Okay, confession time. I once bombed an audition so badly that I still cringe every time I think about it. I walked in wearing a dress that made me feel like a kid at a family reunion — you know, the kind of outfit that screams, “I’m trying too hard.” I sang a song I didn’t really connect with, and the whole performance felt flat. Afterward, a director friend of mine, who also happened to be my mentor, sat me down and said, “Jen, next time, just wear the damn jeans.”
She wasn’t just talking about my wardrobe (well, not entirely). She was talking about something much deeper: be yourself.
The Struggle with Pretending
It’s funny how often we forget that, isn’t it? We spend so much time trying to be what we think people want us to be that we lose track of who we really are. I did it in auditions, at networking events, and even in business meetings. I tried to present a version of myself that seemed polished and “together,” because I thought that’s what success looked like. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t work. People don’t connect with a version of you that’s trying too hard. They want the real deal.
I spent so much energy pretending to be someone else, and it drained me. Instead of feeling authentic connections, I left conversations feeling more isolated than before, because I wasn’t showing up as me. It wasn’t until I stopped pretending that I began to notice a shift in how people responded to me.
The Power of Authenticity
Here’s the deal: when I stopped pretending and started wearing my metaphorical (and literal) jeans, everything changed. Networking became easier, more enjoyable, and, most importantly, way more authentic. The conversations flowed naturally, and I no longer felt like I was on stage trying to impress people. I didn’t have to hide behind an act or a script. I could just be.
It was liberating.
Own Who You Are
I’ve learned a powerful lesson from that experience: if you’re constantly trying to fit in, you’ll never stand out. The magic happens when you embrace who you are — quirks, flaws, and all. When you stop apologizing for your “imperfections” and own them, you attract the people who truly resonate with you. Those connections are the ones that last and help you grow.
That’s why I always say: whatever your version of “jeans” is, wear them — and wear them proudly. It could be a style of communication, a hobby, or even a way of thinking that sets you apart. Don’t hide it or try to mold yourself into someone else. The world needs your unique perspective, your authentic self.
Final Thoughts
So, what are you waiting for? If you’ve been holding back from showing the world who you really are, this is your sign to stop. It’s time to throw out the masks, ditch the scripts, and stop trying to fit into a box that doesn’t suit you.
Whatever your “jeans” are, wear them unapologetically. The right people will love you for it, and the right opportunities will find you when you’re just being yourself.
댓글