Living a peaceful and fulfilling life requires being true to yourself and living authentically. It can be tempting to conform to societal expectations or try to please others by living to their standards, but this often leads to feelings of stress, anxiety, and disconnection. On the other hand, being yourself 100% of the time can bring a sense of inner peace, self-acceptance, and a deeper connection with others. Learning how to be yourself 100% of the time can feel challenging, but it is possible.
Why is it challenging to be yourself 100% of the time?
There are a variety of reasons why someone may struggle to be themselves all the time.
- Fear of rejection.
Many people fear that if they reveal their true selves, they will be rejected or criticized by others. This fear can lead to a lack of authenticity and a tendency to conform to societal expectations or the expectations of others in order to remain in their favor.
- Lack of self-awareness.
Some people may not be fully aware of who they are or what they want, which can make it difficult to be true to themselves. Without self-awareness, it can be challenging to make decisions that align with your values and beliefs.
- Societal expectations.
Society often imposes certain expectations and norms on individuals, which can make it difficult to break free and embrace your authentic self. This conditioning can be challenging to overcome, and it can take time and effort to unlearn certain beliefs and attitudes so you can be your true self.
- Fear of vulnerability.
Being authentic requires vulnerability, which can be uncomfortable and scary for some people to experience. The fear of being judged or rejected can make it challenging to reveal your true self and be vulnerable with others; hiding within yourself and “masking,” or pretending to be someone or something you’re not, may feel safer.
If you struggle to be yourself 100% of the time, what can you do?
If you realize that you are struggling to be yourself all the time and that hiding your true self is disrupting your peace, it is possible to learn how to embrace who you truly are. Consider employing these strategies to make the process a little easier.
- Practice being more self-aware.
The first step in being true to yourself is to understand who you are, what you want, and what matters to you most in life. Spend time reflecting on your values, beliefs, and priorities, and try to align your actions with your authentic self. Once you have a clear picture of who you really are, it’ll be much easier to be your true self.
- Embrace vulnerability.
Being authentic requires vulnerability, which can be uncomfortable and scary to embrace. However, vulnerability is essential for building deeper connections with others and living a more fulfilling life. Embrace vulnerability by sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with others in an honest and open way.
- Let go of others’ expectations.
It can be challenging to be true to yourself when you are constantly trying to meet the expectations of others. Let go of the need to please others or conform to societal norms, and focus on what is true and meaningful to you. Remember, it is your life, and you have the power to make your own choices. This can be difficult to embrace–especially if it means standing up to your friends or family members and what they think is best for you–but doing so allows you to embrace life with much more authenticity and inner peace.
