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t Do It: The Origins Behind Nike's Famous Slogan Nike is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, with its iconic "swoosh" logo and memorable tagline: Just Do It. But where did this famous slogan come from? And what does it really mean? Just Do It was first created in 1988 by Nike's advertising agency, Wieden+Kennedy. The company was looking for a new campaign to revitalize its brand and appeal to a broader audience. The team at Wieden+Kennedy came up with the phrase "Just Do It" as a way to inspire people to take action and pursue their dreams, no matter what obstacles they might face. The tagline was inspired by the last words of Gary Gilmore, a convicted murderer who was executed by firing squad in 197
7. When asked if he had any last words, Gilmore reportedly said, "Let's do it." This phrase later became popularized as "Just Do It" in a series of Nike commercials featuring athletes such as Michael Jordan and Bo Jackson. But the meaning behind Just Do It goes beyond just inspiring people to take action. It's also about overcoming fear and doubt. When we are faced with a challenge or a difficult decision, it's common to feel scared or unsure. We may worry about failure or what others might think of us. Just Do It is a reminder to push past these fears and doubts and to trust in our own abilities. We may not always succeed, but by taking action and trying our best, we can learn from our mistakes and grow stronger. In recent years, Nike has used its Just Do It campaign to inspire social change as well. In 2018, the company released an ad featuring NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who took a knee during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial injustice. The ad's tagline read, "Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything." The ad received both praise and criticism, but it demonstrated Nike's commitment to using its platform to spark conversations and encourage positive change. In conclusion, Just Do It may seem like a simple phrase, but it has a powerful message behind it. It encourages us to take action, overcome our fears and doubts, and strive to make a positive impact in the world. And that's something we can all aspire to.