Let’s talk about something we all know is necessary for 2025—but sometimes feel unsure about how to achieve it: personal branding.
We live in a world with vast personalities and unique approaches to things so it is quite possible to get lost. If we’re being honest, you may have felt at one point or the other, like you didn’t know your place in the world. This is where personal branding comes in.
Now, before you picture an overly curated lifestyle or expensive purchases, personal branding doesn’t have to feel fake or forced. It also does not require any unnecessary purchase or an innate need to show off.
Rather, it is an intentional process of creating and maintaining a great public impression or perception. How do you want to be seen? How do you want to be remembered? These questions are all answered by personal branding.
Oprah Winfrey is quoted to have once said “I was once afraid of people saying-“who does she think she is?”. Now, I have the courage to say- “this is who I am.”
Here are a few gems from Jay Shetty (yes, that Jay Shetty—the calm, wise, monk-turned-mindset-guru), and he makes the whole thing feel a lot more authentic and a lot less intimidating.
1. Start With Clarity
Jay always says, “Clarity is the beginning of confidence.”
This is the starting point of personal branding. If you’re not clear on who you are and what you want to share with the world, it’s hard for others to connect with you. Ask yourself: “What do I stand for?” “What are my beliefs?” “What do I want people to feel when they meet me?”
Ground your personal brand in your values, your voice, and the impact you want to make.
2. Use Social Media Intentionally
Let’s be real—social media and platforms like LinkedIn are the new business cards.
Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, even your Twitter/X bio—they’re all little storefronts that say, “Hey, this is who I am and what I’m about.”
Jay often talks about storytelling, and social media is the perfect stage for that.
So if you’re building a personal brand, don’t just be on these platforms—be intentional.
Share stories, lessons, behind-the-scenes. Engage, don’t just post. Be a real person, not just a profile pic.
3. Consistency is Better than Perfection
We hear it all the time—be consistent. But Jay frames it differently: “it’s about being reliable in your message and your presence”. You don’t need to post every day or wear the same color palette forever. You don’t even always have to show up as spick and span. Shake off the pressure of perfection, and put on authenticity.
Just be true to your voice and values every time you show up. Consistency creates familiarity, and familiarity builds trust.
4. Serve Before You Sell
Intentionality is very key here.
Jay says your brand should serve, not shout. Before you think of asking people to follow, buy, or support—ask how you can genuinely help. Use your social media platforms to share what you know, lift others up, tell stories that matter. People remember how you made them feel, not how “on brand” your font choices were.
5. Be Yourself
This is a cliche statement, but it is truer than most.
Everyone is tired of the filters and the facades. What we want is real. You don’t want to put on a personality that you cannot defend or sustain.
Jay built his influence on being honest about his journey—from struggles to wins. Don’t wait until everything looks perfect to show up. Your lessons, stumbles, and reflections are part of your story—and that’s what makes you relatable.
6. Allow Yourself/Brand to Evolve
Here’s a big one: You don’t need to have it all figured out. Life comes with twists and turns. Remember what you wanted to be as a child? That’s most likely not what you are now, and you know that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with.
Jay didn’t start with a master plan—he followed his curiosity and stayed aligned with his purpose. Your personal brand can grow with you. The shifts, the pivots, the glow-ups—they’re all part of it. Embrace the change that comes.
Personal Branding isn’t about creating a persona. It’s about showing up as the fullest version of you—online and offline. And thanks to platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and even YouTube, you don’t need a massive stage to make your voice heard.
So, whether you’re still figuring it out, or launching something new, or just being more consistent about showing up, remember: you don’t have to be perfect, just present.
We’re all in this together.
