{"id":768,"date":"2022-01-07T11:33:16","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T11:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/?p=768"},"modified":"2023-07-18T08:57:06","modified_gmt":"2023-07-18T08:57:06","slug":"how-to-be-true-to-yourself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Be True to Yourself &#038; 7 Signs You\u2019ve Lost Touch with Yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You have probably heard the advice to be true to yourself. But what does it really mean and why is it important? And how do you know if you have lost the connection with your inner self?<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #222222;color:#222222\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #222222;color:#222222\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#What_Being_True_to_Yourself_Means_and_Why_Its_Important\" title=\"What Being True to Yourself Means and Why It\u2019s Important\">What Being True to Yourself Means and Why It\u2019s Important<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#7_Warning_Signs_You_Are_Not_Staying_True_to_Yourself\" title=\"7 Warning Signs You Are Not Staying True to Yourself\">7 Warning Signs You Are Not Staying True to Yourself<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#1_You_are_too_concerned_about_pleasing_others\" title=\"1. You are too concerned about pleasing others\">1. You are too concerned about pleasing others<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#2_You_avoid_the_slightest_bit_of_confrontation\" title=\"2. You avoid the slightest bit of confrontation\">2. You avoid the slightest bit of confrontation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#3_You_are_unhappy_but_you_keep_ignoring_it\" title=\"3. You are unhappy, but you keep ignoring it\">3. You are unhappy, but you keep ignoring it<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#4_You_cant_do_anything_without_others_validation\" title=\"4. You can\u2019t do anything without others\u2019 validation\">4. You can\u2019t do anything without others\u2019 validation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#5_You_have_regrets_and_you_dream_a_lot_about_a_different_life\" title=\"5. You have regrets, and you dream a lot about a different life\">5. You have regrets, and you dream a lot about a different life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#6_You_avoid_spending_time_by_yourself\" title=\"6. You avoid spending time by yourself\">6. You avoid spending time by yourself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#7_Your_life_is_a_lie\" title=\"7. Your life is a lie\">7. Your life is a lie<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#How_to_Be_True_to_Yourself_in_6_Ways\" title=\"How to Be True to Yourself in 6 Ways\">How to Be True to Yourself in 6 Ways<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#1_Question_the_motives_behind_your_decisions\" title=\"1. Question the motives behind your decisions\">1. Question the motives behind your decisions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#2_Learn_to_stand_your_ground_and_set_boundaries\" title=\"2. Learn to stand your ground and set boundaries\">2. Learn to stand your ground and set boundaries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#3_Get_to_know_the_real_you\" title=\"3. Get to know the real you\">3. Get to know the real you<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#4_Stay_away_from_critical_and_negative_people\" title=\"4. Stay away from critical and negative people\">4. Stay away from critical and negative people<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#5_Express_yourself\" title=\"5. Express yourself\">5. Express yourself<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/#6_Stop_running_away\" title=\"6. Stop running away\">6. Stop running away<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Being_True_to_Yourself_Means_and_Why_Its_Important\"><\/span>What Being True to Yourself Means and Why It\u2019s Important<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It means being honest with yourself about your needs, desires, and priorities in life. It\u2019s about knowing what you want, staying loyal to your values and principles, doing what\u2019s best for you, and chasing <em>your<\/em> dreams \u2013 not someone else\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p>When you are true to yourself, you follow your own path in life instead of seeking the validation of those around you. You are not interested in pleasing others or complying with society\u2019s idea of happiness and success. You do <em>your<\/em> thing.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to always stay true to yourself because ultimately, it\u2019s<strong> the only way to live a happy, fulfilled life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>No matter how attractive society-imposed goals may seem or how convincing other people may sound, pursuing things that are not meant for you won\u2019t bring you genuine fulfillment.<\/p>\n<p>Sooner or later, you will realize that you\u2019ve wasted your life on the wrong things. You will see that you\u2019ve had ample opportunities to be authentically happy, but you didn\u2019t use them because you were afraid to be true to yourself.<\/p>\n<p>So, if you don\u2019t want to live a life of regrets, read through the signs below.