We were lucky to catch up with Gueston Smith recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gueston, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Confidence, much like an iceberg, reveals its true magnitude beneath the surface of appearances. It’s a profound journey, one that I embarked upon with intention and unwavering commitment. The process of building confidence is like sculpting a masterpiece; it takes time, patience, and a keen awareness of our inner selves.
To me, confidence isn’t just a facade but an intricate tapestry woven with threads of self-esteem, resilience, discipline, curiosity and continuous learning. My journey towards developing this profound sense of self-assuredness was marked by a series of transformative experiences and relentless self-belief.
Growing up with a special needs sister, I was confronted with the fragility of life at a young age. Her passing when I was 14 served as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of our existence. Life is short. It was a challenging period that forced me to confront my own insecurities and fears. But through adversity, I discovered the reservoir of inner strength that lay within me, waiting to be tapped into.
My youthful exuberance was met with unique challenges – I graduated high school at the tender age of 16, making me significantly younger and shorter than my peers. Girls in my class often saw me as the “cool little brother.” Yet, I was undeterred. I recognized that challenges are stepping stones to growth. Life will find ways to humble us. It’s never about what happens to us that defines us, it’s how we respond. To build confidence, one must willingly embrace discomfort, confront insecurities, and push the boundaries of comfort.
As I ventured into the worlds of architecture and entrepreneurship, I found solace in the principles of innovation and purpose-driven design. Conventional wisdom dictated that architecture students became employees with limited financial prospects. However, I refused to accept this narrative. I harnessed the power of purpose and meaning to fuel my confidence. The realization that my work could make a profound impact, both in terms of creativity and income, fueled my self-belief.
But confidence is not built on mere belief; it is rooted in knowledge and experience. I understood that to be truly confident, I needed to know – not just assume. My journey led me to invest in my mind, both through reading and immersive experiences. I filled my bookcase with diverse literature, ranging from self-improvement to architectural design. Martial arts bridged the gap between my mind and body, cultivating mental and physical fortitude that became the bedrock of my self-esteem.
In 2017, I decided to immerse myself in knowledge. I invested in a desk and a bookcase, intending to fill them with the wisdom of the world. From that moment, I became a voracious reader and a passionate learner. Knowledge, combined with real-world experience, laid the foundation for genuine confidence. It wasn’t a hollow belief; it was a deep-rooted understanding of my capabilities.
Today, my life is a testament to the transformative power of self-belief and intentional personal development. I dared to step out of the confines of a corporate job that stifled my creativity. I took a leap of faith and bet on myself. Since then, I’ve accomplished feats that I’m immensely proud of – designing and building innovative architectural structures, creating entrepreneurial ventures, and becoming a martial arts instructor.
My confidence isn’t a facade; it’s an iceberg, with strength and substance hidden beneath the surface. It’s the driving force behind my pursuit of groundbreaking architectural designs, personal challenges, impactful entrepreneurship, and leaving an indelible mark on the world. Through my journey, I’ve learned that confidence is not an end but a continuous evolution, one that enriches every facet of our lives and propels us toward greater heights of self-realization.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Thank you for this opportunity to share my story and my professional endeavors. My name is Gueston, and I am an architect, entrepreneur, and martial artist. My work is deeply rooted in a philosophy that intertwines design, innovation, and personal growth.
What’s most exciting about my career is the ability to create spaces that are not just structures, but reflections of life itself. My approach to architecture is influenced by my life experiences, especially the promise I made to design an accessible home for my sister. This personal mission has grown into a broader vision of creating spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also deeply meaningful to those who inhabit them.
In the realm of entrepreneurship, I am driven by a desire to challenge conventional norms and pursue innovative ventures. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, self-belief, and the power of knowledge, which I apply in every business endeavor I undertake.
One aspect I find particularly exhilarating is the integration of martial arts philosophy into my professional life. It’s a discipline that goes beyond physical prowess, emphasizing mental fortitude, balance, and a deep connection between mind and body. This philosophy permeates my work, whether in architecture, business, or community engagement.
