How to become legendary

Thor Torrens
9 min readMar 20, 2023

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Introduction

The term “legendary” is often used to describe someone who has achieved a high level of success, fame, or influence in their field. Becoming legendary takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Here are some qualities and actions that can help someone become legendary:

Mastery

Mastering a skill or craft involves dedicating yourself to learning and improving in that area over a long period of time. Here are some steps you can take to master a skill or craft:

  1. Set clear goals: Identify what you want to accomplish and what specific skills or knowledge you need to acquire to achieve your goals.
  2. Practice regularly: Make a habit of practicing your skills on a regular basis, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
  3. Seek feedback: Get feedback from others who are more experienced or knowledgeable in your field. This can help you identify areas where you need to improve and make adjustments to your practice routine.
  4. Learn from others: Study the work of others who have already achieved mastery in your field. This can help you gain insights into what works and what doesn’t, and can inspire you to try new things.
  5. Stay motivated: Mastery takes time and effort, so it’s important to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Celebrate your successes along the way and keep pushing yourself to improve.

Case Study

A specific example of someone who became successful from mastering their craft is Michael Jordan. Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and his success was due in large part to his mastery of the game.

Jordan was known for his incredible work ethic and dedication to his craft. He would spend hours each day practicing his skills, both on and off the court. He also sought feedback from coaches and other players, and studied the game to gain a deeper understanding of how it worked.

Jordan’s hard work and dedication paid off, as he went on to win six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and numerous other accolades. His mastery of the game inspired countless others to follow in his footsteps and strive for excellence in their own pursuits.

Basically, mastering a skill or craft takes dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn from others. By setting clear goals, practicing regularly, seeking feedback, learning from others, and staying motivated, you can achieve a high level of success and mastery in any field.

Innovation

Innovation is a key factor in becoming legendary, because it involves pushing the boundaries of what is possible in your field or industry. Here are some ways to foster innovation:

  1. Be curious: Ask questions, explore new ideas, and be open to new perspectives. Curiosity can lead to new insights and breakthroughs.
  2. Embrace failure: Innovation involves taking risks, and not all of those risks will pay off. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and improve.
  3. Collaborate: Work with others who have different skills and perspectives than you. Collaboration can lead to new ideas and approaches.
  4. Experiment: Try new things, test out different ideas, and don’t be afraid to take unconventional approaches.
  5. Stay up-to-date: Stay informed about new trends and developments in your field. This can help you identify new opportunities for innovation.

Case Study

One example of someone who became successful through innovation is Elon Musk. Musk is known for his innovative approach to business, as well as his work in the fields of space exploration and renewable energy.

Musk’s companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, are known for their groundbreaking technologies and innovative approaches to solving complex problems. Musk consistently pushes the boundaries of what is possible in his fields, taking risks and pursuing ambitious goals.

For example, Musk’s company SpaceX is working to develop reusable rockets that can significantly reduce the cost of space travel. This involves developing new technologies and approaches to rocket design, and overcoming numerous technical and logistical challenges.

Basically, innovation involves taking risks, being curious, collaborating with others, experimenting, and staying informed. By fostering a culture of innovation and taking a bold, creative approach to your work, you can achieve breakthroughs and become legendary in your field.

Making an impact

Malala Yousafzai

Making an impact is another key factor in becoming legendary, because it involves creating meaningful change and leaving a lasting positive legacy. Here are some ways to make an impact:

  1. Identify your purpose: Clarify what matters most to you and what you want to achieve. This can provide a sense of direction and motivation.
  2. Focus on others: Think about how you can use your skills and talents to benefit others. This can help you create a sense of purpose and meaning in your work.
  3. Take action: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Take initiative and start making a difference, even if it’s in small ways at first.
  4. Measure your impact: Keep track of the progress you’re making and the impact you’re having. This can help you stay motivated and identify areas where you need to improve.
  5. Collaborate: Work with others who share your values and goals. Collaboration can help you achieve more than you could on your own.

Case study

One example of someone who became successful through making an impact is Malala Yousafzai. Malala is an advocate for girls’ education and human rights, and has used her platform to raise awareness and effect change on a global scale.

Malala’s activism began when she was just a teenager, speaking out against the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education in her home country of Pakistan. She was targeted by the Taliban and shot in the head, but survived and continued her advocacy work.

Malala has since become a global symbol of courage and resilience, and has used her voice to inspire others to fight for justice and equality. She has founded the Malala Fund, which works to empower girls through education and has helped millions of girls around the world access education.