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Warning_Signs_You_Are_Not_Staying_True_to_Yourself\"><\/span>7 Warning Signs You Are Not Staying True to Yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_You_are_too_concerned_about_pleasing_others\"><\/span>1. You are too concerned about pleasing others<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s natural to care for the needs of those around you. But it\u2019s very different when you neglect your own needs for the sake of pleasing others.<\/p>\n<p>How often do you step on your wants to make someone else happy? Are you afraid to say no? Do you always put others first?<\/p>\n<p>Being a people-pleaser is a one-way road to unhappiness. You put yourself in a never-ending cycle of repressing your emotions and desires for the sake of doing what others want.<\/p>\n<p>This is how many of us end up in the jobs we hate and with the wrong people by our side. We are so <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/feeling-disappointed-in-people\/\">afraid to disappoint<\/a> our parents, spouses, bosses, and, ultimately, the society that we choose to live a lie instead of making our happiness a priority. In the pursuit of pleasing others, we don&#8217;t realize that we are not being true to ourselves.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_You_avoid_the_slightest_bit_of_confrontation\"><\/span>2. You avoid the slightest bit of confrontation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You run away from any situation where you need to stand your ground. You give in to others before an argument even starts. In reality, you don\u2019t even know how to stand up for yourself since you are used to succumbing to others\u2019 needs.<\/p>\n<p>You always end up doing what those around you want so that they leave you in peace. So you unquestioningly go to the cinema with your friends to watch the latest Marvel movie even though you have completely different preferences.<\/p>\n<p>You are used to allowing other people to violate your boundaries and make decisions for you. So you no longer even think about voicing your opinion and saying no to others.<\/p>\n<p>The reality is that you don\u2019t know how to be true to yourself.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_You_are_unhappy_but_you_keep_ignoring_it\"><\/span>3. You are unhappy, but you keep ignoring it<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-607\" src=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-stop-feeling-invisible.jpg\" alt=\"how to stop feeling invisible\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-stop-feeling-invisible.jpg 800w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-stop-feeling-invisible-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/how-to-stop-feeling-invisible-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Whether you admit it or not, you are deeply unhappy. You feel like something important is missing from your life and <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/feeling-lost-in-life\/\">you are totally lost<\/a>. You don\u2019t know where you are going and you feel like there is nothing good to look forward to.<\/p>\n<p>Your life looks like an endless sequence of obligations, repeating activities, and pointless habits. You barely do anything for yourself, for your own happiness and joy. You just do what you are expected to.<\/p>\n<p>But you stubbornly keep ignoring your misery for the sake of your loved ones\u2019 well-being. Your family is your responsibility, and you owe them, right? So, instead of staying loyal to yourself, you bite the bullet and keep on with your usual activities.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_You_cant_do_anything_without_others_validation\"><\/span>4. You can\u2019t do anything without others\u2019 validation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When you are on the brink of an important decision, you hesitate a lot. You are so afraid to make a mistake that you often end up keeping things as they are.<\/p>\n<p>You can\u2019t make any decision without asking those around you for an opinion. You are convinced that they know better because you are used to <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/stop-comparing-yourself-to-others\/\">going with what others say<\/a>. Or you are just afraid that they won\u2019t approve of your choice.<\/p>\n<p>What will your parents say if you go for a career change after they spent a fortune on your education? What will your spouse say if you join a dance class?<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes you are unsure whether you even have an opinion of your own. This goes down to a lack of assertiveness and confidence.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_You_have_regrets_and_you_dream_a_lot_about_a_different_life\"><\/span>5. You have regrets, and you dream a lot about a different life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Since your reality is so unfulfilling, you find comfort in fantasies about a different life. You imagine yourself being happy and accomplished on your own terms, not in the way others want you to.<\/p>\n<p>And you dwell on regrets. You often think about what your life could have been if you had made different choices in the past.<\/p>\n<p>You beat yourself up for not being more proactive in pursuing your dreams. And you regret succumbing to others\u2019 expectations instead of following your purpose.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, you realize that you are not being loyal to yourself, but you are convinced that it\u2019s too late to change anything.