THE NEXT JEN

So, it all started while I was doom-scrolling on Instagram.

For those unfamiliar with the term, “doom-scrolling” is essentially when your brain switches from manual to automatic, and your thumb does all the work. You swipe, swipe, swipe… until you finally realize an hour has gone by in what seems like no time at all.

I have tried to limit the amount of doom-scrolling I do on apps these days – but it’s challenging. Every app seems to have a form of it – from the social media powerhouses such as YouTube and TikTok to shopping apps such as Amazon and Etsy… you could technically scroll forever.

My poison of choice for the evening was Instagram Reels. Swipe, swipe, swipe I go – hardly registering what I’m actually watching. My attention span is suddenly that of a toddler, easily distracted and moving along when it isn’t captivated in the first 2 seconds.

Suddenly, a reel caught my eye. It was a cartoon that I hadn’t seen in ages – the talking goose from Kung Fu Panda. Yes, that’s where this blog post is going.

The goose is named Mr. Ping, and his character is the adoptive father of the main hero of the story, a panda bear and Kung Fu trainee named Po. The movie is meant for children, but adults love it too. I recommend it.

But in this brief Instagram Reel, Mr. Ping is finally sharing the secret ingredient of his famous noodle recipe with his son – who has been dying to know the secret ingredient for a long time. The wind up to the reveal is great, spiking anticipation… what could the secret ingredient possibly be…?!

Turns out, nothing. Mr. Ping reveals the news to his son who is at first, confused and then disappointed. But Mr. Ping explains:

The secret ingredient is you. It’s what you believe it to be. It’s only what you MAKE it to be.

In this seemingly simple and comical moment from a children’s movie, I was reminded of a profound truth about success in life. It’s not about finding some elusive, magical ingredient that will guarantee your achievements. Instead, it’s about realizing that the true secret ingredient to success lies within you.

Belief in Yourself

You need to have faith in your own abilities and what you can bring to the table. It’s all about being confident in yourself and what you can do. This self-belief can be that inner push that keeps you grinding, helps you tackle hurdles, and gets you to your goals.

Your Unique Contribution

What Mr. Ping was getting at is that success isn’t about being a copycat, trying to mimic someone else’s success recipe. It’s more about dishing out your unique blend of qualities, skills, and your own perspective. Just like Mr. Ping’s secret noodle ingredient is whatever you make it… your success is defined by the special flavor you bring to the world.

Look At Things A Bit Differently

Success often hinges on how you look at challenges and setbacks. If you see obstacles as chances to grow and learn, you can turn tough times into stepping stones toward your goals. Your mindset has the power to shape your reality.

Take The First Step, Even When Its Scary

Po was all hyped up to find out the secret ingredient from his dad, but he had to realize that he had to figure it out for himself. Similarly, in life, success usually means taking the reins and being proactive. Waiting around for someone else to hand you the keys to success might mean a never-ending wait.

Endless Possibilities

Just like Mr. Ping’s noodle soup can be anything you want it to be, your path to success can take all sorts of twists and turns. There’s no one-size-fits-all recipe for making it big. So, embrace the flexibility and get creative when it comes to carving out your own path.

All in all, the secret ingredient to success isn’t some fancy skill, talent, or resource that you’ve got to go hunting for. It’s the belief you have in yourself, the uniqueness you bring to the table, your mindset, your go-getter attitude, and your ability to shape your own journey.

Like Mr. Ping’s secret ingredient, success is what you whip up, and it’s a recipe that you’ve got to cook up for yourself.

So, next time you’re on the hunt for success, remember… the real secret ingredient is you, and it’s been inside you all along.

xo Jen