Regarding my brand, I strive to embody these principles. My brand is not just a testament to design and entrepreneurship but a reflection of a journey of continuous self-improvement and impact. It’s about creating legacies, uplifting communities, and inspiring others to realize their potential.
As for recent developments, I am excited about a few upcoming projects. These include innovative architectural designs that challenge traditional concepts, and a new entrepreneurial venture that I believe will not only be successful commercially but will also contribute positively to the community. Additionally, I continue to explore the intersection of architecture and martial arts, seeking new ways to merge these passions into unique experiences.
In closing, I’d like my story to inspire others to embrace their challenges, invest in their growth, and pursue their unique paths with confidence and determination. Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my journey.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I identify three key qualities that have been instrumental: resilience, continuous learning, and innovative thinking.
Resilience has been the bedrock of my journey. From the personal loss of my sister to the challenges faced due to my young age and physical stature in high school, resilience has been my companion. It taught me to view adversities not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities to grow stronger and wiser. For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace your challenges. Love yourself. See those challenges as part of your life experience, not setbacks. This mindset shift is crucial. Engaging in practices like martial arts or meditation can also fortify your mental resilience.
Continuous learning has been another cornerstone. I am a practically curious reader, interested in a myriad of subjects. This habit has not only broadened my horizons but has also deepened my expertise and confidence. To those starting out, I’d say: cultivate a love for learning. It’s not confined to classrooms or textbooks. Seek knowledge everywhere – books, seminars, real-world experiences. Create your own learning space, like I did with my desk and bookcase. Remember, learning is a lifelong journey. There’s so much to learn that can set you on a path to freedom.
Innovative thinking has been pivotal in shaping my approach to architecture and entrepreneurship. I’ve always challenged conventional wisdom and sought to carve my own path. Most of the time, it’s better to do the exact opposite if what the mass majority is doing. For anyone looking to develop this skill, I’d recommend nurturing your creativity and curiosity. Don’t be afraid to question the status quo and embrace new ideas. Keep a journal of your ideas, brainstorm regularly, and remember that failure often paves the way to innovation.
These qualities are more than just skills; they are a way of life. They’re honed over time through experiences, reflection, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the value of continuous learning, and the impact of innovative thinking.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Feeling overwhelmed is indeed a complex and often challenging emotion. It’s a sensation where everything seems to converge all at once, creating a storm of tasks and responsibilities. In my experience, such moments have occasionally led to defensive or aggressive responses. It’s a natural emotional reaction, but it’s crucial to step back and reframe our thinking. To reframe thinking under pressure is not merely a mental exercise; it’s a transformative approach to life’s challenges. It requires viewing the same situation from a different, ideally higher, and more aligned perspective. The key lies in gratitude. Being grateful for the experiences and opportunities, no matter how daunting, is vital because, in some way, we have attracted these challenges into our lives.
When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself of the fortune of being in that position. It’s not a life-or-death situation, but an opportunity for growth and learning. Showers have been a sanctuary for me. They provide a soothing, reflective space where I can sit and introspect about my feelings, reactions, and understandings of both myself and the situation at hand. This process transforms the feeling of a heavy weight on the chest into a manageable load.
My strategy for dealing with overwhelming situations is to tackle each issue one by one, prioritizing from the most important to the least important. This method not only ensures that critical tasks are addressed first but also gradually lightens the burden, making the process more manageable.
To anyone feeling overwhelmed, I’d say: take a moment to pause and reflect. Recognize the opportunity in the challenge. Use techniques like showers or other personal reflective practices to reframe your perspective. Break down your tasks and prioritize them. Remember, feeling overwhelmed is not a sign of weakness; it’s an opportunity to grow stronger and more resilient.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.guesscreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guestoncordae/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guestonsmith
- Twitter: guesscreative
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@guesscreative
Image Credits
Kubed Living, Vassé Rendezvous, Eric Carr JKD, Guesscreative LLC
