Putting Yourself Out There

What’s the story you’re already telling—and how can you be more intentional about it?

You know those family Christmas letters that used to arrive in your mailbox every December? Pages of updates typed out and folded inside holiday cards: which kid graduated, who changed jobs, where the family vacationed, what the dog destroyed. It was once-a-year storytelling at its finest.

Well, we’re basically doing that now every single day.

Without realizing it, most of us are constantly sharing our lives. We post, we swipe, we text, we search—and every tap of the screen becomes part of a story. Our story. The only difference? This one doesn’t just go to grandma’s fridge. It’s archived in the great digital beyond.

From holiday letters to full-time broadcasting

This all hit me recently when I was asked to speak at my local chamber’s Headliners event—a true honor, especially since I grew up in this town. My chosen topic? AI and the future of communication. And the number one question I got during the Q&A wasn’t about tools or platforms. It was this:

“Aren’t you worried about privacy?”

And the answer is—of course. But also… haven’t we already given so much away?

I probably should’ve worried about privacy a long time ago—like, before I told Facebook my birthday, uploaded photos from every major event in my life, and signed up for a dozen digital services without once reading the fine print. (Be honest: have you ever actually clicked “more” on those terms and conditions?)

The challenge and the opportunity

The truth is, you’re already out there. Even if you think you’re private. Even if your Instagram is locked and your LinkedIn is blank. Even if you never post, you’re still leaving a trail with what you buy, where you go, how you navigate. Big data knows.

So instead of just worrying about what’s out there, let’s flip it.
Let’s ask:

Can you share your story so loudly, so clearly, and with such intention that it gives you space to keep other parts of your life private?

I think this might be one of the most powerful work-life balance questions out there right now. Because when you’re proactive and purposeful in how you show up professionally, you can be more protective of what you don’t want to share. You’re not hiding—you’re choosing.

And that choice? It’s a form of leadership.

You don't owe anyone an egg photo

When your professional presence is consistent and clear, you don’t feel pressure to post a before-and-after fitness photo. You’re not scrambling to share your morning routine or your grocery haul to prove you’re “active.” You’re already showing up in a way that adds value. You’re already building trust and visibility where it counts.

So unless you want to post your plate of eggs this morning, you don’t have to. You’ve said enough.

OK, Let’s Play
You’re already telling a story—so let’s make sure it’s the one you actually want to be known for.

Ready: Reflect on how you’ve shown up online and in your work this past month. What themes keep coming up? What’s the tone of your digital footprint?

Set: Decide which 1–2 core messages or values you want to be known for in your professional presence. (For me, it’s energy, learning, and leadership with heart.)

Go:

• Audit your online platforms. Does your bio, website, or recent posts reflect who you are right now?
• Share one story this week that showcases your values. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just true.
• Pick one space where you want to grow your voice and commit to showing up twice a month.
• Let go of the pressure to “share everything.” Choose what’s meaningful, and release the rest.

The power of intentional presence

Putting yourself out there isn’t about exposure—it’s about direction. You get to set the tone. You get to decide what stays front and center, and what stays private.

For me, this blog is one of the ways I choose to show up with intention. I don’t write it to stay visible—I write it because it keeps me real. And the more grounded I feel in my own presence, the less tempted I am to chase likes, clicks, or constant proof that I’m doing enough.

So here’s my challenge to you:
Take ownership of your story. Share it the way you want it to be remembered. And then trust that it’s enough to open doors, spark connection, and build something that lasts.

Because if we’re already putting ourselves out there every day—let’s at least make it count.
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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!