Have you conformed to the expectations of other people? Have you done it to the extent that you have lost touch with yourself in the process? Have you ever considered the price you pay for this surrender of your best attribute? I bring a message of encouragement. Embrace Your Uniqueness!
Claim the uniqueness of yourself.
Here are the 3 keys that will help you:
1. You Must Develop A Thick Skin.
You will never break free of the conformity trap as long as you worry about what other people may say. Somebody will always have something to say. Some people actually enjoy stealing other people’s dreams. These are the ones who have typically given up their right to be happy many years ago. And you know what they say about misery loving company. Don’t let yourself make companions with these emotional thieves.
Let the naysayers motivate you onward. I find it empowering when people say things that reflect doubt on my ability. It makes me stand up within myself and claim, “I’ll show them!” Use your hardheaded side to thicken your skin. This promotes determination and determination will see you through to your desired result. I also discourage you from listening to your feelings of fear and doubt. These negative emotions will stop you in your tracks if the collection of negative mindsets didn’t get you first. It is normal to have feelings of fear and doubt but they should not be given the space to pollute your mind.
Famous artist, Georgia O’Keefe said, “I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do.”
2. You Must Take Action.
With each action step you take, the ones to follow become easier. Each step helps you see that it is possible to be yourself. Each step brings you closer to the acknowledgment of others that you are liked for being yourself.
If you are a perfectionist or someone who gets lost in the planning of the details, please memorize this statement, “You don’t have to get it right, you just have to get it going.”
Sure, you risk rejection when you step out and announce who you are to the world but there will also be those who validate you. This is how you gain evidence that you can be loved and accepted for the real you. The peace of mind you will experience afterwards is transforming. You will experience a sense of freedom.
3. You Must Be Willing To Fail.
The reason most people never dare to be themselves is that they fear failure. Being yourself is a risk. How important is this battle to you? You must be willing to Take A Leap Of Faith. I believe that if you do not take the risk, you will be guaranteed failure. In this risk, you will find freedom, growth, and personal power.
Visualize yourself in the future enjoying these new gifts that will come from you risk-taking. Feel the increase in happiness and energy. See yourself smiling and more productive. Hear the words of encouragement and admiration. Hold these images in your mind and then walk in faith. Remember the scripture Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the evidence of things unseen.” This faith is what will separate you from the crowd of conformists.
The first step is to Make The Decision To Be Yourself. This step is usually the hardest but once you make the decision it seems as if things start to fall into place.
Some people have never allowed their true self to come out or it has been a very long time and they’ve closed the door to that possibility. Here are some questions I would like you to consider:
What gives you a sense of being alive? What energizes you?
What holds your attention?
What do you make time for even when you are busy?
What have you done that just “feels right?”
What feels like you were born to do it?
Whose work or life do you admire?
Who or what inspires you?
Don’t just rush through these questions. The answers could change your life for the better, TODAY.
Mark Webb is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice at South Georgia Psychiatric and Counseling Center in Valdosta. He is the author of How To Be A Great Partner and How To Argueproof Your Relationship. Read more of his articles www.TheRelationshipSpecialist.com