Bonjour mes amis!
How often have you wondered, “Does this world really have to be so stuffy all the time?” If you’re anything like me, you’ve wrestled with the idea of stifling your personality to fit into the world around you. Whether it’s dialing down your humor in a professional setting or overthinking every move to avoid standing out, we’ve all felt the pressure to shrink ourselves in some way.
But here’s the thing: the magic happens when you bring your whole self to the table—quirks, corny jokes, and all.
Stuffy Professional World and My Unmatched Humor According to … Me
The other day, I was helping “Not My Son” 😉 with his resume. He’d written an objective statement that read: “To obtain full-time employment so I can move out of my mother’s basement.” Naturally, I burst out laughing.
Now, I’m not one to let a golden opportunity pass me by, so I suggested he go all in. Why not highlight his charming personality and stunning good looks as the key to making the company the best it could be (and, you know, moving out of his mom’s basement)? I cracked myself up with my edits—because, honestly, I’m hilarious. Laugh with me or at me, either way, we’re having fun.
Here’s the serious part: I’ve been reviewing resumes and hiring for 20 years, and I told him this—bringing your personality into the mix (while still accomplishing the goal) is what catches someone’s eye. Especially when you’re just starting out and don’t have much work experience, personality is everything.
Here’s where it got me, though. As I was joking with him, I felt a pang of envy. Why? Because I was showing my personality—the real me, corny jokes and all—and I realized how much I miss being able to bring that into a world that often feels so… serious.
Think about it: we’ve been trained to keep things “professional.” To strip out the humor, quirks, and human connection that make us us. And yet, it’s those very things that make us valuable as part of any team, collaboration, or relationship.
Imagine if we encouraged people to bring their whole selves to the table. Sure, a little balance and common sense are required (if your “whole self” involves being a nudist or skipping hygiene altogether, maybe rethink that). But when we’re comfortable and confident in our own skin, we don’t just show up—we shine.
Lessons from a Paris Boulangerie and a Green Skirt
This idea hit me in an entirely different way while walking the streets of Paris. Like many, I wanted to fit in. I wanted to blend into the Parisian crowd, not stick out as some obvious American tourist.
So, I dressed the part: classy neutrals, perfectly curated outfits, and a total disregard for the July heat (hello, sweat). I overthought everything—how to walk, how to order my morning croissant, and how to sound just Parisian enough. Spoiler: despite my efforts, I did not fool anyone. And honestly? Those moments, where I was so focused on fitting in, were the least fulfilling of my entire trip.
By the end of my visit, I was exhausted. I had a limited wardrobe (thanks, heat and lack of AC), so I decided to stop overthinking. I got dressed in what felt comfortable—clean, simple, and me.
When I walked into a boulangerie that day, I greeted the cashier with a warm “Bonjour,” my natural smile, and my (still learning) French. We chatted briefly, and as I left, another customer complimented my green skirt.
You read that right. A French woman complimented my skirt.
First, I was shocked because I understood her French without overthinking it. Second, I was beaming because it was the single greatest moment of my life. (Shoutout to Le Petit Parisien in the 3rd arrondissement (neighborhood) for the good vibes.)
Here’s what hit me: the only difference that day was that I felt comfortable in my own skin and my own style. That confidence attracted the kind of energy I’d been craving all along. It wasn’t about fitting in—it was about being authentically me.
The Power of Knowing Yourself
- Long story not-so-short: the world doesn’t need a watered-down version of you. The most powerful thing you can do is lean into who you are.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a moment to inventory your life. Ask yourself:
- What makes you feel most like you?
- What does your ideal morning look like?
- Where do you find joy, peace, or energy?
- What do you love about your closest friends, and what do they love about you?
- How do you want to show up in the world—for yourself, your friends, and even strangers?
It’s not about abandoning cultural norms or refusing to adapt to new environments. It’s about finding the balance between respecting the world around you and staying true to yourself.
Confidence Attracts Connection
Whether you’re writing a resume, making new friends, or just figuring out your next step, your personality is your superpower. It’s what makes you, you. And when you embrace that, you create the confidence that attracts connection, opportunity, and belonging.
So, here’s my invitation to you: be yourself, quirks and all. The world (and maybe a boulangerie cashier) will thank you for it.
I hope you’ll join our community and share this journey of connection and belonging. Together, we’ll laugh, learn, and grow into the most authentic versions of ourselves.
Bisous 💋,
Heidi
