Being you- why is it so hard?
What does it really mean to "be you"?
We hear it all the time: "Be authentic[1]." But let’s get real—being authentic in leadership, communication, or even day-to-day life isn't always easy.
The pressure to fit in, conform, or even overperform can strip us of what makes us powerful: ourselves.
At our most recent and.story presenting workshop, this was the heart of the conversation.
We weren’t there to learn “techniques” in isolation; we were there to uncover what happens when you stop trying to fit into someone else’s mould and instead use your unique edge to influence, inspire, and lead.
"Just be yourself."
It’s advice we’ve all heard, but let’s face it—it’s not always helpful. In a world that expects us to meet countless expectations, how do we balance being ourselves with being effective, professional, or impactful?
Stuck on a spin cycle?
Ultimately, we need to survive to thrive.
So, what keeps you going?
What survival loops do you find yourself in?
And more importantly, how do you thrive?
Is your BS radar turned on?
Self-awareness is key; we can hide, ignore, override, assume, and even lie to ourselves just to survive.
Own your mind and own your life;
you need to know how to fuel it.
Surviving is what our brains are wired for—biologically, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
You know what to do, how to do it, and why it matters… yet often, you don’t.
You stay in the same loops, repeating what you wish you’d leave behind. It’s simpler that way, isn’t it?
Familiar, validating, and safe. Your brain tells you, “I knew this would happen,” and boom—you feel justified, even if it’s in staying stuck.
This isn’t random.
Read more…
we’ve been writing blogs for years and have oodles of them on our sister company Coach to Coach