500 days of chasing my dreams

Summary

The video script narrates Justin's journey of self-discovery and resilience in the face of setbacks. Fired from his first job post-college, he delves into his creative passions, becoming a filmmaker and visual artist. Despite initial struggles and a brief return to corporate life, Justin's determination and evolving perspective lead him to embrace his true calling. His story is a testament to the power of curiosity, creativity, and the pursuit of one's dreams, even in the face of uncertainty and failure.

Takeaways

• 🏀 The speaker's childhood dream of becoming an NBA player faded away, symbolizing the common experience of childhood aspirations not always aligning with adult reality.
• 🎓 After being fired from his first job post-college, the speaker found himself at a low point, reflecting the challenges many face in early adulthood.
• 🔥 The fear of failure and societal judgment often hinders individuals from pursuing their dreams, as the speaker initially struggled with.
• 📈 The turning point for the speaker was the realization that being fired was a catalyst for personal growth and the best thing to happen to him, illustrating the potential positive outcomes of setbacks.
• 🎥 'Shenny Visuals,' the speaker's moniker, represents his identity as a filmmaker, emphasizing the importance of personal branding in creative fields.
• 🎓 The speaker's business school background influenced his approach to freelancing, showing how academic experiences can shape professional paths.
• 🌱 The concept of 'curiosity leading to places' was a driving force for the speaker, highlighting the value of exploration and learning in personal development.
• 🏙️ The speaker's move to Chicago was a significant step in his journey, representing the importance of environment in shaping one's creative and professional life.
• 📉 The experience of job loss and creative burnout taught the speaker about the harsh realities of the freelance life and the need for resilience.
• 💡 The idea of 'Ikigai,' a Japanese concept, helped the speaker find purpose beyond immediate success, emphasizing the search for deeper meaning in one's work.
• 🌟 The speaker's viral success with 'Elements of Chicago' demonstrated the impact of social media and the unpredictable nature of creative endeavors.
• 🔄 The decision to return to a corporate job was not a failure but a strategic move for mental reset and skill development, showing adaptability in career paths.
• 🤝 The importance of finding a community of like-minded individuals was a key takeaway, as it provided support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.
• 🚂 The metaphor of choosing different trains in life represents the various paths one can take, emphasizing the importance of making choices that align with personal dreams and aspirations.

Q & A

What was the turning point for Justin in January 2023?

Justin was fired from his first job out of college, which he initially thought would change his life. This event led him to a period of reflection and eventually to pursuing his creative passions.

What childhood dream did Justin have that didn't come true?

Justin dreamt of becoming an NBA player from the age of 10, but his NBA dreams died when he was 14.

How did Justin's interest in filmmaking and editing begin?

Justin was inspired by his favorite YouTubers to make Minecraft videos, experiment with 3D animation, and learn video editing, with aspirations of becoming a famous YouTuber.

What significant change occurred in Justin's life during his sophomore year of college?

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Justin found solace in editing videos and expressing himself through nostalgia, which reignited his passion for filmmaking.

What was the one simple rule that Justin followed in college to make the most of his newfound passion for videography?

Justin followed the rule 'let your curiosity lead you places,' which involved documenting life, working with the basketball team for free, and freelancing with various campus organizations.

What unexpected opportunity did Justin receive before his corporate start date?

Justin was offered a job as a full-time creative director by one of his old sportsware clients from college, which was an unexpected train that challenged his pre-planned path.

How did Justin's experience in the corporate job affect his creative passion?

The corporate job initially seemed to fulfill Justin's creative passion, but office politics and a lack of creative freedom eventually led to his termination and a period of burnout.

What concept helped Justin understand the purpose of life and why we create?

Justin came across the Japanese concept of 'Ikigai,' which is the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs.

What was the impact of Justin's video 'Elements of Chicago' on his career?

The video went viral with 5 million views, filling Justin's inbox with opportunities and bringing him to the attention of directors and creators he admired.

How did Justin's perspective on his creative career change after his viral success?

Justin realized that while the attention and workload were overwhelming, he needed to focus on his overall well-being and happiness, which led him to take a break and work in corporate consulting.

What new dreams did Justin set for himself after his experience in corporate consulting?

Justin dreams of directing music videos with big artists, working with his favorite brands, and eventually starting a creative agency to work on more ambitious projects while surrounding himself with like-minded creative individuals.