Heyaa,
Have you watched The Imitation Game? The movie?
If you haven’t yet, let me tell you, it’s the story of Alan Turing decrypting German intelligence messages during World War II.
Although I don't like historical dramas (they're boring), I watched this one. And it has become one of my favs. Have watched it multiple times.
I have watched it multiple times, not because of the story but because Benedict starred in it. Yep. Benedict Cumberbatch. Just because of him. I don’t have a crush on him.
It’s just that Benedict has a certain character, a style, a distinctive style that makes his movie characters; charming, endearing.
So, today, I’d like to talk a bit about that. Having a personality.
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OK, back to my story…
By personality, unique personality, I don’t mean being brainy and extraordinary, but still exotic. Having a personality is about keeping your originality. Typical, wack, striking.
You know, recently, I was browsing the blog of a SaaS platform.
I loved reading the articles occasionally. I liked those because the blog didn’t seem to be in the race for SEO. The articles weren’t what everyone else used to post.
The blog ‘had’ content and insights not usually available on the ranking results. It had case studies, stories and interviews. Even its general articles felt like conversations.
And it ‘was’ one of my dream clients. Was; not anymore.
When I checked it recently, it was full of generic blog posts. Content like every other blog you'll find upon a Google search on a topic.
The blog lost the personality it had. The personality of a friend; eager and excited about sharing their insights with you.
It felt like it succumbed to pressure, lost itself to commonality, to following trends. It felt like just another SaaS blog.
Losing your personality can be catastrophic. Not sure if it was for that blog, but it can be for you.
If you look around, everything you love has something unique about them, whether it’s a person or a product. It can be a feature, it can be an experience, or it can just be a story.
For example, if I have to choose between Real and Tropicana, I’ll pick anyone depending on the mood.
But among Paperboat, Real and Tropicana, I’ll almost always choose Paperboat. Why? Because it stands out. It also makes me nostalgic. Paperboat takes me back to childhood (not the juices, maybe, but the story it has weaved around itself).
Uniqueness like that makes you memorable. Uniqueness makes people want to associate with you. Normal and unremarkable don’t make the cut. Not anymore; even if you're being consistent at what you're doing.
Yes, I know, everyone chants, “Consistency is the key.” It actually is. But unless you're actually working on the skills you want to be remarkable at, just being consistent takes you nowhere.
If you aren’t unique, you’re replaceable. Easily replaceable, if I must say.
So, take your personality everywhere with you, maybe. Be unusual, maybe.
Following the trends might be rewarding… Setting the trends is refreshing.
When I think of that, you don’t even have to set the trend. Doing something no one is doing… that itself is satisfying.
And that’s all for today.
Leaving you with a quote from The Imitation Game:
“Sometimes it is the people who know one imagines anything of, do the things that no one can imagine.”
Bidding adieu.
Live long and prosper.
See you next week, with another story.