Why I Hate The Word “Authenticity”

You know that buzzword “authenticity?” It has to be in my top 5 least favorite words of all time. Others will say “be authentic” but I’ve seen very few break down what it is outside of something that sounds good, gets clout in cliché communities, and rolls slick off the tongue.

Here’s my definition in context. You don’t build your personal brand around what other people want to see, rather by people coming to you based on who you are.

Read that a few times before continuing.

I remember one instance where I said my opinion in a post which was counterculture and slightly emotionally charged, and one person commented something along the lines of “it’s surprising to see this coming from someone who’s all about personal branding.”

He was surprised I said something that could divide my audience. I usually don’t make those kinds of posts, but I knew that I needed to start standing firm in my beliefs and showing more of me. My intention wasn’t division, rather to connect.

I may have had a few people unfollow me, but I had many more who gained respected for me speaking up. 

Some people will disagree with you. You’ll disagree with some people. 😠

Some people will think you’re stupid. You’ll think some people are stupid. 🙃

The greats we study were not loved by all nor did they build their livelihoods by being like the rest of the world. 💔 

You may not be for everyone, but everyone will know you. 🌎