Basically, making an impact involves identifying your purpose, focusing on others, taking action, measuring your impact, and collaborating with others. By working to create meaningful change and leave a positive legacy, you can become legendary in your field.

Persistance

Persistence is a vital factor in becoming legendary because it involves perseverance, determination, and resilience in the face of obstacles and setbacks. It means not giving up on your goals and dreams, even when they seem unattainable or the road ahead seems rocky.

Here are some ways to cultivate persistence:

  1. Set clear and meaningful goals: Identify what you want to achieve and create a plan to get there. Having a clear vision and roadmap can help you stay focused and motivated.
  2. Stay determined: Stay committed to your goals, even when the going gets tough. Don’t give up at the first sign of difficulty or failure. Instead, try to remain determined and keep pushing forward.
  3. Stay flexible: Be open to adjusting your approach if something isn’t working. Persistence isn’t about stubbornly sticking to a failing strategy, but about adapting and finding new ways forward.
  4. Develop a growth mindset: Believe that you can learn from your mistakes and failures, and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. This can help you stay resilient and bounce back stronger after setbacks.
  5. Seek support: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Having a strong support network can help you stay motivated and persevere through challenges.
  6. Celebrate progress: Celebrate your progress and accomplishments along the way, even if they are small. This can help you stay motivated and remind you of how far you’ve come.

Case Study

One example of someone who became successful through persistence is Thomas Edison. Edison failed thousands of times before finally inventing the first commercially practical incandescent light bulb. He famously said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Edison’s persistence and determination allowed him to keep going, even in the face of numerous setbacks and failures. His willingness to learn from his mistakes and keep trying ultimately led to one of the most transformative inventions in history.

In summary, persistence involves setting clear goals, staying determined, staying flexible, developing a growth mindset, seeking support, and celebrating progress. By cultivating persistence, you can overcome obstacles and setbacks and achieve your goals, ultimately becoming legendary in your field.

Positive influence

Being a positive influence is a crucial factor in becoming legendary because it involves inspiring and uplifting others. It means using your talents, skills, and resources to make a positive impact on the world and to help others achieve their goals and dreams.

Here are some ways to be a positive influence:

  1. Lead by example: Be a role model for others by living your values and demonstrating positive behavior. People are more likely to follow your lead if they see that you practice what you preach.
  2. Encourage others: Encourage and support others in their goals and aspirations. Celebrate their successes and help them through setbacks. Encouragement can be a powerful motivator and can help people believe in themselves.
  3. Listen actively: Listen to others with empathy and understanding. This can help you build stronger connections and inspire others to be their best selves. Listening can also help you understand the needs and concerns of others, which can help you be a more effective positive influence.
  4. Share your knowledge: Share your knowledge and expertise with others. This can help them learn and grow, and can also benefit your own learning and growth. Sharing your knowledge can also help you build a reputation as a thought leader in your field.

Spread positivity and kindness wherever you go. Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on others and can help create a more positive world. By spreading positivity, you can help lift others up and inspire them to do the same.

Case study

Shaquille O’Neal is a shining example of someone who spreads positivity wherever he goes. Not only is he a legendary basketball player, but he’s also known for his philanthropic efforts and his commitment to giving back to his community.

One story that stands out is when Shaq surprised a young man at a jewelry store by paying for his engagement ring. The man had been saving up to buy the ring for his girlfriend, but fell short on funds. When Shaq overheard the conversation, he offered to pay for the ring and even posed for a photo with the happy couple.

This act of kindness not only made the young couple’s day, but it also spread joy and positivity throughout social media. People were inspired by Shaq’s generosity and quick thinking, and it reminded us all of the power of giving back.

So let Shaq’s example be a reminder to us all that spreading positivity and kindness can make a huge impact in someone’s life, no matter how big or small the gesture. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll all be lucky enough to have Shaq pay for our engagement rings!

Conclusion

In conclusion, becoming legendary is no easy feat. It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be immense. You could become a household name, inspire others to greatness, or even have a sandwich named after you.

Just remember, being legendary isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. You might have to deal with paparazzi, stalkers, and people constantly asking for selfies. But hey, at least you’ll have your own personal brand of cereal, right?

So go forth and be legendary, my friends. And if you ever need a reminder of why you’re doing it, just remember the immortal words of Barney Stinson: “When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story.”

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Thor Torrens

College Baseball Player. Former Special Assistant to POTUS. Emmy Award Winner. Thor has worked with some of the biggest names in Television and entertainment.