You’re going to either give me a huge high-five, or a high-slap after I tell you this story! But you’ll have to keep reading to understand why I did what I did…
I was recently invited to the luxurious destination of Monte Carlo, by an International brand that wanted me to promote the event across my social media platforms. At first, the offer sounded extremely tempting – who wouldn't want to spend a few days in a lavish location, attend exclusive parties and meet interesting people?
However, as I looked deeper into the brand and their existence, (I’m included not to say who they are because this is by no means a negative or slander article on who they are), I realized that they didn't match my authentic lifestyle. Their product, aesthetics and target audience were very different from mine. I didn't feel comfortable promoting something that quite simply didn't resonate with me.
Oh, and this was a door to door expenses paid trip, although without payment of the work at hand.
So, I made the tough decision of declining the offer and not attending the event. It wasn't easy, as I knew I would be missing out on some amazing experiences and opportunities, but I also knew that staying true to myself was more important. Particularly for the long-term.
In this blog post, I want to home in on the importance of staying true to your authentic lifestyle and not attending activities, occasions or events that don't align with your values, interests, and goals. I want to share with you why it's crucial to stay authentic and how you can apply this principle to your own life, especially when it comes to fashion and lifestyle choices.
Firstly, staying authentic means being honest with yourself with regards to your values and passions. It means not compromising on your beliefs, interests and goals for anyone or anything. When you stay authentic, you build a strong sense of identity, confidence and purpose. This being essential for personal growth and happiness.
Secondly, staying authentic means being intentional with your choices. It means not following trends or societal expectations blindly but rather making conscious decisions that align with your authentic lifestyle. When you stay authentic, you prioritise quality over quantity, timeless over trendy and personal over popular.
Lastly, staying authentic means being honest with yourself and others. It means not pretending to be someone you're not or portraying a false image to gain acceptance or approval. When you stay authentic, you attract like-minded people, who appreciate and respect you for who you are, not for who you pretend to be.
So, how can you apply this principle to your fashion and lifestyle choices? Here are some tips that have helped me stay authentic:
1. Define your authentic lifestyle: Take some time to reflect on your values, passions and goals. Write them down and use them as a guide for your fashion and lifestyle choices. For instance, if you value sustainability, choose brands that prioritise eco-friendly materials and practices.
2. Research before you buy: Before purchasing fashion or lifestyle, do your research. Look into the brand's values, ethics and practices. Check their social media and website to see if they align with your authentic self.
3. Curate your wardrobe: Instead of buying every trendy item that comes out, curate your wardrobe with pieces that are timeless, versatile and reflect your authentic style (aka your Capsule Collection). Invest in quality pieces that will last longer and suit multiple occasions.
4. Be honest with yourself and others: Don't pretend to like something just because it's popular or trendy. Be honest with yourself and others about your likes and dislikes. Don't be afraid to say no to things that don't align with your authentic lifestyle.
Let’s wrap this up tightly! Staying authentic is essential for your personal growth and happiness. It means being true to yourself, intentional with your choices and honest with yourself and others. When it comes to fashion and lifestyle choices, staying authentic means defining your authentic lifestyle, researching before you buy, curating your wardrobe and being honest with yourself and others.
As for me, I may have missed out on a luxurious event out of the country in Monte Carlo, but I’m okay in waiting for the next opportunity to not compromise the life and business I’ve built… And what I have gained is something much more valuable… The knowing that staying true to myself will;
A. Embrace belief in who I am.
B. Confirm belief in who I am, to you.
Now that’s a fulfilling way to live a life.