There are always a hundred reasons to bend, a thousand excuses to waver, waffle, or wobble. Your parents, friends, boss, or loved ones might think they know what is best for you. But, if you spend your life giving in to the will of others, it will be a miserable experience. Be true to yourself. What does this mean, and how can it help you?
“What other people think of me is none of my business.”
Eleanor Roosevelt
As an adult, you should have a picture in your mind of who you are, or at least who you want to be. This may be at odds with how you were raised, or how others see you. So it can be a source of great conflict, internal and external, in your life. If you worry more about what people think about you than being comfortable in your skin, you’ll never accomplish your biggest goals and desires.
Read this: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson-Amazon Affiliate link
You have no control over another person’s assessment of you. You have no idea what is going through their mind at any given moment. They view the world based on their own experiences, prejudices, and values. It is impossible to know for certain what actions or reactions will favorably or negatively impact their view of you. So…why worry about it?
You can simply treat others with the respect you would desire and let them have their opinion. Any time you begin to obsess about what kind of impression you’re making on someone, put yourself back in your shoes. Ask yourself how you feel about your performance, appearance, or anything else. If you’re ok with it, carry on. If you aren’t, adjust.
“Practicing the Golden Rule is not a sacriifce, it’s an investment.”
Byllye Avery
When you remove all external factors affecting your decisions, life becomes much simpler. Therefore, it is important to learn to like yourself and be genuine. You will find people that value you for who you are and that support who you wish to become. Be true to yourself first to be a better family member, friend, or spouse.
An excellent book that addresses this topic is: You Are A Badass, How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness And Start Living An Awesome Life by Jen Sincero. Get it here. (Amazon Associate Link)