I came across this image yesterday. The basic message: “Make sure you represent your name the right way. That is, the way we tell you to do.”

Society or your tribe wants to make sure you know that you are one of them, that you know your role—that you represent NOT yourself, but them. Or else.

In other words: Your name does not belong to you.

I’m not a sports guy, but when I saw this image, I immediately thought of Colin Kaepernick, who held his ground while so many in the industry lost their minds.

As for me, I was convinced a year and a half ago to refer to myself as Stanley after twenty years referring to myself as STAN—which I wrote in all caps in emails for two decades.

I’m still getting used to Stanley. I haven’t corrected anyone who knows me as and still calls me Stan, but I may experiment with that. I’m reminded of something a family friend said probably thirty years ago about Fred Savage and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The name Fred is a strong, powerful, monosyllabic word; Arnold sounds quite nerdy so it’s no wonder the actor had to work so hard on his image. STAN feels like a heavyweight in the ring. Stanley does not. Yet. But it’s time to hold my ground, claim my name, and apply its meaning and power unleashed within.

I am Stanley.

Who are the characters in your book? Do you know who it is you’re writing about? If you’re in business, do you know who your customers are, their needs, their wants?

Your idea of who they are may not align who they think they are.

Even if you’re writing fiction. The muse, the story itself, will present to you characters who may surprise you with their depth and idiosyncrasies.

Allow them to realize themselves as they are, and guide them along the way.

Know what I mean but need a guide of your own as you write your book? Reach out to see if we’re a good fit.

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

—Ralph Waldo Emerson