Inspire To Motivate

by Darren Meenan November 06, 2017

You can't teach hustle. You're either motivated to succeed, or you're not. There's no in between, especially when you want to be your own boss. I haven't had a full day off since 2009, but I still don't feel like I have a job. Find something you love to do, apply yourself, keep it fun and find a way to monetize it. You'll never work a day in your life.

I was asked to come speak with the young entrepreneurs of Syosset High School. This was only my second public speaking gig, and it was just as nerve wracking as the first back in 2013.

Over the years I've done countless media spots, filmed a documentary with Sports Illustrated, multiple live TV interviews, and co-host our weekly Facebook show that reaches thousands. I still feel more pressure talking to a room of High Schoolers because the eager eyeballs are looking to me for some kind of guidance. That's more nerve wracking than anything else in my opinion. It's a big responsibility. Especially when the flyer for the lecture said I'm a "marketing genius". I wanted them to go home excited to tell their family that they stayed after school for a good reason.

Sure, not everyone is a Mets fan, but I feel the story of The 7 Line and the roots to build this brand go way beyond baseball. What can I say to help these kids out? How can I explain that the tools to do what I've done are right in front of their noses? I'm certainly not the smartest guy in the room, but I'm motivated, and anyone can get off their butts and apply themselves.

If I can inspire just one person to be more motivated in any aspect of life, it's a success. I don't know if they were just being polite, but I saw nodding heads throughout the audience the entire time.

Shout to Colin here. We met back at Citi in 2011, and he was in attendance today. Pretty awesome.

2011 vs. 2017. Suffered some more, grew a bit taller, still just as nervous as then. 😂 #LGM #T7LA @The7Line @DarrenJMeenan @The7LineArmy pic.twitter.com/4QPzkPBoHH
— L. Ron Hoyabembe (@gdc7226) November 6, 2017

I feel today my job was done, and that's pretty gratifying. Thank you to the students and faculty of Syosset High School. I had a great time. Now, go hustle!

Thank you @DarrenJMeenan from @The7Line for speaking to the young entrepreneurs from Syosset High School! LGM pic.twitter.com/46SZK3LvdA
— Syosset Business Ed (@SHSBusinessEd) November 6, 2017