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_You_avoid_spending_time_by_yourself\"><\/span>6. You avoid spending time by yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-771\" src=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/stay-true-to-yourself.jpg\" alt=\"stay true to yourself\" width=\"800\" height=\"455\" srcset=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/stay-true-to-yourself.jpg 800w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/stay-true-to-yourself-300x171.jpg 300w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/stay-true-to-yourself-768x437.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When you dread spending time by yourself, it\u2019s a warning sign something is not right in your life. In essence, you are trying to run away from yourself, your negative emotions, and all those uncomfortable truths you are afraid to face.<\/p>\n<p>Are you afraid of <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/solitude-vs-loneliness-difference\/\">solitude<\/a>? Do you make sure you have company to spend your free time with? Do you always have your TV or music on? Are you drawn to crowded places?<\/p>\n<p>This is how you run away from your thoughts and feelings. Noises and crowds silence the deep loneliness and unhappiness you feel.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you are a naturally outgoing person, <a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2017-47527-006\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">it\u2019s healthy<\/a> to have some alone time. If you shy away from every opportunity to stay on your own, you are not being true to yourself.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Your_life_is_a_lie\"><\/span>7. Your life is a lie<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes you feel like your whole life is a lie and you are playing someone else\u2019s role.<\/p>\n<p>You try to be nice to your co-workers and your wife\u2019s family. You convince yourself that you are pretty happy with your job. You pretend that your marriage is perfect, so you make sure others don\u2019t notice that your eyes aren\u2019t shining anymore.<\/p>\n<p>Once again, you do it for the sake of making others happy and conforming to their expectations. No one knows that you sit in your car for half an hour before you go home every evening.<\/p>\n<p>No matter how hard you try to convince yourself and others that everything is great, you know that it\u2019s all a lie. In the endless cycle of faking your feelings, you no longer know how you truly are.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Be_True_to_Yourself_in_6_Ways\"><\/span>How to Be True to Yourself in 6 Ways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you relate to the above, then you need to reconnect with your inner self. Here are a few ways to do it:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Question_the_motives_behind_your_decisions\"><\/span>1. Question the motives behind your decisions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Make a list of important decisions you made during the last 10 years. It\u2019s easier to analyze the motives behind your past choices because they no longer affect you emotionally, and you can get a clearer picture.<\/p>\n<p>The problem with decision-making is that sometimes we go with emotions without even realizing it. We mistake guilt and a sense of duty for doing the right thing.<\/p>\n<p>Look at the decisions on your list one by one and ask yourself,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Did I make this choice because I really wanted to? Or was it aimed to fulfill someone else\u2019s expectations?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>You may find out that most of your decisions were meant to please someone else at your expense. This can be anything from picking the wrong college to painting your living room in a color you hate.<\/p>\n<p>Practice critical thinking when you face a new decision. Before you make your final choice, ask yourself,<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Am I being true to myself? Am I being loyal to my principles and goals?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Learn_to_stand_your_ground_and_set_boundaries\"><\/span>2. Learn to stand your ground and set boundaries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Being a people pleaser is not going to take you anywhere. This behavior can be difficult to break, but if you really want to stay true to yourself, you should learn to say no.<\/p>\n<p>It won\u2019t be easy in the beginning, but with some practice, you will know exactly when and how you need to put yourself first.<\/p>\n<p>So what to do when someone asks you for a time-consuming favor or tries to talk you into a decision that won\u2019t benefit you? Don\u2019t immediately say yes, even if it\u2019s your typical reaction in such situations.<\/p>\n<p>The best approach is to say a gentle \u2018no\u2019 and explain the reason in a clear and assertive way. But make sure you don\u2019t end up justifying yourself and giving lengthy explanations.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>For example, saying \u2018<em>I\u2019d love to, but I\u2019m buried in work right now\u2019<\/em> is much better than \u2018<em>Oh, you know, I\u2019m so sorry, but I have to finish my report, and my boss will be mad at me if I don\u2019t do it in time\u2019<\/em>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Lengthy excuses of this kind will only make you look awkward and guilty. If you want to be true to yourself, you need to learn to stand your ground.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/signs-your-friend-doesnt-respect-you\/\">Your friends<\/a> and co-workers might be used to violating your boundaries and exploiting your kindness. So you need to take small steps. Not giving them an immediate \u2018yes\u2019 is already a good start.