This is why I share my story

Almost 2 years ago I decided to build my entire business around my extreme introversion so I could be a Happy Hermit instead of a crappy one.

It felt very vulnerable to write a blog about it.

But I did it anyway. I hoped it would help others who felt it was difficult or even impossible to build a successful business based on who they really are.

Because: so many people believe there are certain ways or rules you have to follow if you want to be successful. And when these rules don’t feel comfortable or don’t fit, you simply have to adjust.

It’s a message most of us get from a very young age, isn’t it? You have to fit in, act like everybody else, and don’t stand out too much.

What a lousy stinking bullshit message that is.

It’s a message that tells you you’re not good enough, and it’s impossible to achieve anything while being totally true to yourself. If you want to become successful you have to adjust and adapt and make compromises.

That’s just the way the world works, honey.

Well, MY world doesn’t work like that.

Yes, of course I sometimes compromise – but only on things that I decide I don’t mind compromising on, and NEVER on things that are bad for my mental, emotional, physical or spiritual well-being.

Yes, of course I sometimes adjust – I’m not burping out loud during my classes, for example (although I came dangerously close last week on the Q&A call for The Freedom Circle – but that was an accident ;-).

But overall I don’t sell myself short, and I’m true to who I am, what I stand for and what I believe in.

It took me a while to get this point, and make it work for my business as well.

Being true to yourself sounds so easy – but it’s not always easy to do.

When I published that blog I mentioned before, I had no idea how people would react.

Or if they’d react at all.

But they did. A lot of people commented on my website, and even more people emailed me about it.

So many people feel that they can’t be completely true to who they are in their business and/or life.

And yet…they REALLY want it.

That’s why I shared my story 2 years ago. And that’s why I’m still sharing it today.

Because I want you to know you CAN be successful on your own terms, in your own way – and it’s the BEST thing you can do for yourself and your business, as well!

And if I can do it, YOU certainly can too.

These two blogs give you an extra dose of inspiration, and some practical tips on doing business on your own terms.

Blog 1:

3 crucial steps to build a successful mission driven business on your own terms.

Want to create a successful business on your own terms? It starts with these 3 crucial steps you find in the transcript of this interview Jo A

Hammond-Meiers had with me.

Blog 2:

Tips to build a business that serves who you really are.

Think you have to become someone you’re not to build a successful business? You don’t! Listen to this interview with me by Monique Wells to get insights on creating success as a result of being who you really are.

Enjoy reading and listening!

© 2014 Brigitte van Tuijl

P.S. Why do YOU share your story? How does your story help and inspire others? Let me know in the comments below!