Anna Kendrick is really good at pretending to be other people.

The 29-year-old actress became a well-known name after starring in Pitch Perfect, and her popularity was only bolstered by the success of the movie’s hit song “Cups.” Her role as Natalie Keener in Up in the Air, for which she received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress, didn’t hurt either.

Kendrick started her career at an early age, making her first trek from Portland to New York City for auditions when she was only 10. She quickly proved she belonged when she was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway musical High Society at the age of 12.

Still, Kendrick has never let her success go to her head. And as good as she is at being someone else on-screen and on-stage, she is also really good at just being herself.

If you don’t believe us, check out her Twitter and Instagram profiles. Unlike other stars, who tweet about upcoming movies and red carpet appearances, Kendrick tweets about Taco Bell, masturbation, and her genuine excitement and humour about, well, everything.

Her social media profiles paint her as a “weird and sometimes flawed” human being. Essentially, they paint her as real.

“[Anna is] the weirdest combo of impulsive tequila-drinking party girl and 80-year-old senator’s wife from Vermont.” – Aubrey Plaza, Nylon Magazine

But it wasn’t always this way. Kendrick says she used to be a “boring tweeter” and was often afraid people would be offended or think the things she said were inappropriate. But since her return from a 6-month Twitter hiatus in early 2012, she seems to have put all those worries behind her. She’s found her voice and hasn’t looked back.

“Sometimes when I try to make jokes or have a sense of humour in interviews, it doesn’t go over very well. But Twitter made my life easier in this way that I didn’t expect. It would have probably taken 10 times as long for people to accept my voice and my sense of humour if I didn’t have Twitter.” – Anna Kendrick, Fast Company

Kendrick’s drive to be herself goes beyond social media, and also applies to the companies she’s willing to work with. Anna refuses to use her Twitter account to promote brands, regardless of how much they offer to pay her, and has to actually like the product in order to agree to be a part of a promotion. Even when working with a brand, she still stays true to herself. This Newcastle beer ad is a prime example.

“I know the idea of a brand is something that I’m supposed to not care about. But I do think it’s a part of my life, and I’m trying to just be in control of it, as opposed to ignoring it.” – Anna Kendrick, Fast Company

Kendrick found her voice when she decided to just be herself- no more questioning, no more second-guessing. This strategy can work for you too. Whether on social media, in meetings, or one-on-one, don’t censor yourself, and don’t be afraid to speak your mind. Pay attention to your brand, but don’t turn it into something that’s not you.

This strategy has certainly worked for Kendrick. She isn’t ignoring her brand and we’re not ignoring her.

Learn More:

Why Anna Kendrick Is The Sexiest And Savviest Social Media Star Of Her Generation

Fast Company’s Most Creative People of 2014, #8 – Anna Kendrick

 

Image Credit: cosmopolitan.com