Authenticity Rocks

After seeing Aaron Draplin speak this morning, I am reminded again of just what makes him so awesome. Besides his hugs. It's because he does Aaron Draplin perfectly. There is no one else—and I mean NO ONE—who could pull off being Aaron. He's a self-proclaimed large man telling tall tales. He admits to crying when stuff blows his mind. He collects stuff others might not consider worthy of looking at twice. He tells his audiences boldly what he loves and what he hates. The best thing of all is that he is completely authentic—100% with no holds barred. I just love being around people like Aaron, who know who they are and unabashedly share themselves.

A little Cami background: Growing up, I was the nerd's nerd—the gawky kid who everyone picked on, even the nerds. It took a while for me to get through that; I don't know that I'll ever be over it. I've learned so much from it; it's part of what defines me. And I've been on this planet long enough now to know who I am and what I want from life. And to know when someone is not being authentic or trying to bullshit me.

So when you're selling your design to your client, when you're selling me a recycling bin at my front door (happened yesterday), I can smell your line a mile away. It's MUCH more effective when you drop the bull, abandon your "line" and just talk. What's your story? What's your motive? What is it that you really want? Who are you, really? You're the only one who's gone through the things you have. You're the only one who'd process the information the way you do. You're the only one who will react exactly the way you do. You have something unique to bring to this world. But if you're too busy trying to be like someone else, or copying someone else's style, you'll come across as a cheap imitation, no matter how good you are at it. Stop trying to get people to like you (or what you create), you're just wasting your time. And mine. Just be yourself, damn it—you're the one worth knowing.

Thanks for reading!
Cami  =)