12 Feb Let your guard down

I’m not Brad Pitt. I don’t always appear perfectly groomed, in the best lighting, or in my effortlessly chosen, yet amazing outfit. Because I’m not perfect. (Neither is Brad. But it can appear that way.)

This last week, I decided to show more of the real me online. It’s nothing groundbreaking. I didn’t open up and share a deep dark secret. I’m saving that for a book. Duh. Instead, I was just me. And I did it by sharing two Instagram Stories.

The first one had me sitting at my desk in my home office. It was literally my typical working by myself mode, in a t-shirt, jeans, and a baseball cap. My intention was to talk about my recently released podcast episode with the Crafty Lumberjacks. When I shoot a video story, I’d normally wear something more fitting to my online persona, I’d be in an artful or interesting setting, and I’d make sure the lighting was spot on. But why? Was the latter conveying some special power or clout I possess?

Then I posted another story that started off with the reality of my Sunday, compared to the amazing ‘Sunday Funday’ stories I kept seeing. I was doing laundry, not drinking mimosas at a pool. I  then proceeded to talk about getting a head start to my week, working on my newsletter (and explaining why I do it and how to subscribe). Again, t-shirt, at my desk (for part of it), lightning was just okay, and this time I had some not-so-terrific looking skin from my latest round at the dermatologist. And let me tell you, I was very aware of how much my complexion bothered me before I created the videos.

Be real to be relatable.

I often advise people to be themselves and be authentic to live their truth. It’s only then do we see our real paths and stories.

This week I decided to push myself past this specific comfort zone. I needed to be more me, flaws and all, in front of others online. It’s not about perfection. It’s about being real. That’s what connects with others. They need to see themselves in you, to relate.

Did my community notice these changes? Maybe. Probably. Did they understand the reasons I was making them? Maybe not. Probably not. That doesn’t matter. These stories had some of my largest reach and engagement, with messages that touched on everyday things shown in the videos. I also had people listen to the podcast and subscribe to my newsletter. So a triple win.

Also, I feel a little more free. I’m not so worried about how I show up online. Sure, I’m still going to have photoshoots and cleverly crafted images and videos, and follow through on my professional/personal brand. But when I want to bring people further on the inside, I’m doing it. And I’m doing it with intention and honesty.

What stops you from letting people see the real you online?