Analyze the Past to Prepare for Success in the Future
How studying your DNA, ancestry, and history unlocks your purpose, power, and destiny
I firmly believe that the most successful people today are people that study the past, review history, fail, get back up and improve a few degrees every day.
If you haven’t done a SWOT for yourself and your personal brand, I suggest this is a great time to stop and think about what inspires you, the things you are passionate about, and what draws meaning and more purpose into your life.
SWOT refers to Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. SWOT analysis is a process whereby you identify the internal and external factors that will affect your future performance. Your strengths and weaknesses are the internal factors — your opportunities and threats are the external ones. Applied to your personal brand, a SWOT is the most powerful strategic tool you will ever use.
I personally believe that people are capable of incredible things when they have the support and meaning in their life that they need. Every great vision is achieved one step at a time — and this has been witnessed for centuries. I often write on passion, innovation, leadership and success, because I love being there every step of the way for my friends and family. My goal is to inspire my children, friends, and the next generation to have a life of passion and inspiration — to do things that matter.
Having recently thought long and hard about my purpose and essence, I thought it would be an invaluable part of my plan to delve deep into my family’s history, heritage, background, and explore my personal genomics and biotechnology.
Having verbally heard stories about some of my ancestors including Sir James Watts — the Scottish inventor and engineer renowned for his improvements in steam engine technology — and Maureen Kathleen Stewart Forrester CC OQ (July 25, 1930 – June 16, 2010), a Canadian Operatic Contralto, I needed to better understand both paternal and maternal ancestry.
So I contacted 23andMe — a Mountain View, California based Biotechnology company — to use their saliva-based DNA service. The company is named for the 23 pairs of chromosomes in a normal human cell.
Considering I was born in New York, USA, I always grew up thinking I was American — but here in fact are all the things I had wanted to know for decades since hearing family stories passed on via my great grandparents and grandparents. This report has forever refocused me on my purpose and principles — and has helped me to better predict roles, circumstances and environments in which I naturally thrive.
My Paternal Line — Haplogroup R1b1b2
R1b1b2 is the most common haplogroup in western Europe, where its branches are clustered in various national populations.
My Maternal Line — Haplogroup H1
Haplogroup H1 is widespread in Europe, especially the western part of the continent. It originated about 13,000 years ago, not long after the Ice Age ended.
Genetic Evidence for Neanderthals
Neanderthals were a group of humans who lived in Europe and Western Asia — the closest evolutionary relatives of modern humans. Genetic evidence suggests they interbred with modern humans, and traces of their DNA — between 1% and 4% — are found in all modern humans outside of Africa.
Know Your Past. Own Your Future.
I think to totally understand your future, you must always learn more from the past — in order to focus on your strengths, capabilities and make a significant impact. Until recently, it has been impossible to see more than a tiny fragment of the DNA code that lies inside each of us. But now, with the ability to learn from your personal history and DNA, there has never been a better time to become your best.
I believe genetics influences our lives and that learning more serves to build our personal brand. By better understanding your ancestry and background, you will only enhance your life, career, and purpose — and inspire yourself to achieve bigger and better things than ever before.
I hope this article inspires you to create and develop a path to find a career that inspires you via your natural instincts, beliefs and DNA. 🇺🇸