network, and being a strategic dreamer to achieve goals. His journey illustrates the power of embracing differences and the transformative potential of a well-crafted personal story.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The narrator's family had a rare opportunity to go to the movies, which was a significant event for them, but they faced disappointment when they couldn't afford it.
• 😔 The experience of not being able to go to the movies due to financial constraints caused the narrator to feel a deep sense of pain and embarrassment for his family.
• 🤔 The narrator began to ponder how to change his family's situation and prevent such disappointments in the future, aiming to redefine the family's legacy.
• 🏠 The narrator's family faced financial hardships, with his father losing his job and his mother struggling to provide for them.
• 🌟 The narrator's life took a turn when he moved to the United States in August 2013, where he faced culture shock and had to adapt to a new environment.
• 📚 The narrator realized the importance of standing out in a large population and the need to define and share his story effectively.
• 🔍 He learned the importance of finding his 'why', which was to change his family's generational outlook and redefine their legacy.
• 🤝 The narrator emphasized the necessity of building a support network, or 'village', of people who could help him stay on track and achieve his goals.
• 💭 He also learned to become a 'strategic dreamer', understanding the importance of not just dreaming but also planning the steps to achieve those dreams.
• 🎓 The narrator shared milestones in his journey, such as graduating high school, college, and working in global marketing, all steps towards his 'why'.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The ultimate goal is to create a new definition of family, one marked by love, care, and kindness, and to pass this legacy onto future generations.

Q & A

What event triggered the speaker's desire to change the generational outlook of their family?

The speaker's desire to change their family's generational outlook was triggered by a painful experience where their mother was unable to withdraw money for a family trip to the movies, which caused disappointment and embarrassment.

How did the speaker's upbringing influence their perspective on family and success?

The speaker's upbringing, marked by financial struggles and a lack of close family ties, motivated them to create a family defined by love, care, and flourishing. This perspective shaped their desire to change their family's legacy.

What was the significance of the speaker's move to the United States in 2013?

The move to the United States in 2013 was significant because it provided the speaker with an opportunity to embrace a new culture, build a new life, and work towards their goal of changing their family's generational outlook.

What challenges did the speaker face upon arriving in the United States?

Upon arriving in the United States, the speaker faced challenges such as culture shock, loneliness, and embarrassment due to language barriers and being in a new environment.

How did the speaker's 'why' influence their decisions and actions?

The speaker's 'why'—to change the generational outlook of their family—became the driving force behind their decisions, including staying in the United States, pursuing education, and building a future family with a strong foundation.

Why did the speaker emphasize the importance of building a 'village of supporters'?

The speaker emphasized the importance of building a 'village of supporters' because they recognized that achieving their goals required the support, guidance, and encouragement of others who believed in their vision.

What does the speaker mean by becoming a 'strategic dreamer'?

By becoming a 'strategic dreamer,' the speaker means that it is essential to not only have dreams but also to carefully plan and strategize how to achieve them, ensuring that each step aligns with their ultimate goal.

What specific milestones did the speaker achieve that contributed to their goal?

The speaker achieved several milestones, including graduating high school, mastering English, graduating college as the top student, and contributing to a company's global marketing expansion. These achievements brought them closer to their goal.

How does the speaker envision their future after achieving their goals?

The speaker envisions a future where they have created a loving and flourishing family, with a generational outlook that has been transformed. They imagine reflecting on their accomplishments with their spouse, proud of the legacy they have built.

What is the significance of the speaker's reference to 'going to the movies' at the end of their story?

The reference to 'going to the movies' symbolizes the speaker's journey coming full circle—from a painful childhood memory of financial struggle to achieving a better life for their family, where they can enjoy the simple pleasures that were once out of reach.