…Cuz the only thing more annoying than a loud ass woman is a loud ass woman making it an asset! Let’s party my friend.
I’ll admit: being born with a Godzilla of a personality was a risky move on my part.
I’m a noisy, rowdy, fast-talking, put-me-in coach type, — and for most of my early life, I was constantly being told to “stop showing off”, “tone it down”, that I was “annoying”, and “better in small doses”.
Every time, my stomach would turn and my cheeks would burn scarlet with shame. Nobody wants to feel like their very existence is in constant need of revision to become more palatable.
UNTIL… I became a creative entrepreneur.
From Social “Impairment” to Creative Asset
Suddenly, to my shock, the very things that made me “unlikeable” in real life made me a HIT in an industry where personality and distinct point of view is a must.
And not only that, but my Godzilla-like traits were even seen as gasp desirable, marketable, and useful to talented humans who wanted to stand out.
Today, I see many of these quirks as tools & lenses that make me incredibly good at what I do.
And so, in tribute: here are a few of my favorite worst things about me.
Unlikeable trait #1: I’m LOUD AF
Y’all may know this already, but just in case:
ANY TIME YOU SEE ME WRITE IN CAPITAL LETTERS, IT’S TO MIMIC MY REAL LIFE SPEECH PATTERNS.
Fortunately, Loud People often build a tolerance for all manner of response, from crickets to critique. So I’m not afraid to speak, try new things verbally and visually, and share boldly… oddly because I’ve been unable to shut the f up for most of my life.
Unlikeable trait #2: I’m EMBARRASSING
I’ve been kicked out of “cool kid” groups for being too weird, declared romantic love in elaborate ways that were NOT reciprocated, jumped into the middle of dance circles and realized I have no actual interesting moves to show off, etc.
Nowadays, while I still don’t love feeling embarrassed, my skin is pretty thick. I know an awkward memory might wake me up at 3 AM… but it won’t actually kill me.
That’s a handy high threshold to have in a try-stuff-in-public business, lemme tell ya.
Unlikeable trait #3: I’m SUPER nosy (and love to give advice)
I’VE ALREADY WORKED ON THIS, OK? I ONLY GIVE ADVICE THAT’S SOLICITED NOW. MOST OF THE TIME. AND.
My utter fascination with people (hence: nosiness), and my ability to listen, notice, and articulate problems makes me one hell of a coach, writer, and sales person.
One of the greatest compliments I ever got was from a client who told me I “made her a better observer of life”. I never forgot it.
Unlikeable trait #4: I’m BOSSY
Say it with me now: executive 👏 leadership 👏 leadership 👏 skills.
After cultivating said skills by fire in a childhood complete with an equally-bossy older sister, my ability to steamroll a group and assert my-way-or-the-highway is the stuff of legend.
But as I’ve grown and matured, my bossiness has softened into trusting my taste, and being unafraid of the buck stopping with me. This makes me a bangarang Creative Director and leader.
Unlikeable trait #5: I LOVE being the center of attention
I know, I know. Dodgy thing to admit.
In an industry that REQUIRES harnessing the “attention economy”, folks sure spend a lot of time insisting that they don’t like attention TOO much, lest they become ~one of those people~
To which I reply: Eh, who cares. My love of attention has landed me on so many stages and under spotlights and introduced me to incredible people. More please.
How ‘bout you?
Got some “undesirable” traits that give you a leg up in your chosen field?
Drop me a comment pleeeease, and let’s celebrate them, and YOU.
PLUS: MY NOSY ASS WANTS TO KNOW.
To being unlikeable,
H
