Just Be Yourself

This has been said many times in many different ways, but it needs repeating.

Too many people try too hard to be like someone else. They follow in the shadow of someone they admire and respect. They formulate their opinions based on others thoughts. They try their hardest to be similar in the hopes to be recognized like them.

Read this carefully: You will never be like them.

Why would you want to be? They are who they are and that’s what makes them unique. That’s what makes you want to go through their tweets, or follow them, or read their blog, or “Like” them. They have made names for themselves, but not because they copied someone else’s style. They’re just being themselves.

And you should too.

Don’t hold back who you are from people just because you’re not “as good” as someone else. Don’t be embarrassed about the little things. These are the things that make you who you are. Be proud of them.

Be proud of yourself.

You should also be proud of what you do. Put your creations up for people to see.

You might have created something both creepy and awesome. You might have created a useful tool to aid others. You might have a profession in breathtaking photography. You might be showcasing and selling your creations online, and you might be one of many doing so. You might even have an awesome photo of yourself holding axes on your blog.

It doesn’t matter how big or small or if it’s been done before. What you do and make is a representation of who you are. And that makes it unique to you. No one else can do what you do, because only you can do it. If someone else did it, it’s unique to them.

And don’t be afraid about letting the world comment on you and your work. It doesn’t matter if you get positive or negative feedback. It will help build you as a professional, as a creative, and as an individual. If someone took the time to let you know what they think about you and your creations, then you have inspired them to act.

You have the power to inspire people just by being yourself.

Let the world know who you are and what you do. Don’t try to be someone else.

And who knows? Maybe you’ll inspire others to be themselves too.

Thanks to Tad Fry, Chase Reeves, Jessica Serra, Andi O’Toole, and James Wilson for sharing their unique creations.