Intentionally Authentic

As I was literally just sitting here, scrolling on Instagram, wondering why my content that I put a lot thought into doesn’t do as well as someone who posts a similar type of content.  I came across a creator that I have followed for a while, but haven’t seen in weeks, post a very aesthetic video talking about how people who seemingly are not great people seem to have all the luck.  Her answer was that those are people who don’t worry about what others think, they already deem themselves worthy and that is why they are able to manifest all the things they want.

It does seem like there are people with questionable motives, morals, etc. that are able to manifest great things, while you are trying so hard, and can’t break 10 views on a video that took you hours to make.

While both of you are entertaining, one already believes that they have created content that they know a lot of people will want to see, while you are hesitating, worrying just a little too much what people are going to think and experiencing major imposter syndrome wondering why other people should even listen to you, even though you know your stuff.  That other person is me.  I am the one who can’t expand my reach to my target audience and feel like perhaps my content isn’t as good as someone else’s even though I probably spend a little more time worrying about it. 

We live in a world where sometimes people posting about a day in their life is more interesting to the collective than the person taking care of your elderly grandparents.  Where a singular meal that someone posts is more interesting than those who work for the electric company keeping the lights on.

Don’t get me wrong, I do see value in both.  I’m not invalidating influencers.  I scroll way too much, and I have fallen into the trap many times.  Each time, it makes me feel unimportant, like I have less to say, like I am doing less important things just because I can’t find my target audience yet.  I also feel like I will be judged by those I know in real life for doing something they deem as “cringe” because I’m not reaching a wide audience of strangers.  I know I don’t need their validation, but I can’t seem to break free from that mindset and it’s holding me back.

With AI creating better images than I can capture, feeling like AI can write better than I am able, and then the vast amount of people who already have it figured out is daunting.

My point is, there are people who want to see your content, you will break double digit views, and what you have to say is important and can change someone’s life.

I am trying to make it a point to put my phone down a little more, to let myself take breaks without fear that I will become irrelevant.  I have been getting a lot of creators on TikTok posting things that are valid and people need to see their content to know they aren’t alone in feeling how they feel, but a lot of it has been very triggering for me lately.  When this happens, it’s ok to put your phone down, step away and recuperate, detox, get your bearings back and take a break when you need to.  Organic content is always better than forced, in my opinion. 

I hope this reaches the people who need to hear it.  I see you, I love your content and I want to know more.  Hustle culture is so over.  Intentional, slow living is in.

I would rather see someone showing a beautiful loaf of bread they made from scratch rather than someone making over the top, unrealistic content for entertainment only.  The world needs more people like us.

Be kind, be you, and keep shining.

-            Angela