What are the benefits and drawbacks of changing ourselves for others?

In today’s society where conforming is the norm, having the courage to be your true self can be challenging. Being your true self means embracing your individuality and uniqueness and standing up for what you believe in, even when it might be unpopular or you do not fit in with others.

Staying true to oneself is all about commitment in all aspects of your life. Unfortunately, many people try to change us by imposing or influencing who we should be and how we should behave. During this moment, it would probably be easier to conform and give in to other people’s demands because you want to fall in so that no one points finger at you, or you want to meet their expectations and please them so that you can show you fit in and belong somewhere.

You are not doing yourself justice if you allow yourself to lose your core values while trying to be like everyone else. Living a genuine life means that you are abiding by what you stand for and your values. And your behaviour is not dictated by anyone other than yourself.

Everyone has something to offer to this world. By standing strong to your values, you will remain strong to yourself and unlock your full potential in life.

Live your life by your core values

Some of the reasons why people are not genuine are either because they conform to others’ will and expectations or make decisions which are influenced by worries about what people will think. In the process of living to others’ expectations, you will more than likely get tired and resentful. You will experience dissatisfaction and regret later in life when realising how much time you have wasted trying to please and adapt to other people’s demands.

Be clear about your core values and stay sincere to them

Be crystal clear about what your core values are and try not to deviate from them. Being true to your core values even in challenging situations and standing strong to your beliefs even when unpopular, reflects your sincerity and self-worth. Others do not have to agree with you, but because you stood up for what you believe in, you will eventually inspire respect, and this will also increase your self-confidence.

One of the core values should be not to hurt any living being. This is one of the highest intents a human being can have.

Find your purpose in life

Everyone has a unique purpose that cannot be fulfilled by anyone else. While conforming to societal expectations and trying to be like others, you might lose sight of your purpose in life and its values. You will know who you are and discover the right path for your life while staying true to yourself. Hence, you will be able to separate your purpose from other people’s expectations. This keeps you rooted in your goal.
Practice self-acceptance and no self-negativity

The reason why you might want to change for others and not want to be your true self could be because you have low self-esteem and a low sense of self-worth.

Hence, you can learn how to be true to yourself by practising self-respect and self-acceptance. When you learn to love the aspects of yourself, thereafter it does not matter what anyone else thinks.

Being confident and knowing your purpose in life can make a massive difference in how you view yourself and how you interact with others. When you value yourself, your life and your relationship, it will be more harmonious and gratifying.

Embrace your true self by connecting to your inner self

To discover who your true self is, you need to connect to your inner self. This can happen by attaining Self-realisation. During the Self-realisation ceremony, you acquire the true knowledge of ‘who am I’ that is totally separate from the mind and body complex. This inner true Self is your real Self. It is full of infinite knowledge, full of infinite vision and full of infinite bliss.

When you attain the knowledge of the Self, you also acquire the right understanding. This right understanding helps solve all life problems easily and smoothly without causing hurt and suffering to any living being. This understanding provides constant inner satisfaction to you, everyone around you, and in all situations too. You also learn through this right understanding to accept people and society just the way they are. The biggest changes come from within, from your inner Self!