It’s very common to feel bad about putting ourselves out there.

We know we have to spread the word about our work but we fall into the trap of comparing ourselves with the big names in our industry and end up thinking we’re not good enough as we are.

When I created this blog back in 2013, I was full of doubts, even though I had been in business for several years with another blog.
I had thoughts like:

“Who am I to offer this service when there are already thousands of coaches offering something similar? English is not even my first language! Why would anyone choose me?”

This comparison-itis can make us feel like we have to hide who we truly are, and put on a mask of professionalism and perfection. We try hard and might be tempted to “Fake it till you make it” as some experts suggest…

No wonder we feel so uncomfortable marketing our services.

And guess what happens when you feel uncomfortable about doing something?

You don’t do it.
And thus your work doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

The masks we all wear

There is a concept in depth psychology called the “persona”.
We start to develop our persona as children, based on what our parents and teachers think it’s acceptable and lovable in us -and we reject and repress the rest of our qualities.

This mask helps us integrate into society, and has its role in the first half of life.

But part of what it means to live our purpose, according to Carl Jung, consists of releasing the grip of our masks and becoming more of who we truly are.

People are craving authenticity

There is beauty in being authentic.

For example, as women solopreneurs, we don’t all love to wear high heels or use makeup. I know I don’t.

So why would we want to do that? Isn’t it much better, at least more authentic, to look like your real self? (This is me in one of my favorite local parks a few weeks ago.)

It’s time we let our persona go and become more of who we truly are.

Some people won’t like you, so what? They are not your ideal clients anyway.

Show up exactly as you are, with your quirks and all, because that’s exactly what will make you Stand Out.

And just in case you need it, I’m here to give you permission to be yourself.

The truth about what gets noticed

There is this little fact about the mind. It is wired to notice anything that is different. It’s apart of our survival instinct, in case you are wondering.

Your clients will find you much more interesting and engaging when you show up as your authentic self.

So please allow your difference to shine.

It will feel a bit weird at the beginning, but very soon you will be much more comfortable showing up as yourself.

Who knows, you might even end up enjoying marketing your services!

Now let me ask you, if you were to add a bit more of your real self into your business, what would you do?