Can't Sleep With the Man Who Dims My Shine: The Gaga Lyric that Inspired Me

I'm shiny and I know it! 

During my 2 months hiatus from the blog, I was faced with the question "What is your personal brand?" I wasn't sure at first how to answer this question. I am still working on it, but a Gaga lyric (of all things) helped me get closer. 

Think of the strong brands out there. Think of their slogans, what they stand for, their appeal and recognition. 

Just Do It - Nike

Because You're Worth It- L'Oreal

A Diamond is Forever- DeBeers

Companies spend an enormous amount of money on creating and building up awareness for their brands and attaching meanings them. Branding goes beyond slogans and into trademarks, images, symbols, etc. Whatever the method of branding, a strong brand elicits consumer trust and loyalty along with a positive perception. For example, Coke drinkers will not be caught dead with a Pepsi in their hands and vice versa. 

During a women's leadership conference, I was asked the question, "What is your brand? How strong is your brand?" 

I am only 25 years old and I am still developing my personal brand. A solid brand takes years to hone. I have devoted the past year to learning about myself, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and standing on my own. I have pushed myself physically by challenging myself to things like running a half marathon, racing up 40 flights of stairs and learning how to grapple on the ground. I have pushed myself emotionally by allowing myself to be vulnerable and letting others in even at the cost of getting my feelings hurt. 

Through it all, I have learned that I am independent, free thinking and that I have to strength to endure and overcome obstacles. I also learned that I do not want to settle for second best. There were times when I have been enveloped by the quick sand of being comfortable and started to settle for the status quo because it's easier than fighting my way of the sinking hole. I will surely step into this quick sand over and over again, but I now know I have the ability to recognize when I'm in one of those situations. I am confident I will always have the strength to dig and crawl my way out it, be it a bad relationship or a bad situation at work. I am confident I will build a brand that will be synonymous with everything I strive to be. A brand that stands for elegance in strength and genuineness. 

Self improvement is not done without difficulty. It is rough (and sometimes, I like it rough). Just do it. Because you're worth it. And when you achieve it, it lasts forever. 

Establish your brand. Discover your self worth. Discover your shine and refuse to have anything or anyone dim it.