The biggest challenge in life is to be yourself – 3 Key Tips

The biggest challenge in life is to be yourself: In this article, we highlight the importance of being yourself, key challenges in this direction and how to ensure that your individuality is not compromised in the society. It is one of the most important values you’ll ever have – a signature of who you are as a person. If there’s anything which is asking you to compromise your individuality – the question to ask is – Is my individuality the right price for what I’ll get in return?

Key points covered in this article are:

• Meaning of – ‘The biggest challenge in life is to be yourself’
• What are the challenges to being yourself?
• How to be yourself when the world is trying to make you someone else?

Meaning of – The biggest challenge in life is to be yourself

What is the meaning of – the biggest challenge in life is to be yourself? Is it that hard to be yourself in life? We all know that it is the fundamental right we have but yet struggle because of challenges and difficulties around us.

In understanding the meaning of – the biggest challenge in life is to be yourself, it is important to investigate the definition of who you are and what values you stand for. It is a common occurrence that society tries to sway you into its own values. We talked about this in the earlier discussion – it is better to be hated for who you are while explaining the reasons why society challenges individuality.

At the same time, your individuality is the single most important resource and value you have. You don’t have to sacrifice these beliefs because of the external demands. There are plenty of way to work around that.

As you will see through the discussion – we take you through the key challenges in being yourself and how to protect your individuality amidst these external influences.

What are the challenges to being yourself?

In this section, I would like to highlight 3 key challenges to being yourself in life.

1. Society, Friends, Family and Peers

The society tends to like people who are similar. This applies to your friends, family and even the acquaintances in your circle. Loosely this is also defined as a culture you belong to. They have influence in what you think, eat, talk etc. These influences are subtle if not flagrant. They are there around you and constantly having an impact on who you think you are or can be.

2. Goals and Aspirations

How are your goals and aspirations defined? Sure, they originate from your thoughts and circumstances. If you dig a little deeper to the way you are shaped – you will notice that your environment plays a huge role in defining who you are. These goals and aspirations although are extremely powerful words can also act as a challenge in being yourself.

3. Expectations about what others think about you

This is perhaps the single most important challenge about being yourself. All or any expectations from you are self-imposed. There may be others in your circle like family or friends who want you to become something. Even then, your expectations are your own – no one has any control over them.

The above reasons summarise the key challenges in being yourself. It is easy to get trapped into these but you’ll need to protect your individuality for inclusive success. This is explained in the next segment of how to protect and be yourself when the world is trying to make you someone else.

Related posts: 10 Elegant Be Yourself Quotes to reinforce your self belief

How to be yourself when the world is trying to make you someone else?

1. Define your values

Clearly mention and highlight what your values are. If need be, tell your friends and family what your core values are and how you don’t want anyone to interfere with them. If they are important to you, explain the reason behind these core values.

Make sure that these values are written down somewhere so that you can constantly let them be in your sight. This will help reinforce the key thoughts that drive your decisions, aspirations and goals. Make sure that these values are in a safe space within your mind and body and constantly find ways to improve these values and strengthen them.

2. Embrace your individuality

Ignore the external world. Your individuality is defined by your values. Appreciate and convince yourself as to why they are important to you. Others are not your priority at the moment, you need to build and define what your individuality stands for.

You are different and that’s your individuality. No matter what someone says or even ignores you and treats you like an outcast – it doesn’t matter. The commitment to your values is sacred. The more you practice embracing this commitment, the better you get at it.

3. Create your sacred space

This is the most important tip in protecting your values. As much as we talk about building them and protecting them – these values will dissipate unless you keep them safe. You have a responsibility to prevent them from being walked over by someone else. The moment you realise a toxic presence – fight it. This toxic presence can come from within in the sense of people ignoring you or even giving the silent treatment.

Keep this question at the front of your mind – what do you value the most? Are you willing to sacrifice your definition of self for a short term gain?

These tips will help you embrace the biggest challenge in life about being yourself.

The biggest challenge in life is to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everyone else

E E Cummins (Source)