We spend so much time, energy, and in some cases, money too, on trying to change or suppress the very things that make us who we are. All great personalities in the world were great because they chose to be themselves rather than focusing on becoming like others. They went against the wind and that is what made the difference. So, how do you embrace yourself and the many things that make you different and make you stand out from the crowd?
Â
You are born to stand out!
I believe that there is a part of all of us that wants to avoid judgment and rejection. We want to be accepted and to belong. But it’s extremely hard to blend in when you were created to stand out!
Throughout our lives, we have received mixed messages as to whether we should try to blend in and fit in or if we should be bold and stand out. Should we follow the crowd or blaze our own trail?
Throughout our lives, grade school, college and while navigating the business and working world, we’ve learned to conform and to change faces as needed. In order to fit in, we’ve learned to suppress or hide parts of ourselves. We have tried to completely change the very things that make us different, again just so that we can fit in.
Don’t try to fit into a mold not meant for you!
Trying to change or suppress the things that are a part of you, can be stressful. You can lose sight of your true self in the shuffle. It can also cause you to become overly critical of yourself in a way that negatively affects your self-confidence and self-esteem. Where you once were proud of your uniqueness, you can become ashamed of your differences.
For instance, you may be an introvert, but your work or profession requires you to act as an extrovert, and you constantly find yourself forcing yourself to be overly social and do things that are not a natural part of your nature and personality. Over time, this can be exhausting and cause you to be unhappy in your work and even in your life.
Maybe that’s somewhat an extreme example, but the point is I just want you to see how being forced to be something that you are not, can be stressful. Now, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t stretch, grow or improve yourself in certain areas. It just means you need to be aware of who you are, embrace your true self and be you. Find work that allows you to flow in your natural gifts and talents and that allows your differences to shine.
So today, I want to share a few things that can empower you to love and embrace your differences:
#1Â Identify and play up your unique strengths and differences
Know what makes You, You! It’s important to be able to identify your strengths, in order to feel good about who you are and what you have to offer, and what you bring to the table. Awareness of your differences will help you better identify opportunities where you can maximize and play up your strengths.
#2 Stop suppressing or covering up areas of your life
Learn to appreciate everything that you are, imperfections and all. You possess unique talents and gifts that only you can give. Learn to flow in your gifts. Don’t be so quick to try to change yourself to fit in with others. Even at work, be authentic. It’s okay to fit in your work culture and to be a team player, but also make sure that you and your contributions stand out and leave an impression.
#3 Stop living in fear of what others think
Make choices, including career choices, that are not based on what others will think of your whether you will be judged, disliked or even rejected. Focus on being you, your true self.
Remember, only you can be your best self. And when you are focusing on becoming like someone else you miss your best version all the while. Be happy being who you are.
Practice self-acceptance
Embracing your uniqueness is about knowing and acknowledging who you really are and owning it! Accept your imperfections, forgive your mistakes and believe that you are worthy of acceptance and happiness, just as you are. Embrace your differences and be authentic.
Trying to be someone you are not is exhausting. Have courage and confidence. Having the courage and confidence to be who you are, starts with you loving who you are and embracing what makes you different and what makes you stand out from the crowd.
I hope that you got something that you can use to make some positive changes in your life. Please be sure to like and comment below and share it with others who are struggling with embracing their differences. Let me know how you put this information to work for you.
Also, let me know if there is a specific topic you would like for me to cover. I love getting your feedback and suggestions.
Remember, with the right Balance, Support, Determination and Action, every dream is possible. Your Dream is possible!
 I would love to hear from you. Comment below to let me know how you put these strategies to use in your life.
Follow for more advice, tips, and strategies on social media:
Facebook @ImTamaraHartley
Twitter @ImTamaraHartley
Instagram @ImTamaraHartley
