SILVERBACK
Follow your passions, live this life
Deon Retief, owner and founder of the Silverback brand
Posted Thu, 26 Oct 2006

At the age of 20, I already knew that I had a flair for interpreting the most finite marketing fundamentals and executing them successfully. I was particularly interested in the elements and dynamics of branding and brand building, which was accentuated by my fascination with consumer behaviour.

My career path has led me on a global exploration and I’ve had enormous successes on several continents because of my passion. Everything I do, is implemented with the highest intensity and also characterised by the love of all objects with beautiful shape and form.

I firmly believe that it is possible as an individual and especially as a South African to be successful on any stage, in any market and in any country. It just requires the fundamental belief and the inward will and spirit to do so, no matter what. Ultimately, your attitude determines your altitude!

My advice on how to follow your passions and live this life can be summarised in 20 simple points:

1. Make the decision to be happy NOW! No one else can make this decision for you.
2. Go on a journey of self-discovery and find your passions.
3. Keep life simple.
4. Don’t fret or worry too much. Always consider: Is it really worth it?
5. Add fun to each day, no matter where or what.
6. Do what brings you inner excitement and joy:


• sing your favourite song out loud


• read a book


• walk your dog on the beach


• climb a mountain


• ride a bike


• picnic at sunset


• enjoy a coffee at your favourite restaurant/café and watch the world go by


• enjoy bubbly in a bubble bath


• eat an ice cream


• try new activities like paintball, laser-quest, action cricket or even beach volleyball. Or fly a kite.


• enjoy the movies, insist on having popcorn


• go wine tasting
7. Remember to stop and enjoy the view
8. Be spontaneous
9. Try everything at least once and see how many different activities you can do in one year
10. Buy balloons and hand them out to strangers
11. Be adventurous
12. Don’t limit yourself
13. Smile, it comes back to you
14. Remember your attitude determines your altitude
15. Lighten up — make laughter a rule
16. Travel, see new places, enjoy new perspectives
17. Never say never!
18. Only surround yourself with positive, happy people… it tends to rub off!
19. Let go of what’s gone and focus on what’s on
20. Be active, adopt a riding soul….. Ride a bike, a skateboard, rollerblades, the surf or sandboard, wake or boogie board or even a snowboard. Get a BMX. Get a beach cruiser.

My abilities as a marketer and a branding and design creator keep me inspired. I constantly push the threshold in a relentless quest to make the impossible possible. At work it is essential to always be well informed, keeping abreast of new developments.

Most importantly, always set future goals to work towards. My goals are to achieve a more balanced life. Be more tolerant of people’s growth and the unique diversity that exists in this country. Be a spokesperson for all South Africans locally and abroad. I want to share my worldly experiences with all. Help fellow South Africans believe in this country and themselves.

I want to encourage South Africans to return and make this a better place. To encourage all young students to start their own businesses, become entrepreneurs and not leave this country. I want to lobby to business and government to incentivise self-starts and small business.

Encourage all to live this life. Success is simple. Know what you are doing. Believe in what you are doing. Love what you are doing. Find your passion or passions in life.

Surround yourself with positive, creative, successful people. Be a sponge and learn.

Then get up and do it — now and every day.

For more information, visit www.silverbacklab.com.