Authentic? Original? I think not, maybe?
“Authenticity,” “Originality” the latest buzzword— when in fact nothing is original or authentic anymore. We’re all just copying something from somebody and adding our own tweaks to it, but that doesn’t mean it is original or authentic. We’re just good at copying well or taking “inspiration” as we call it well.
In fact, this post too, stems from seeing a post that spurred this topic and I paused work and started writing on this as the words flowed so I don’t forget it.
We live in a world that seemingly thrives on the pursuit of authenticity and originality and none of us is that anymore. I went to IG the other day and saw over 15 influencers' profiles as I was looking for fashion inspiration for curvy women under 5’4 ft— almost everyone is doing, travel, lifestyle, books. I am not joking, same aesthetics, same thing, little tweak, so where is that originality we keep chanting like a mantra?
This is also a charge to myself, the relentless quest for uniqueness although a noble and beautiful quest can hinder growth. You don’t want to begin and discover what works, yet you claim to be original, original at what? Original at not trying maybe, even at that there’s a long list of people with similar situations, so it is not peculiar to you.
The digital age, with its myriad platforms for self-expression, has birthed a culture obsessed with standing out, being different, and creating groundbreaking content. Yet, we need to see that underneath this facade of individuality lies a paradox: nothing is truly original anymore.
We are just telling our stories as we can, not sure the voice is even ours, it can be the collective voice of those we’ve listened to over the years forming a distinct tone that is now ours, and may not remain ours as we collectively grow and improve.
It is like mixing colors we like, a dash of green, blue, more red, little pink, less black, indigo, etc, giving us a color in our name. Is that original? Authentic?
The Illusion of Originality
The pervasive belief in the importance of originality has become a double-edged sword, cutting through our creativity and stunting its potential. The collective consciousness has absorbed and repackaged ideas, styles, and concepts to the point where true originality is elusive. Instead of perpetuating the illusion of creating something entirely new, it's time to embrace a different perspective that acknowledges the impossibility of absolute uniqueness.
Authenticity
Brands, people, and businesses, all are calling for authenticity so much that it echoes in the digital space, everyone is urging people to showcase their true selves, show up as they are blah blah blah. However, authenticity doesn't demand the reinvention or redefinition of the wheel; rather, it encourages the addition of personal depth.
To stand out in a sea of content, you don’t need to go beyond the surface sometimes, you just bring your own color to it which most of us have lost from over-mixing various shades to our mix and are now left with nowhere else to turn to.
Now, back to why I went to IG, my friends think I need to look like part of who I am. I should represent and stop under dressing, and wearing crocs for outings, you know. “Winnie wear a wig,” I have wigs but they stress me tbh, I like my hair, “winnie wear feminine sandals and leave Crocs and sneakers alone.” Okay, okay, so I went in search of inspo but saw no depth.
I think we can all peel back the layers and reveal the complexity of our thoughts and experiences. Why do we like what we like, and how can we balance that to get the right people to see us? I mean what’s the point of being authentic when it brings no value to you or no one sees it? Creating what people can see means you’re close to your preferred target audience right? I am not so sure but I think I am right.
Another thing we can do is to be vulnerable more, I connect more with people who show their vulnerability as I show my scars et al sometimes too. People forget that it shows when you’re holding back or not flowing, but who cares? I can read the energy being chunked up and I stay weary and soon the reason springs up. But I mean does it even matter?
Originality thrives on vulnerability, why? Two people can experience the same event but the outcome and how they felt it will differ, this adds color to your journey. Share your perspective, share that you, that’s authentic I believe. Share the highs and lows, creating genuine bonds.
This bond formed from your vulnerability and sharing the world through your eyes will bridge the gap between your audience and your content, establishing these meaningful connections. Sometimes you need that, sometimes you just need to do your part and leave as people vary. It boils down to why you are doing what you do the way you do it. Rema!! Alleluia somebody….
Share your passions, add your passion to your struggle, and create a richer and more engaging story. I have a problem with this one tbh. I mean not every part of our lives occurs to end up as content on social media. Still, it comes down to why you do the thing you do. If you’re creating awareness to something it helps, if you aren’t then no need to share the deets right? So just keep your layers on and bring it out when you need to show your personality, voice, and shine.
Content Creation Strategies:
If the pursuit of originality feels like a futile endeavor, how can we walk through it and still leave a mark? I don’t know how but I think the answer is in a strategic approach that leverages existing trends and proven structures that have worked for others before. Just like in the movie Celebrity, check someone’s strategy and add to it not in a way that falls short. Do it in a way that exceeds theirs or is better with your additional insight.
Check what's working: Instead of reinventing the wheel, analyze successful content on platforms to understand what resonates with the audience in the niche you choose or whatever it is you’re doing.
Clearly outline your content goals, whether it be establishing authority or driving conversions.
Choose one that aligns with your expertise and audience interests.
Utilize Keywords: Insert relevant keywords into search tools to identify high-performing posts in your chosen topic.
Study Successful Posts: Examine the structure of successful posts, focusing on the hook, body, and call-to-action.
Repurpose and Personalize
Learn and Iterate: Through this process, identify what works best for you and discard what doesn't. Optimize your approach based on performance metrics.
Conclusion:
I wrote this post like two weeks back and even I do not buy into it because for a while I’ve treated my socials like a friendship gathering where I know everyone in my space and send gifts to the 10 people who always like my content. I am unserious about consistency and authenticity. I want to be able to just do me without pressure. I am not bursting any diamond, I want to breathe.
I was watching my favorite woman’s Instagram and I was wondering if that’s how I will make it one day and have to start talking in motivation, and inspiration lmao. Abeg abeg, one thing about authenticity is whether there’s a map for it or there isn’t a map for it. Sha have fun, life is painful as it is, so try your best jare. Everything good will come. Amen.
P.S. This newsletter feels chaotic to me but that explains my November in a nutshell.
Merry Christmas in advance because 30 days from now we’ll be planning Christmas so do enjoy your festive season, as for me my head is in December awaiting BRIDGERTON 3.