Embracing Your ‘Weirdness’
- Posted 10 years ago
- by Sway Buckley
When I started my Creative Arts Staffing firm in college I had very little business experience and felt like a fish out of water because I didn’t know what to call it. When people would ask me what I did I usually gave them a watered down title to simply ‘fit in’. I wanted to be accepted, I wanted them to like me and I didn’t want to be looked at as an ‘all over the place ‘type of girl. So, I would just water it down. But I realized the more I stayed faithful to working what was in my hands I started to get more clarity on how to coin what I did. It was an AMAZING transformation when I became confident in who I was, what I did, and how I did it. At this point, instead of feeling inferior and intimidated I was the one others came to for advise on how to do what I did or create their own weird business ( I mean weird in the very best way). It didn’t take long for me to realize that weird was good..weird was GREAT! Why? because people by nature get tired of hearing the same ole same ole…I discovered that a whole BUNCH of folks where walking around watering down their true passion because they were intimidated of their OWN goals, visions, and ideas. They didn’t know what to call it, and since they had never seen it done it was swept under the rug-no bueno!
So, today, I’ve decided to share a few pointers with you on how to embrace your uniqueness in the marketplace. Whether you are just starting out or have been at this thing for a while- it’s refreshing to know you aren’t alone!
- 1. Understand That Leaders Go First
You have to realize, your vision to do something that’s never been done automatically puts you into the Leadership category. Leaders don’t wait around for someone else to pave the way- they blaze their own trail. So, if you feel as if your calling is can only be done by you in a way that only YOU can do it- you are in very good company my friend! Keep going!
- 2. Know That Weird Is Great!
The sooner you embrace your uniqueness, the sooner you SHINE and allow others to do the same. It totally turns the table to your advantage. Kind of like Rudolph the red nose reindeer (okay- just go with me..) Did you see how he was isolated and alienated at first BECAUSE he stood out? He himself didn’t celebrate his uniqueness until later. But I bet if he would have been confident in knowing his little red nose was good thing-he could have been a lot happier a lot sooner! Once he was put in the coveted position of leadership is when everyone else started singing his praises- do you see what I’m saying? It’s all about perspective and perception. Celebrate your uniqueness NOW! I promise your life will be so much more enjoyable!
- 3.Stay Linked Up With Other Like Minded Change-Makers (aka Weirdos)
You see, society doesn’t know what to do with what they have never seen before. It’s a daunting task to live out your purpose..alone. One of the best antidotes for staying authentic is to STAY linked up with other authentic people. So, that means you may have to totally switch your inner circle (and different seasons in life require this). Be intentional with seeking out like-minded people. When you open yourself up for it, those people will cross your path but it will be YOUR responsibility to make that connection and continue to build on it. Be careful, these Change Makers may not come in the packaging you expected so keep your eyes and heart open!
Most of all, enjoy where you are in life. Be present and strive to make today better than yesterday. The more you live in this place, the freer and more open you are to let all of your weirdness hang out! Be that light today! Shine Bright!
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Sway Buckley is the CEO of a leading Creative Arts Staffing firm and Founder of The sm(ART)ist Institute. The institute offers coaching to Creatives of all kinds who are ready to catapult their business to the next level. As a professional dancer and choreographer Sway has toured internationally and continued her dance training in New York at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Steps on Broadway after attaining her BFA in dance from Texas Christian University. She has a weekly blog that helps Creatives design profitable streams with their craft. Sign-up to be the on the list at www.smartartistinstiute.com