"Soy Warhol. Soy el artista número uno más impactante de nuestra generación. Soy Shakespeare en carne y hueso."

Kanye West once declared he was the most impactful artist of his generation, likening himself to Andy Warhol and Shakespeare. Bold, right? But let’s break it down.

At its core, Kanye's statement is all about self-belief and recognizing one’s own impact. He’s not just saying he’s good—he’s saying he’s a game-changer, someone who influences culture profoundly, like Warhol did with pop art or Shakespeare did with literature. Kanye believes in his cultural, artistic, and social significance to such an extent that he places himself among these legendary figures.

To understand why Kanye made such a bold claim, we need to look at his journey. From his rise in the early 2000s with "The College Dropout" to his various ventures into fashion with Yeezy and his out-of-the-box statements and actions, Kanye’s career has been anything but dull. He’s consistently pushed boundaries, challenging norms in music, fashion, and even public discourse. Sometimes his methods are controversial, but you can’t deny his influence.

So, how does this idea of seeing yourself as the “number one” translate into real life? Let’s take Steve Jobs for instance. He was known for his relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence at Apple. When he came back to the company in the late 90s, Apple was struggling. Jobs didn't just want to save Apple; he wanted to revolutionize technology. He aimed high, seeing potential where others saw failure. The result? The iPhone, which redefined what a phone could be and set a new standard in the tech industry.

Now, how can you channel your inner Kanye or Steve Jobs? First, you need to recognize your unique skills and the value you bring to the table. It’s not about arrogance; it’s about confidence. Identify what makes you different. Maybe you have a knack for solving problems creatively, or you’re incredibly good at motivating people. Once you’ve pinpointed that, lean into it hard. Don’t shy away from it.

Imagine you’re starting a small business. You’re passionate, but the market is crowded. Instead of getting discouraged, think like Kanye. Believe in your vision so much that you can’t help but make others see it too. Use your unique perspective to offer something only you can. Maybe it’s personalized customer service that big companies can’t match, or innovative products that fill a gap in the market.

Here’s a story to bring this home: Think about a friend of mine, Sara. She’s a graphic designer. A few years ago, she was just another freelancer in a sea of many. But she had a unique style—quirky, vibrant, and unmistakably her own. She started believing in her distinct approach, branded herself boldly, and didn’t shy away from showcasing her unique flair. Fast forward a bit, and she’s now working with major brands who came to her for that exact, unique style they couldn’t find anywhere else.

So, the next time you’re doubting your potential, channel your inner Kanye. Believe in your unique impact, push boundaries, and remember that true game-changers are the ones who see themselves as such before anyone else does. It's all about confidence and vision.