The phrase “you do you” is very popular these days—and for good reason. In today’s fast-paced world filled with incessant noise and opinions, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are. From birth, we’re inundated with messages about what we should do, how we should act, and who we should be from parents, teachers, friends, and even strangers on the internet. These opinions live in our subconscious as we navigate through life. Most people mean well and truly want us to be happy. However, in the process of trying to please others and fit into societal norms, we can easily lose touch with our inner self. We start living our lives based on what we think we should be doing, rather than what truly feels right for us.
One example of this is the influence on our career choices. From childhood, we are often asked what we want to be when we grow up. For some, there is significant pressure to select a career that is considered prestigious and highly lucrative. However, the reality is that there isn’t just one “right” way to earn a living. What brings fulfillment and success to one person might be completely different for another. If you find yourself feeling unfulfilled and unhappy in your job, it might be time to listen to that little voice inside your head urging you to make a change. This can be frightening, but it’s never too late to pursue a career that aligns more closely with your passions and values.
Relationships are another area where we can lose sight of what we truly want. Society suggests that finding a partner and getting married is the ultimate success. We see perfect couples on social media and feel pressured to be in a relationship. Or we might stay in a relationship because it looks good on paper. Even if your partner is kind, attractive, and successful, if the relationship doesn’t feel right, it’s unhealthy to stay. It’s okay to be single and focus on yourself. The most important relationship you should have is the one you have with yourself.
Societal pressures can also impact our hobbies. We might feel pressure to take up certain hobbies because they are popular. Or we might hide our true passions because they’re not seen as “cool.” However, the things we do in our free time should be fun. Life is too short to waste precious time on things that don’t make us happy. If you have a secret passion that you want to pursue, now is the time. Whether it’s playing the accordion or collecting stamps, embrace your unique interests. Not everyone has to play pickleball!
So, how can you start tuning into your inner wisdom and living a more authentic life? First, take some time to figure out your thoughts. Your gut can’t guide you if you never listen. Try setting aside time each day to meditate, journal, or simply sit in silence. Ask yourself what feels right and true for you and see what you find out. You might be surprised at what you learn about yourself.
Next, have the courage to act on what you uncover. This might mean making some big changes in your life and facing some criticism, which can be frightening. But the alternative—staying stuck in a life that’s not truly yours—is a much scarier prospect.
Finally, surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. The people you spend time with have a huge impact on the choices you make. Seek out those who encourage you to be yourself and support your choices.
Being true to yourself is the most empowering thing you can do, and it’s the key to living a truly happy life. You are only on this earth for a short amount of time—spend it the way you want. Your gut knows what’s best for you, even if that means going against the grain. So, take the time to listen to your inner voice, be brave enough to take action, and find people who support you in your journey. The world is waiting for the true you to emerge. Go ahead and take the leap. You got this!