Authenticity Over Creativity
I have this written on my whiteboard right now. In starting and growing my own business, it’s easy to feel the pressure that I need to have the biggest and brightest and shiniest service out there. This reminds me that the most important thing is to be true to myself and my values.
This idea took root when I heard the following quote when listening to Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic.
“Anyhow, the older I get, the less impressed I become with originality. These days, I’m far more moved by authenticity. Attempts at originality can often feel forced and precious, but authenticity has resonance that never fails to stir me.”
So how can I apply this to my life? How can this apply to others out there? Here are some of my thoughts:
Stop comparing my output to others. There are so many great memes and posts out there that make me laugh, trigger an emotional reaction - I want to be on that level all the time. I need to stop and think what makes those posts strike me - is it the creativity and originality of the post? Or is the authenticity of the post that it connects with real emotion? Being willing and able to show empathy to myself and to customers.
Quantity doesn’t equal quality. So much advice for new businesses on marketing themselves involves an exact content schedule and output. This tends to overwhelm me. Is it very valuable advice? Yes! Does it work for me right now? No. But I can be okay with that and still put out what is true to me.
Focus on what I enjoy. If I don’t enjoy what I’m writing and care about it, it comes across like another ChatGPT generated marketing message. Taking the time to develop my content and serving clients in industries I care about is so important. And that’s what I want to do with Osprey Tax.
Stay true to yourself in what you do!