Everybody likes the new guy. Being the new guy is cool. But then

Mustard's words, “Everybody likes the new guy. Being the new guy is cool. But then when you're there for a couple months, you're just the cool guy. I think I'm just the cool guy,” offer a profound reflection on the nature of identity and perception. In this statement, he highlights the fleeting nature of novelty and the transformation that occurs when we are no longer the fresh face in the room, but simply part of the landscape. There is a wisdom in recognizing that the initial excitement of being the new person—someone full of promise and intrigue—often fades, and we are left to settle into a different role: that of the consistent presence, the one who must now sustain the energy that initially made them stand out.

This truth has been understood since the ancient world, where the initial moments of a hero’s rise were often marked by excitement and adulation, only for the hero to eventually become just another figure in the ever-turning wheel of history. Take, for example, Alexander the Great. In his early campaigns, he was the new hero, the fresh face with unlimited potential. His conquests were met with great fanfare, his name spreading across the known world like wildfire. But as the years went on, he was no longer just the new face of hope and victory—he became the leader whom people relied upon and expected to provide results. Over time, the novelty of his greatness wore off, and he was simply Alexander, the ruler, facing the weight of expectations. He had to prove himself anew, day after day, as the cool guy.

Similarly, Socrates, in his role as a philosopher, was once the new voice of reason in Athens, someone who challenged the norms and provoked deep thought among the people. Yet, as his teachings grew more widespread, and as he continued to question the wisdom of the established elite, he transitioned from being an exciting new thinker to a figure who was seen as a threat to the established order. In his case, the coolness of his philosophy became overshadowed by the fear of the power he wielded through his questions. Socrates had to continuously defend his position and identity, constantly navigating the tension between novelty and expectation, just as Mustard describes the shift from being the new guy to the cool guy. In both cases, greatness became a continuous effort to redefine and maintain one’s place.

This evolution from new guy to cool guy is a familiar one in every journey of growth and achievement. The transition from being the fresh, intriguing figure to the person who must now sustain their position in the eyes of others is universal. It speaks to a deeper truth about human nature: that novelty excites, but it is consistency and character that sustain long-term respect and admiration. The "new guy" might capture attention, but it is the "cool guy" who knows how to navigate the demands of the world without losing their sense of self that commands lasting influence.

Consider the journey of Nelson Mandela. Upon his release from prison, Mandela was not only a new figure for a new age—he was a symbol of hope, a living embodiment of resilience and freedom. But as time passed, he was no longer just a new leader—he became the cool guy in the political arena, a statesman whose presence was a constant force of calm and wisdom. Yet, despite the early excitement surrounding his rise, Mandela’s strength was not in the novelty of his leadership but in his ability to lead with integrity and vision through difficult and uncertain times. His coolness came not from newness but from his commitment to peace, justice, and the welfare of his people, day after day.

The lesson here is clear: newness may win us attention, but sustaining greatness requires more than that initial spark. It demands dedication, authenticity, and the ability to navigate the expectations that come with fame, success, or leadership. Mustard reminds us that while it’s exciting to be the new face in the room, it’s the ability to remain the cool, calm, and consistent presence that truly matters. To be the cool guy is not just about maintaining an outward image; it is about mastering the art of being present and staying true to oneself amid shifting circumstances. True coolness is not fleeting—it is found in authenticity, in the steady strength to remain grounded and consistent.

In practical terms, we must each find ways to maintain our authenticity in the face of expectations and pressures. As we grow and evolve, it is essential to remember that novelty may gain us initial attention, but lasting influence comes from the work we put into sustaining that influence over time. Whether we are leaders, creators, or simply individuals navigating the complex currents of life, the challenge is to rise above the fleeting nature of novelty and build a foundation of trust, integrity, and consistency. The cool guy—the one who endures—is the one who has learned how to navigate the transitions of life, without losing the core of who they are.