Shadman Rahman

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The Dual Actor's Mentality Explained

So it just occurred to me that I have yet to explain the whole concept of the social construct of The Dual Actor's Mentality that I mentioned in my first post. What is most interesting about the construct to me is the fact that it is so dynamic and has such a profound impact on others when utilized correctly. Let me give you a brief recap of the conception of the construct before delving into its meaning and significance.

As I'm sure all of you know by now, I love to watch interviews to reap and soak in different life perspectives. I once stumbled upon an interview of Shahrukh Khan's towards the end of my sophomore year in high school that inspired me to create The Dual Actor's Mentality. In that interview, I was able to learn that there are some parts of each of our human natures that cannot be changed. However, we all have the creative ability to come under the illusion of being who we wish to envision ourselves be. Essentially, this means that all human beings have the powerful ability of possessing two different personalities and can channel between the two throughout their lifetime. This is an amazing fact if you think deeply about it and the implications it holds.

For me, the two personalities of mine have been labeled "Reserved, disciplined Shadman" and "Social Shad", with the former being who I am at the core and the latter being my creative illusion. Ever since I watched that Shahrukh Khan interview, I have carried forward with these two personalities and been able to adapt to different situations by channeling between the two personalities. In doing so, I have become much more aware of humanity and the intricacies of what makes the human race so complex and intriguing. Through time, I have started seeing the difference in time significance of the two personalities.

My "Reserved, disciplined Shadman" side, or my core personality, has come to shape and define all of the short term results in my life. This includes mundane things such as my daily routine to my systematic process of thinking through a problem. It has helped me stayed focused on the present to execute on ideas at a high level. Through this personality, I am able to work towards my short term goals, such as hoping to establish a career in the financial services industry and one day wanting to situate myself out on the east coast. As a result of this personality, I am able to stay grounded and humbled when things are going my way and also stay even kill when the going gets rough.

My "Social Shad" side, or my alter ego of sorts,  has come to mold my long term vision for my legacy that I wish to leave behind. Now you may be thinking why someone who is only 19 years old would already be thinking about his legacy. We all get lost in the day to day activities that run our lives - that may be school, work, extracurricular commitments etc. Through this all, we get bogged down so much that 50 odd some years pass by and you are physically no longer able to go out and create a legacy for yourself. That's where "Social Shad" comes into play; it is the much more carefree of the two personalities that is seemingly not bounded by a time constraint. It allows me to be more creative and project out to the longer term with the creative ideas in mind.

Now think about all those who have come before you and have left some sort of imprint on human civilization. They all followed suit with a conceived image they projected onto the public eye available for scrutiny and criticism but knew their own self with their routine, discipline, work ethic etc. that is more hidden from the public eye and what it is worth. With their lofty and ambitious goals and desires being incorporated into the creative illusion of their persona to the public comes a great deal of challenge but the willingness to push that to the side and drive through it stems from within - something which is seemingly inexplicably not understood externally.

I want you all to now ponder about your own legacy you are trying to create through your presence and craft. Some of you may be stumped right now and have never given a single thought to your legacy. Luckily, you are probably still young and still have lots of time and energy to devote towards carving out your own little niche in the world that will become known as your legacy. Think about who it is you are at the core and what your second personality/alter ego/creative illusion is and how they will aid to the development of yourself and your legacy.

I'll let you know that I have found the discovery of these two personalities within myself to be the greatest stepping stone towards further developing my vision for the legacy I wish to leave behind. Nothing else has aided towards it aside from the discovery of The Dual Actor's Mentality. Above everything, it has provided clarity with my life purpose and my vision for how I plan to execute upon that purpose. The best example I have found to familiarize yourself with how The Dual Actor's Mentality comes into play is none other than Kobe Bryant. He knows exactly who he is innately with the way he grew up and developed and what he wanted to show to the public and media through his alter ego known as the Black Mamba. The rest is history with how he has impacted the world.

Go discover and fine tune your own two personalities. Greatness and human evolution does not come from seeking intelligence but rather exhibiting a creative imagination. There surely won't be a more enlightening experience then obtaining clarity about things through this disciplined, creative process in discovery a whole new side to you.

"Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not."  - Pablo Picasso

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