The impact of technology on our lives can be actually intimidating. Sometimes I think that "damn she does such cool things online that i can never do" and then I tend to lean on the "I should do something like that too", i try but it never really works out. The coffee culture, interior inspos, its very likeable. So we try to get those same angles, you know, the half squat photo angle. As much I want to reject how this social media culture affects our self-esteem, it definitely has it perks once used in the right way. I hope you find this post helpful. This post is aimed for creatives or a person who is unable to embrace their creativity online, comfortably.
Marketing in the digital age genuinely embraces diversity, creativity and authenticity. I was somewhat wrong in believing that your past has to define your professional future, thats the part where some people are afraid to show themselves because they see many others already so far ahead and the digital era can make sure it does so, on your terms. Trust me, the minute you start dressing and behaving the way in the way that is your true self, you will be amazed at how many opportunities will be unlocked. The digital age makes it far easier to connect to opportunities that align with your, own very personal brand.
Building a personal brand
Your personal brand is essentially how the world sees you. It's your reputation, who you are and what you value all wrapped up in the unique perspective that you bring to the world. An it's not optional. If you exist online in any way, shape or form, then you have a personal brand - whether you've decided to create the brand for yourself or not. You have to take control of how the world sees you.
The more active you are in managing your personal brand, the more control you have over your life. The things that make you unique in the world and in your industry are only going to be noticed if you put them forward and celebrate them everyday. An actively managed personal brand means you're not waiting for things to happen to you - you're inviting those things to happen to you.
Finding your Voice
Just as the digital world gives you a personal brand, it also gives you a voice. That voice can be awkward, inconsistent and untrustworthy, and it can sound the same as anyone else - or it can be distinct, fresh, exciting and something thats true to you. As I mentioned in my recent interview with Harian Metro, her question was "What is your advice for the people out there who want to, you know, be like you?". I answered, "you need to have knowledge and be hungry to learn". That sounded very cliche, but in the longer interview (which was cut), I expressed that, when I say knowledge I meant by reading the things that you wouldn't usually read, expanding the mind..making an investment in yourself. Keeping yourself educated through the many online platforms available at the palm of your hands about things-good-enough-to-keep-you-curious is not for the present, its for the future, you may see something with a different perspective when you have new information registered in your mind, subconsciously connecting the dots in your brain. Overtime as all the knowledge sets in, you will see the world differently, everything fits like a puzzle and THIS has the power to change your life in a profound way.
Never be the smartest in the room
The more you realise the importance of relationships, the more you start to realise that your success is not all about you. You may be the centre of your own professional story - but the characters around you have a huge influence on the story. Make sure they are the smartest people you know - and try as hard you can to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you are. It's the best way to keep learning, keep evolving and keep your life and career interesting.
Its never too late to reinvent yourself.
If you asked me 5 years ago if I wanted to be pinkdurian, I would have said you are out of your mind. Thats because I was not confident at-freaking-all, and I didn't understand how I could use instagram to pave my life journey. I'm honestly a series of unspoken failures and inner-fights. One of the reasons the youth today is more exposed to stress, low self-esteem and even depression (which is completely okay by the way!) because we can't catch up with the world's speed. And it has worn out our brain engine. Heres the truth, we're not even supposed to be working at this speed, it is unnatural. And when things go wrong in this world, things go wrong in an instant.
To continue finding ourselves after a fall, is a slower process than falling. It includes more slow deep thinking and these steps are not at all glamorous, sometimes it feels you're not getting anywhere. You feel stuck. If you find yourself in this phase, learn to let go of the person you we're in the past, get to know the person you currently are and build new habits to allow change to happen. It's easier to to be just ok for a couple of days. But don't settle at just ok. Being committed to yourself will give you freedom. I realise now its never too late to do something else - but first, you need to remind yourself who you really are and that there is only one of you out here in the world.
"Every day is an opportunity for the new, as yesterday has now gone. You can beat yourself up about not getting there soon enough, believing opportunity has passed you by. If that is what you believe, it is true.
Or you can believe that when success arrives it is the right time, and all before has been your preparation."
get out there. not because you should, but because you can.
x anisah
ps. re-reading all this serves a great reminder to myself today. i'm gonna say thank you to myself today for writing this 2 years ago :) you did well.
[disclaimer: this post was inspired by an article i read in an airport i believe, which i dont remember of]
