Hey Horrible People,
Today, I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to be a little rough around the edges and a little horrible in business. In fact, it’s better to be yourself, show your vulnerabilities, embrace your uniqueness and take imperfect action than to be this polished snake oil salesman.
Let’s be real, who do you trust more – the guy that seems to have everything figured out, or the one who’s just trying their best? People appreciate authenticity and can relate to someone who’s just trying their best.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what about perfection? Won’t that help me succeed?” Ha! I’m here to tell you that perfection is overrated. In fact, it’s a trap. It’ll paralyse you and keep you from taking action. You’ll be stuck in fear of not being perfect, and that’s no way to run a business.
So, let’s embrace our imperfections and have some fun with it. Why not try incorporating humour into your business? People love to laugh, and incorporating humour can make your brand more relatable and memorable. Show the real you, after all, people buy from people that they like.
Or, you could embrace your weaknesses and turn them into strengths. For example, if public speaking isn’t your thing, you could use that as an opportunity to connect with your audience on a more personal level. Share your fears and experiences, and show them that you’re human just like they are. This can help build trust and establish a deeper connection with your audience.
When I was young, I was so afraid of losing that I didn’t even enter competitions unless I was sure I could win. Looking back, that mindset held me back from so many opportunities and experiences. But these days, I’ve come to realise that success is subjective and that I’m only competing against myself.
Take my wife for example. She runs Park Run every Saturday morning and is happy just not to come last most weeks. On the other hand, if I was in a race with 100 people, I used to consider myself a failure if I didn’t place 49th or higher (slightly above average). But despite her more chilled out approach, she’s the one who’s ended up with the coveted 50th Red Park Run t-shirt.
The point is, it’s okay to be a little rough around the edges as long as you’re putting in your best effort. There’s no need to strive for perfection all the time.
I know this sounds rich coming from me but don’t let the fear of not being perfect hold you back from taking action. Remember, it’s better to take imperfect action and learn from your mistakes than to be paralysed by the fear of failure. Embrace your unique qualities and show your vulnerabilities, it’s what makes you relatable and trustworthy. The world doesn’t need another polished snake oil salesman, it needs real, authentic individuals who give it their all. So, let’s be rough around the edges, have some fun, and make mistakes along the way. Who knows, we might just surprise ourselves with our success.
So lets embrace our strengths, work on our weaknesses and be horrible together. Be that unpolished diamond that gives it their all.
Horrible Kris
(Previous Perfectionist)
