Considered the Voice of Chicago, one millennial male could have used influence to distract, instead he used his powers for impact.
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After reaching his wits end listening to parking lot prophets and twitter theologians who believe they can save the world in 140 characters, a millennial male in the windy city made the conscious choice to be chosen.
Now producing a weekly video series entitled “Getting over the Hump,” motivational speaker Richard Taylor, 25, says it was five years ago when he realized that if his presence wasn’t used to impact others, then he was living a very selfish life.
“One day it hit me, I didn’t have to ask permission to lead, I can just going do it.”
Considered the voice of Chicago, Taylor proudly shares that he’s spend more than 20 hours a week, between two high schools, mentoring youth and being mentored.
“It’s hard to impact and not be impacted,” he says.
While the popular narrative is that professionals and community leaders make the best mentors for at-risk youth, Taylor believes that ordinary people can step up and by doing so will learn a wealth of information about themselves.
“Having mentees force you to step into your rightful place as a leader – we’re all leaders. The more you tell your mentee(s) that they can achieve whatever their dreams are, the more you begin to believe your own words and work to build something larger than yourself.”
A fan of E-mentoring, the author of “Unashamed” suggests today’s technology makes it easy for everyone to put some skin in the game, especially celebrities.
READ: Entrepreneur Releases Guide To E-Mentoring
“When Jay-Z said his presence was charity enough, it struck a bad chord with most people. Although I don’t fully agree with him, I can understand why he said that. The power of celebrity is huge and our youth gravitate towards it. However, knowing that, Jay-Z and everyone other superstar who has involuntarily become a role model to countless generations, has a responsibility to put their time where their mouth is. You can have a charity or a foundation in your name, but unless you’re giving of your time and have a heart to see people succeed and survive, than you’re basically a waste of celebrity.”
Convicted to make a lifestyle change because he knows he holds the life of many vulnerable youth in his hands, Taylor shares:
“The only thing we all have as people is the power of choice. A large majority of public figures prefer to use their influence to distract, while I stand committed to use mine for impact. Many are called but few are chosen, and the few that are chosen are the few who made the conscious choice to be chosen.”
Thanks for reading. Until next time, I’m Flood the Drummer® & I’m Drumming for JUSTICE!™
Big Ups, to Richard Taylor! And, my take away from the article is that you don’t have to put down the way another contributor to youth development as you make your contribution. While there are many bad ways to mentor a youth, there is no one way to do so. More impact comes from adding to and expanding all of the good ways of mentoring. #rightsofpassage
Big Ups, to Richard Taylor! And, my take away from the article is that you don’t have to put down the way another person contributor to youth development as you make your contribution. While there are many bad ways to mentor a youth, there is no one way to do so. More impact comes from adding to and expanding all of the good ways of mentoring. #rightsofpassage