In the fast-paced world of online entrepreneurship, the buzzword seems to be “vulnerability.” We’re often told that we need to share every aspect of our lives, expose our innermost thoughts, and constantly “show up” to succeed. While authenticity is undoubtedly important, it’s important to remember that finding the right balance for you between vulnerability and personal boundaries is key.
You can still be relatable without your audience knowing everything about you! Finding the balance of what feels good for you is what matters!
The pressure to open up about our lives and thoughts can be daunting, especially for introverts or those who’ve experienced past traumas. It can feel draining and overwhelming, leaving us questioning if we’re cut out for the online business scene.
The truth is, you have the power to decide how much you share and where you draw the line. Being completely open and vulnerable about your life is not strictly necessary.
For example, if you’re selling organic vegetables you can share all kinds of stuff about farm life without sharing your kids and your breakfast and your political thoughts.
Of course, if sharing your personal journey feels good for you and your audience, then go ahead! But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Your customers want to connect with the real you, the person behind the brand. You can share parts of the real you without feeling the pressure to share evvvvverrrything!
Building a business that aligns with your values involves finding harmony between vulnerability and boundaries. It’s about being open and transparent about your business, connecting with your audience, and maintaining a level of comfort that allows you to run your business with confidence.
So how do you figure out where to draw a line around your vulnerability and where to push “outside your comfort zone?”
You can ask yourself this question: Is this making me uncomfortable just because it’s new and I’m not practiced at sharing myself and my thoughts or is this making me uncomfortable for another reason? (note: there can be lots of valid reasons for this)
If growth and “getting out there” is something you want and it just feels sticky because it’s new, remember that second guessing yourself is normal, feeling awkward is normal and making mistakes is so normal! Those get easier with time and practice!
I think you just have to answer for yourself where the discomfort is coming from, and how it feels best to deal with that. You can protect your vulnerability if that’s important to you or you can get in the spot light a little more to challenge yourself in a growth direction if that’s where you want to go. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong answer, just what’s right for you.
It’s okay to set boundaries that protect your mental and emotional well-being. You can prioritize your mental health and still connect with your audience authentically. Your business can flourish without sacrificing your privacy or constantly revealing your vulnerabilities.
Striking the right balance allows you to create a space that feels empowering and genuine. Running your own business comes with inherent risks and adding the pressure to push yourself into the internet’s expectation of vulnerability might be too much. That’s ok, you can take the pressure off.
If you’re struggling to find that equilibrium between vulnerability and personal boundaries in your online business journey, consider seeking guidance through an Alignment Coaching Session. Together, we can navigate this complex landscape, ensuring that you’re connecting with your audience in a way that feels authentic and comfortable for you.
Your journey as an entrepreneur is unique, and finding your voice while maintaining your well-being is possible. Don’t let the pressure of constant vulnerability overshadow the joy and empowerment that comes from running a business that aligns with your values and resonates with your audience.
