Swag: It Comes from Within You.

Our Stallion Swagger, Mr. Arthur Kiyaga, describes what it takes to leave a great, lasting impression.

Courtesy of mtv.com

Have you ever wondered why certain individuals command our attention the minute they walk into a room? There’s this quiet and pleasant confidence about them – an “it” factor that seems so unattainable, and yet we can define it all in one word: swag. Not to get cocky, or turn all Dr. Phil on you, but my swag-game is highly envied, and even I know it can be stepped up a notch. It’s actually pretty easy to incorporate swag in your daily endeavors, here’s the trick:

Thanks to rap and hip-hop lyrics, I’ve gotten the vibe that the word “swag” carries an urban connotation – but that’s wrong. President Obama’s swag goes far beyond Diddy’s or any other rap artist for that matter. If you think by-passing the club line with five girls on your arm just so you can pop bottles while wearing Prada shades is swag – you’ve got lots to learn. But at least you came to the right place.

Rather than secluding yourself to pimp-type activities, you need to think more about your actions; your pep. Swag comes from how you go about your business; taking the time to ensure your argyle socks compliment your shirt. It’s all about your passion and finding the enjoyment in what you do – in all you do. It’s the ability to inform others that you’re serious without having to actually tell them.

Now that we’re serious, let’s take this time to make a mental note: don’t try so hard. You’ll end up like an excess amount of lemon pepper in a sad attempt to spice up a meal (i.e. stop walking with that over-exaggerated limp while trying to pick up girls off the street). That being said, too little effort will make you look like some questionable appetizer without any main course to compliment it. It’s all about a balanced diet when it comes to swag.

Start with a nice, scholarly outlook on life. Positivity is more noticeable than a pair of Pradas. If your heart is infested with hate and pollution, anything you touch or embark upon will not only be swag-less, it’ll be pitiful. Next, swag goes from the heart to hygiene. You may laugh but hygiene is essential: a good shower (personally, I use Irish Spring), brushing your teeth and gargling (I only use Scope Citrus Splash), a couple squirts of your fragrance choice, and top it all off with some cocoa butter moisturizer.

So now that you’re chilling in your robe and you’re feeling fresh to death, what do you wear? Well, you gotta play to your strengths. Wear something you’re completely comfortable with and that accurately represents you at that moment. It’s great to take pointers from others (GQ, etc.), but don’t fake it by representing something you’re not – it’ll show big time in your body language. Whatever event you’re dressing for, play to your strengths with sheer enjoyment, it will embed your endeavors with swag.

Finally, when you walk out the door, don’t let your city define who you are. You need to define your city with your unique attitude and positive perception. I truly feel that life’s one big potluck – and yet people tend to hold back on being themselves. Collectively, if everyone were to bring their best dish to the table, imagine how zestful and charismatic life would be.

And if swag is something you’re lacking, you’ve still got a couple of days to put it on your wish list for the Big Guy!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & MUCH LOVE! :D

– Arthur.