Content Creation and Perfectionism

See how weird my arm looks here?

 Hello again from the land of Perfectionists Anonymous! If you create content or use social media in any capacity you are well aware of how easy it is to feel like you can't post something with the slightest perceived "flaw." This photo is lovely, and I look really happy. But I've never posted it because I thought my arm looked so weird. Maybe other people would think so, too, so I wasn't taking any chances on the internet with this one. 

But when did that start happening? I'm old enough that I was a grown up when Facebook and Instagram were created, and there was NOTHING but weird inner thoughts and grainy pictures of our dogs, kids, and paper plates of dinner.

Nothing was perfect, and we all survived. In fact, I think that's when social media actually did the thing it was meant to do for us--create connections. Alas, that golden age is over, and we're left with the crushing reality that the world doesn't want to see reality anymore. But I think the tide is turning.

For me as a salon owner, stylist, and mentor I've realized that most people (especially my target demographic) can be put off by the overly-polished, glossy content that they see on social media all day. Everything looks plastic, untouchable, inauthentic. It's been proven (I'm not sure by whom, actually) that people don't buy from BRANDS, they buy from PEOPLE. Especially on the internet.

 

Yesterday, my client, assistant and I were discussing how we put ourselves out into the world--and that I tend to be all "business professional" or a total goofball. There's not usually an in between. The coolest part is that I finally stopped trying to be so "perfect" a while ago, and really just let the world see who I am. Sometimes, I am the serious CEO, educator, mentor, stylist, writer.

And sometimes while trying to get the shot just right for a video, I double over laughing like a hyena because the comb gets stuck on the extension RakeOut. (watch the video here) 

I was going through my camera roll from our content shoot yesterday and I laughed so hard when I saw this video. My daughter heard me and told me she loves my laugh, that it's so elegant. It made me stop in my tracks to think how truly blessed we are to be ourselves.

It's our duty to share that with the world, you know?

Next time you stop yourself from posting something truly and authentically you because it doesn't seem polished or perfect enough, I want you to post it anyway.

xx, linds