At times it can feel like the hardest thing to be is yourself. Sometimes I feel like i’m grappling with my own identity. I find myself asking who am I? What do I want to do? Whats my purpose? What do I wish to be known for?

I’m passionate about lots of things including graphic design, branding, skateboarding, surfing, food, fitness, health & wellbeing, and lots more.

Becoming a business owner has taught me about the importance of sales and marketing. As the saying goes “your network is your net worth.” With this in mind I’ve been trying to cultivate a promotional mindset of putting myself out there sharing my work and growing my business. To do that I have to embrace my identity.

Here are 3 tips to try and help you develop your personal identity

Let go of expectations

Growing up skateboarding my friends and I were always filming ourselves and then making video edits to share with our friends. We would watch our heroes in skate videos and try to emulate what they were doing. As a young teenager it felt acceptable to embrace our skill level and not get too worked up about being better than anyone or others expectations of our abilities.

As an adult I find it’s easy to struggle with not showing people your work because you become afraid that its not perfect. When in truth, whatever you're doing and whatever your skill level, people will find it interesting. There will be people above you will support you to grow further. And there will be others a step behind in their journey who will look up to you and learn. By sharing where you are in your journey, you open the door to feedback and support.

“The magic of the creative process is that there is no magic. Start where you are. Don't stop.”
― Seth Godin, The Practice: Shipping Creative Work

Share what makes you unique

People seem to crave acceptance. Often I find myself wanting to blend in. The Japanese have a saying that translates as “the nail that sticks out gets hammered.” It’s easier to keep your head down and go with the crowds.

However, to get exceptional results, you have to do what others aren’t willing to do. You become more interesting when you stand out from the crowd and be yourself. It takes courage to be different. Once you do, you will find others who are like you. Everyone who isn’t will respect you for being yourself.

“I desire you would use all your skill to paint your picture truly like me… but remark all these roughness, pimples, warts and everything as you see me. Otherwise, I will never pay a farthing for it.” — King Charles

One day at a time

Decide who you want to become and make the changes to become that person. If you’ve ever made a new years resolution you’ve likely had the experience of doing something a handful of times, not getting any results and becoming disheartened, only to stop what you’re doing. Growing a businesses takes consistent daily effort. I often find that I am motivated by results. It’s the desired outcome that inspires me to take action towards a goal. Then somewhere along the way I realise, that everything is a process of trial and error.

There never is an end result, only endless transformation. The best you or anyone can do is to set a target and begin the journey. Along the way you will face challenges and setbacks. It’s how you overcome them and correct course that creates character.

“Rome wasn’t built in a day”

I still haven’t got it all figured out and would do well to remind myself of these three principles from time to time. Who you are does not define who you are yet to become, learn new skills, find your own style and build your character one step at a time.

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