Being Different is Good.
If you’re looking to stand out from the crowd, you could learn a thing or two from Paula Deen. Paula isn’t afraid to call it like she sees it in the kitchen. And what does she see? Mostly butter.
Butter is making a bit of a comeback, mostly due to the rising popularity of the ketogenic diet and new research that shows it may not be as bad for you as everyone thought, but the truth is Paula loved butter when butter wasn’t cool.
So here’s my question for you: What do you love? Are you willing to take a stand for it, even if it’s not cool? Are you willing to take criticism or make enemies if necessary?
I was in Savannah recently and we decided to eat at Paula’s restaurant, Lady and Sons. As we were waiting (business was brisk that day and we waited about 45 minutes to get a table), I wandered over to the gift shop and saw this marvelous display. She may be driving vegans crazy, but there are probably just as many folks who resonate with her passion for butter. “I like butter. Paula likes butter. Paula’s like me. I like Paula.”
Here’s the other thing about Paula, though. Paula’s not afraid to change. She’s not pretending that she’s someone she’s not, but she’s evolving. So across from the homage to butter, you’ll see a display her cookbooks, which includes Paula Deen Cuts the Fat. Rather than stick with the same old butter story, Paula’s making healthy changes while playing with her fame as the Butter Queen.
Here’s my challenge to you: figure out who you are and what you love. Find something that you love so much you’re willing to take a stand for it, even if it’s not popular. And when you do find that thing, let the world know that’s who you are and what you love. And if you change your mind or grow and evolve, stand for that, too.
If you need to know how to let the world know who you are, or are having trouble telling your story in an authentic way, please email me ron@rontester.com and let me know how I can help. I’m here for you. Butter and all.
Edit: I heard back from someone that I was mischaracterizing vegans as hostile. I admit that most of the vegans I know are lovely people. I do know a couple of cranky, vocal vegans, though, and they were the minority I was referencing.
