Welcome to Issue 71 of Writing and Other Stuff, a newsletter by me, Kim Scaravelli, with a focus on building a strong brand voice, creating unforgettable content, and having FUN with words - because creative stuff should be FUN! Not a subscriber? Let's fix that → subscribe here.
Perfection is boring. And it's getting more boring by the day!
Yesterday, I edited a photo of myself standing in my kitchen. When I was done, it looked like I was in an office. My sweatshirt was replaced with a lovely blue sweater. The coffee mug in my hand became a pale yellow (because I suddenly felt like coffee mugs should match with sweaters 🙃). And my face was wrinkle-free and glowing.
The end product was pretty close to PERFECTION. But here's the thing...
The original photo was more interesting!
And the purpose of that photo wasn't to showcase my photo editing skills - or my great taste in coffee mugs. The purpose was to build a connection between ME and the folks who found themselves looking at that image.
The original photo was a little quirky but I still looked okay. And more than that... I looked REAL.
💥REAL is memorable and it makes people feel something.
With all the AI tools at our disposable, it's becoming SO EASY (and strangely addictive) to keep tweaking images and words. To keep inching towards perfection.
But remember that everybody has the same tools. We're all playing the same games. And unless we're careful, we're all going to look the same and sound the same.
📣 Resist the urge to improve things that don't need to be improved. Embrace your quirkiness and your authentic voice. Because at the end of all this foolishness - REAL will float to the top and everything else will sink. I promise!
Cool Quote
"Perfection is static, and I am in full progress."
Anaïs Nin, Writer
Quick Perfection Buster
Today, I want you to challenge yourself to do at least one of the things on this list. Feeling brave? Go for two!
- Post an un-tweaked photo of yourself on social, with whatever words pop into your head.
No edits. No filters. Note: Nothing political - stick to a light topic. This is about being spontaneous and real, not controversial or cancel-worthy! 😂
- Leave a typo in something small and non-critical.
Yep, you read that right. Send a quick, casual email or text without triple-checking every word.
- Wear something imperfect but endearing for the whole day.
That quirky scarf, those neon socks from Pride week, or maybe the funky earrings you bought on impulse - anything that makes you happy but doesn’t scream “professional image.”
- Do something you’re NOT good at.
For me, it’s playing guitar or painting. Love both but let’s just say the talent isn’t quite there. Go ahead and embrace the joy of being gloriously average at something!
🧶 Psst... I’m working on an astoundingly mediocre scarf this month. Fighting the urge to binge 100 hours of YouTube videos to “master” knitting. Instead, I’m sticking with knit 2, purl 2 and loving the simplicity. It’s not perfect, but it isgetting longer—and it’s a pretty color. Just saying. Maybe I’ll wear it to work someday!
Stuff Worth Sharing
Since we’re chatting about your brand voice - and about being fabulously unique - this feels like the PERFECT (get it? 😉) segue into my new Brand Voice Quiz!
It’s quick, fun, and features a dog in a superhero cape. Honestly, what more could you ask for? Start here (it only takes 90 seconds!) => https://kimscaravelli.com/quiz-claim-your-voice/
For the Word Nerds
🩷 I love a good mash-up!
The word FLAWSOME comes from blending "flawed" and "awesome" into a word that celebrates the beauty of imperfection. Being flawsome is all about owning your quirks and turning them into something uniquely fabulous.
Think about it. That candid photo with the lopsided grin? Flawsome. That moment in your video where you say "um"? Flawsome.
Small mistakes and imperfections are moments of REAL—and people want REAL. In fact, with AI tools polishing and perfecting everything, I’d argue we’re craving real more than ever before.
Flawless is forgettable. But flawsome? 🦄 That’s where the magic is.
Thank you for your time. See you again on January 29th. In the meantime:
👋 If you want to brainstorm ways to UP the realness of your brand voice, book a FREE CHAT!
👉 And if you prefer a DIY approach,take my FREE BRAND VOICE COURSE. One lesson each day for a week, delivered politely to your inbox. No logins. No videos. No fluff!
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