Get Over Yourself: The Purpose of Being Outrageous Online
What Does It Mean to Be Outrageous on Social Media?
To be “outrageous” is to fully express yourself—beyond the bounds of fears, vanities, insecurities, and beliefs that hold you back. It’s about breaking free from the expectations placed on you, whether they come from society, your family, or even your own mind. The word outrageous comes from the Old French outrage, meaning "beyond bounds." Living outrageously means exactly that—stepping outside of the limitations that confine you and daring to show up as your truest, boldest self.
Pushing Past Your Own Limits
When we talk about being outrageous on social media, we’re not referring to shock value or attention-grabbing antics. Instead, it’s about expressing your full self—authentic, raw, and unfiltered—no matter what others might expect. It’s the art of getting over yourself, of moving past the doubts, the need to be liked, and the fear of standing out. You stop hiding behind what’s safe or comfortable and begin to trust in the power of who you really are.
This is where the concept of "Yes, And" comes into play. Saying Yes to yourself and your unique expression is the first step, and the And is about building on that—going further, adding more, and amplifying your creativity. It’s about accepting who you are in the moment and moving with that energy, rather than waiting for the perfect version of yourself to show up.
Vanessa Elle Wilde.Riding the Wave. 2024. Imagined by me, brought to life by AI.
Imagine riding a wave. Think of the undertow as fear, ready to pull you under if you let it. But the crest of that wave? That’s excitement, creativity, and full expression. Outrageousness is learning to ride that wave, rather than letting fear drag you down. It’s about harnessing that energy, moving with it, and trusting yourself enough to let it take you somewhere new.
Embracing Your Unique Edge
Your outrageousness is your unique advantage. Trying to be like everyone else is not only exhausting, it’s boring. What sets you apart—your quirks, your perspective, your convictions—is exactly what makes you stand out. And that’s what attracts the right people to you, whether you're building a business, offering a service, or simply sharing your story.
Consider those who thrive online. They aren’t following a script or fitting into a mold—they’re magnetic because they’re real. They’re not trying to be outrageous for the sake of it; they’re being themselves in a world that too often rewards conformity. That’s the real power of living outrageously—it’s about leading through your individuality.
How to Cultivate Your Outrageous Self
To harness your outrageousness, start by trusting yourself. Have an idea? Run with it. Get an insight while walking down the street? Share it. The more you act on these bursts of insights and creative impulses, the more you learn to trust that what you have to say matters. Like any skill, it gets easier with practice, and eventually, you won’t second-guess yourself.
And here’s where “Dare to Suck” comes in. Sometimes, the fear of not being perfect keeps us from showing up at all. But when you dare to suck, you free yourself from that fear. You give yourself permission to experiment, to be spontaneous, to create without worrying about the outcome. Not every idea will land, but some will soar—and you won’t find the magic unless you’re willing to embrace the mess.
Start small. Record a spontaneous video, even if it’s just sharing a quick thought or idea. It doesn’t need to be perfect, polished, or planned. The point is to start—to put yourself out there. Over time, your confidence will grow, and so will your ability to be fully, outrageously you.
Outrageousness Is About Service
It’s easy to think that living outrageously is just about expressing yourself. But here’s the twist: when you live this way, you inspire others to do the same. Your authentic expression becomes a gift, allowing those around you to live unbound. Whether you're a business owner, a creator, or someone simply looking to share your voice, your boldness helps others find their own.
Redefining Outrageous
Outrageousness doesn’t have to be extreme. It can be as simple as wearing pink when everyone else is wearing black or sharing an opinion when it feels safer to stay silent. It’s about living your truth—whatever that looks like for you.
So, what’s the most outrageous thing you can do today? How will you break through the limits, step outside the bounds, and let your community see who you really are?
Ready to Be Outrageous?
It’s time to stop holding back. Whether it’s an imaginative story, an unexpected insight, or a bold idea, the world is ready for you. Not the edited* version, nor the safe version—the real, unapologetic you. So go ahead—Yes, And your way through it, dare to suck, and enjoy what unfolds.
*No make-up required.
**This article was inspired by an applied improv session I led for Christen Mickelsen’s mastermind**
