The Ugly Truth about Self-Indulgent Titles
“I’m an alpha.”
“I’m a guru.”
Can we just, I dunno, stop it with self-indulgent titles? The ugly truth about self-indulgent titles is this: if you have to tell someone that you are an ‘alpha,’ an ‘expert,’ or a ‘guru,’ you are not one. Your behavior, your attitude, your knowledge, your work, and how you treat others will define what you are.
Self-indulgent titles are worthless. They may be good (occasionally) for a quick sale. “Trust me, I know what I’m doing. I’m an expert legal writer.” However, what stands out more than me saying that? The fact that I can give them legitimate proof of my expertise.
The Use of the Word Alpha Is Ridiculous
If you have to run around spouting that you’re an alpha, you’re not. Your worth ethic and abilities would show that you are. Your calmness under pressure would show that you are. Your ability to make good decisions under stress would show that you are. How you treat others and help them become better people would show that you are. Alpha…yeah, okay, so you’re the beginning. Big. Fucking. Deal. All beginnings come to an end.
If you really want to be an “alpha,” stop talking and get to work on whatever it is that you do. Don’t talk about it – be about it.
Guru Is Code for “I Don’t Fucking Know Shit”
I’m not the only one who thinks that way. Tony Robbins says “I am not your guru.” When it comes to business, marketing, social media, etc., there is no such thing as a guru. Remember when SEO gurus were a ‘thing?’ I got kicked out of I can’t tell you how many forums and Facebook groups for calling them on their bluffs because they knew they were wrong.
If you are new to business, do not call yourself a guru. If you are looking for a freelancer for anything, if they call themselves a guru, run the other fucking way.
Prove It
If you’re as good as you say you are, you don’t need some ridiculous self-indulgent title outside of for SEO purposes. Then, you still stick to shit people would actually search for like ‘expert.’ You don’t need to run around on social media or in person acting like a bad ass because you have evidence that you know your shit.
Too many people are too busy trying to build an image that they can’t live up to in the real world. Back in the 90s, we had a word for that: poser.
