,My God brother posted a photo on social media claiming it was ‘the worst photo ever taken of him’ and ‘quite possibly the worst photo taken of anyone, ever.’
Personally, I would NEVER do this, however, he not only chose to keep the photo, he made the decision to post it online where multiple people could see it. He took a personal weakness and turned it into something that would entertain others.
Granted, he is a comedian and he seems to enjoy poking fun at himself to make others laugh. Me; I try my absolute hardest to portray the best version I can at all times and make sure no one ever laughs at me. Quite frankly, putting up this kind of front is exhausting.
So why do we care so much what other people think about us and why can’t we be brave enough to be real and post honest moments online?
I saw Mark Manson’s vlog on YouTube titled, “Why Australia doesn’t give a F*ck”. His book, ‘The subtle art of not giving a F*ck’, has sold more copies in Australia than any other country. It seems we are the ones who really want to learn how to give no f*cks.
Mark says it’s because of our cultural phenomenon called the tall poppy syndrome, where individuals who achieve significant success or stand out from the crowd are often resented, criticised, or ostracised by others. No wonder most of us have a hard time being vulnerable and authentic.
We learn to be humble, even if we’ve achieved a huge scope of success, because we don’t want to brag. Mark explains, “There are certain measures put in place so Australia’s don’t get too big for their own boots, too self important, or don’t take themselves or life too seriously.”
In Mark’s YouTube video there was a question from an audience member during one of his live shows in Melbourne. He asked, “How do you see the good in people without being naive or bitter?”
Mark shares that he carried a lot of resentment for a long time. He says the best revenge is to simply improve yourself so much that the person regrets whatever they did or say without you ever having to say a word.
After my God brother posted his most vulnerable moment online I left a comment under his photo admiring his bravery saying: ‘This is the difference between you and I.. I would have demanded the photo be deleted so there was no evidence of it ever being taken. You post it online and turn it into something entertaining, so hundreds if not thousands of people will see it. (Btw, I wish I was more like you.)’
Do you want to know what his response was? A piece of advice that will single handedly change how you show up in the world. He wrote: ‘The only way to conquer the ego is to smash it to bits.’
Maybe it’s time to not give a f*ck. Smash the ego to bits and stand up for the life you deserve to live. I’m not telling you to post an ugly photo of yourself online, but maybe when a similar opportunity presents itself, don’t be scared to stand tall and say, this is who I am so deal with it.
“The minute you start caring what other people think, is the minute you stop being yourself.”
Meryl Streep
I heard Mel Robbins, the queen that created The Let Them Theory, speak recently on a podcast. She said: ‘Did you use the time that you had in this life in a way that made you proud, or did you constantly hold yourself back because you were obsessed about what other people were doing (or saying, or thinking)’.
You have the power to change your life and create a brighter future.
Be brave. Be YOU.
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