While being in college and in our 20’s, we are all trying to figure ourselves out, whether that be in our relationships, academics or careers.
However, thank goodness we are no longer in that awkward high school stage of pure conformity. You have to realize that in this universe, there will never be anyone like you. Ever.
The thought of someone being cooler, prettier, more athletic or just “better” than you is something that cons us into conforming. Having a sense of self is one thing that cannot be taken away from you. Sure, you start doing similar things the more you hang out with the same people. That is human nature. Yet, each one of you brings something different to the table. That is why being yourself is such an important thing.
Conformity displays a trust in others that you do not have in yourself. The question is: If you cannot trust yourself, how can others trust you?
You do not have to be an outspoken leader to know exactly who you are and have the confidence to be yourself. Nature intended you to be a certain way, and it would be a shame to throw that away for something or someone you think is “greater” than you are.
Having satisfaction in your life and focusing on your personal goals for the long term is what we should all focus on in our lifetime. We are all equal — whether some believe it or not — and it's important to take the challenge of accepting and loving ourselves.
Sometimes it is frustrating knowing what to do all the time, no matter what the situation might be. However, the key is trusting yourself and knowing that conforming to someone else is not always the best decision for you.
The internal battles we struggle with cush as resisting depending on someone to make choices’ for us and avoiding “waking up to who you are requires letting go of who you imagine yourself to be" (said by Alan Watts). All goes back to trusting ourselves and knowing we will make the right decisions.
Following your intuition shows confidence and pride you know you have. No matter if it's “cool” or not, you will make that right choice.
By following these impulses and desires, you will lead yourself in the direction you will need to go. Why should something stand in the way of your true goals?
The phrase we constantly hear when we go to a job interview or meet someone new is to just “be ourselves." We say okay, but that is a lot of pressure. Can we truly give a definition to what “being ourselves” is?
Everyone has different characteristics, labels and attitudes that define who each of us are, whether that involves negative or positive attributes. If we give off our first impression, which is “ourselves”, and it comes off negative, is that really our true personality? I do not think so. Whether a person is quiet, shy, aggressive, angry, bitter, or standoffish, there is something that is hiding the true potential to display their special identity because of the pressures they face.
Resisting our intuition by not trusting our gut is what can truly be holding us back from reaching our full potential. Instead of hiding behind something or someone that you believe is “above” yourself, realize that there is only one of you in this world, and you know what the best decision for yourself is. It is what you love and the little things that will make you happy.
