Getting Ahead By Being Unapologetic

Noticed that this pandemic has emboldened most of us to dare, to rise, to thrive — to feel.

The more I think about my personal journey as an entrepreneur the more I’m convinced that life does serve up the very vibes you give off to the universe.

A good example is when you are about to make an important presentation. There are 2 probable ways you can decide to prepare for it.

Either you choose:

1. To go about it in an ad hoc fashion and go largely unprepared — and say, ‘Let me wing it.’
2. Or you can decide to ‘prepare to execute like hell’ and go there so ready, you may be mistaken for a leading actress/ actor saying your lines by rote — and ace it.

Either way, it’s your decision. What’s certain is that the odds of you having a great response from your audience when route 1 is taken are slim and for route 2, an almost definite round of applause 👏🏽 or make deeper connections with your audience, earn some respect and perhaps a start to a fruitful business relationship with them.

It’s all up to you.

In life, our decisions dictate the outcome. It’s our choice really, and life has an odd way of serving us pretty much what we deserve.

So when you seize opportunities, show courage, the universe rewards you with equal measure. And if you cower over, hesitate, procrastinate, complain, loose hope, agree to be beaten — accept then, uninspiring results, failure, rejection. Or worse, nothing.

In a way it’s related to something they call emotional intelligence.

I call it being unapologetic. Easier to comprehend. This trait is one that I’ve come to deeply respect and uphold.

You see it used exceedingly well amongst performing artistes (in pop culture — even Rihanna sang a song about it) and abused by Kenyan politicians. Yes you heard me. Politicians, fueled by their appetite for power, are unapologetic and corrupt lot.

If you don’t believe me this article may shed some light. I can tell it took guts for the director to tell this story; and Boniface Mwangi to be the leading actor.

Boniface may just go down history books as being one of Africa’s greatest activist-photojournalist. I imagine his memoir reading, ‘As Unapologetic As They Come, Meet Mwangi’.

I too have my fair share of ‘successfully being unapologetic’.

By being unconcerned with what others may think about starting an eCommerce business at a time when no one knew what it meant, is a sign of being unapologetic.

Picking up writing is another. I may write ‘shabby’ right now but one day I just may be the guru.

Leaving an envious but toxic position in leadership at a prestigious association is another.

Being amoung the few, top female creative directors in a male dominated industry is another.

Humbling oneself to write a pitch deck to apply for investor funding is definitely another.

Saying no. And sticking to your guns.

Eating life with a big spoon.

Nodding when someone calls you a feminist.

Breaking rules. Not playing safe.

Saying yes to giving birth a second time.

Being fine with not owning a wig.

Setting out an audacious standard at work where there was mediocrity.

We however should not confuse being unapologetic for being mean or rude. However, it can be wielded to do evil (the politician) or to do good (Mother Teresa’s extreme kindness).

It’s really about;

Standing up for one self.

Requires some level of madness.

Feeling and being you rather than doing what society dictates.

Following ones instincts.

Believing in the extraordinary even when people say it may take a miracle.

Venturing where others haven’t been.

Conquering despite all odds.

Irreverence.

Breaking barriers.

All these are virtues of the unapologetic. So next time you are scared of doing something, remember these words, ‘Do You.’

Of course you may have a different definition of the word. I’m not disputing it. I’m just sharing my version.

Boldly. Unapologetically Me.