People see me as successful.

Sometimes I agree and other times I feel like I’m failing. You know, because freelancing is a bit like a roller coaster ride!

But one thing I have tried to do over these last few years on Fully Booked VA, is to try and keep it real. Because fakeness doesn’t help anyone.

But authenticity does.

What about faking it until you make it?

I think there’s some truth to this strategy.

If you don’t feel confident in your abilities – in your future success – then sometimes you need to pretend that you are. Until you get that first win under your belt anyway.

But “faking it” doesn’t mean being dishonest. It doesn’t mean padding your resume with work you actually haven’t completed. It’s more an attitude or mindset than anything else. And it’s a temporary strategy, not something you can employ long-term.

Sometimes I feel like giving up.

I ran across this quote today while reading Bill Hybels, Who You Are When No One’s Looking <– affiliate link:

These days we demand overnight stardom, overnight success, overnight growth, overnight solutions, overnight marital bliss and even overnight spiritual maturity. And if our expectations aren’t met overnight, we have a strong tendency to quit.” 

Want to know a little secret?

I still feeling like quitting some days. Yep, even me. Even while on track to accomplish my goal of grossing $250,000 this year.

Seems crazy, right?

I wouldn’t even say that I expect or strive for overnight success. But when things don’t go as well – when things get a little bit hard like they are right now – I contemplate quitting.

Because it’s easier.

And easy is attractive, right? Of course it is!

What does this have to do with business?

There are few things that highly successful people usually have in common:

1. They don’t give up.
2. They provide value.
3. People like them.

Why do you think likability makes the list? I think it’s because relationships are at the core of all that we do and why we do it. And you want to see people you like succeed, right? Or maybe you want to be more like them?

So you do business with them or send business their way.

And I think that one reason people like us, is when we’re real or authentic. When we drop the false pretenses and relate on a basic human level.

When we share the good parts of ourselves. And especially when we share the not-so-great parts. Because we all want to feel normal. Loved. Understood.

#DeepThoughtsByGina 😉

I’ve done one thing right.

One thing I’ve done right is to try and be as authentic as possible in my journey as a freelance writer and webpreneur.

It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve been ridiculed, insulted and hurt.

But I’ve also met some really wonderful people. People I wouldn’t have gotten to know on the level that I have without putting some of myself out there first.

And even though the criticism along the way hurt, knowing that I’ve made a positive impact on others makes it worth it.

I just recently finished your 30 day freelance writing course I wanted to say thank you, for being generous with your knowledge, honest with your advice, and providing us newbies hope, inspiration, and a kick in the pants!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you this morning for your post. I could have left a comment but I felt I needed to be personal. I came across your work about six months into your journey. I liked you a lot but to tell you the truth I haven’t been to keep up dealing with personal issues and all. So this morning as I read one of your posts for like the first time in over a year, I felt you should know that you do more good than you probably intend to. Your positive energy is truly soothing and it reminded me that I’m free to let go of my fears. In a way, this is my thank you card for the nice gift I’ve received from you. 🙂 “

I’ve been blessed with gifts of teaching and encouragement. And when I add authenticity to the mix, it’s how I’ll win. Whatever the definition of winning really is.

Being authentic will help you win too.

When I set out to write this post, I had something else in mind. I was going to talk more about how being authentic in your pitches is especially important.

And it is. But then the rest of this came out. So I just went with it. 😉

But you know I can’t leave you without some tangible next step…

So, as you go about the rest of your day and week, I challenge you to be more authentic – to give more of yourself. The real you.

Don’t just say what you think someone wants to hear – say what you mean. And if it’s harsh, say it in love.

And when you’re putting yourself out there, be yourself. Again, not what you think someone wants in a [fill in the blank] freelancer, but who you are and who you want to be.

Why? You’ll attract the right type of clients for you. And you’ll enjoy your work more.

And who doesn’t want both of those things?