Thought

I've been thinking a lot about the advice to "be yourself." It's all over the place—social media, blogs, even from well-meaning friends. They keep telling us to center everything on our own feelings and not worry about what others think. Sure, it sounds freeing, but let's get real for a second. This advice might be doing more harm than good.

Scoop

Let's cut to the chase: the idea of "being yourself" is often misunderstood and oversimplified. It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we should always prioritize our feelings and desires. But what happens when this feel-good mantra clashes with real-world responsibilities and expectations?

Picture this: you’re the newbie at a company. You haven’t proven yourself yet, you haven’t made any significant contributions, and you’re still finding your footing. If you focus solely on "being yourself" without considering the company’s dynamics and roles, you’re setting yourself up for failure.

It’s not that being yourself is wrong, but it’s about recognizing that real freedom comes from having the strength and experience to back it up.

In the bigger picture—whether in your company, family, or society—there are roles and expectations. These aren’t chains holding you back; they’re frameworks that help us achieve great things together.

When it comes to macro stuff—leading a team, contributing to a community project, navigating family responsibilities—you’ve got to think bigger than just yourself.

In small matters, go ahead and be yourself boldly. Wear that quirky outfit, enjoy your favorite foods, date men, women, whoever makes you happy, and pursue your unique hobbies. No one has the right to judge you for these choices.

But in the big matters—consider the broader context. Here, playing your part according to your role can lead to greater harmony and success.

The key is knowing when to let your individuality shine and when to align with a collective goal. By doing so, you not only grow as a person but also contribute to something larger than yourself.

Resources

For a reality check on this topic, watch Simon Sinek's TED Talk "Start with Why." He dives into the importance of understanding your purpose within a larger framework, which can help you balance personal authenticity with collective responsibility.

Last Word

In the little things, be yourself. In the big things, play your part. That’s where true strength lies.

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