I’m Weird and That’s OK
I am intrigued by the way influencers are shaping the expectations and experiences of so many of us. Influencing is not a new concept; it’s been done since time immemorial. What’s different now is the prevalence, visibility, and immediacy in seeing the impact.
How we rate our experiences is often based on the expectations we have ahead of those experiences.
Recently, I had a conversation with a young person visiting a town for the first time. When I asked how they felt about it, their response was fascinating: “It’s okay, but it didn’t meet my expectations.” When I probed further, I learned their expectations had been set by an influencer on a popular social media platform. They had viewed what this influencer said as absolute truth and felt let down when reality didn’t match.
There’s so much to unpack here. The idea that someone else’s narrative could so strongly dictate another’s experience was, frankly, mind-boggling to me. But even more concerning was how this perceived “failure” of expectation overshadowed their ability to appreciate the opportunity of simply being there. They were simply unable to be grateful.
Contrast this with another young person I observed recently. They had decided to do the opposite of what everyone else was doing — not to rebel, but based on their principles. They described how uncomfortable it felt to go against the grain. “It made me feel weird,” they admitted.
What struck me, though, was the strength it took for them to make that choice. Instead of defaulting to the script everyone else was following, they carved out their own path. And even though they felt out of place, they also felt proud of staying true to themselves.
This is the crux of it, isn’t it? We always have choices about what — or who — shapes our stories.
A New Year, New Stories
As we move into a new year, many of us are busy setting resolutions, goals, and expectations for ourselves. But how often do we pause to ask whether these aspirations are truly ours? Are they shaped by influencers, societal norms, or external pressures? Or are they guided by our own values, principles, and unique quirks?
The truth is, thriving in life isn’t about fitting in — it’s about standing out. It’s about being authentic, even if that means being “weird.”
So, what if this year, instead of conforming to expectations set by others, you leaned into your own narrative? What if you chose to be unapologetically you, quirks and all?
Let’s Celebrate the Weird
If being weird means stepping into your truth, challenging norms, and owning your quirks, then let’s all aim to be a little weird in 2025. After all, it’s the “weird” ones who write the most memorable stories.
As you set your intentions for the new year, reflect on these questions:
What part of my story is truly mine, and what am I borrowing from others?
Where have I conformed, and how can I step back into alignment with my values and my pure self?
How can I use my “weirdness” to write a story that’s unapologetically me?
If this resonates with you and you’re ready to start writing a story that truly feels like you, I’d love to support you.
Through my coaching and facilitation services, I help individuals and teams step into their authenticity, redefine success on their terms, and thrive in their own unique way.
Let’s connect and explore how we can make 2025 the year you own your story and thrive like never before. Reach out today to learn more!