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Get_to_know_the_real_you\"><\/span>3. Get to know the real you<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-770\" src=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/stay-loyal-to-yourself.jpg\" alt=\"stay loyal to yourself\" width=\"600\" height=\"750\" srcset=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/stay-loyal-to-yourself.jpg 600w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/stay-loyal-to-yourself-240x300.jpg 240w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>What if you are not being true to yourself because you don\u2019t know who you are? It happens to a surprising number of people.<\/p>\n<p>You live your life, follow a routine, have your established lifestyle and social circle, but you are not even sure if this is what you always wanted. But the problem is that you don\u2019t know what you want.<\/p>\n<p>So how to find out? First of all, devote some time to staying by yourself every day. Without listening to your innermost self you won\u2019t be able to find the way. So don\u2019t silence its voice with TV chatter and pointless talk.<\/p>\n<p>You can also try meditation to deepen the connection with yourself. Be mindful of your thoughts. Where does your mind go when it wanders? What kinds of things do you dream about? This is where you need to look.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Stay_away_from_critical_and_negative_people\"><\/span>4. Stay away from critical and negative people<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Overly critical, negative, and toxic people intimidate those around them. So if you spend a lot of time with such personalities, it makes sense why you feel discouraged and confused.<\/p>\n<p>Even if you do have dreams that you\u2019d like to follow, such people will convince you that the things you are passionate about are utter nonsense. Or that you have no chances to succeed.<\/p>\n<p>They will impose their opinions on you and you will follow their advice. Why? Because such people sound like they are always right. If you have doubts and insecurities, you can easily fall into their trap.<\/p>\n<p>So make sure you limit your contacts with negative, critical, and manipulative people in your life. Remember that staying away from toxic personalities means staying loyal to yourself.<\/p>\n<p>If you struggle with defining whether you need to distance yourself from someone or not, <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/signs-you-should-stay-away-from-someone\/\">read this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Express_yourself\"><\/span>5. Express yourself<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Whether you have an artistic bent or not, expressing yourself in creative ways can be surprisingly beneficial. In fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1080\/07421656.1989.10758720\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">there are studies<\/a> that confirm the link between creative endeavors and self-actualization.<\/p>\n<p>Pick a creative hobby and practice it regularly. You will feel a flood of positive emotions when you see the tangible result of your work. But most importantly, you will soon notice that your mind gets filled with fresh ideas. You may also feel more open to new activities and opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>Expressing yourself is not limited to creative pursuits though. The goal is to let your inner being up to the surface in every possible way. Dare to voice your opinion. Take part in discussions. Meet new people and tell them about yourself.<\/p>\n<p>All this will help you make better sense of your personality and realize what you really want in life.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Stop_running_away\"><\/span>6. Stop running away<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-772\" src=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/running-away-from-yourself.jpg\" alt=\"running away from yourself\" width=\"700\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/running-away-from-yourself.jpg 700w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/running-away-from-yourself-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/running-away-from-yourself-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you want to be true to yourself, you need to stop hiding from your real desires and views. You need to stop pretending and succumbing to the wants of those around you. You should also deal with your habit of pleasing others.<\/p>\n<p>Realize that when you constantly avoid conflict and automatically give in to others, they start to take your kindness for granted. Not only that, but you also come across as a person who doesn\u2019t have an opinion of their own. You <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/feeling-invisible-causes\/\">make yourself invisible<\/a> to others.<\/p>\n<p>So the next time someone tries to impose their needs or opinions on you, be honest with yourself. Pay attention to your emotional response. How do you feel about it? Do you feel confused or annoyed?<\/p>\n<p>Then dare to express your real feelings about the situation and confront this person. Don\u2019t shy away from telling them how you feel. Yes, it will be difficult and awkward in the beginning, but I promise that it will come easier after some time.<\/p>\n<p>If you need an extra boost to your self-esteem, check out these guides:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/not-feeling-good-enough\/\">Not Feeling Good Enough? 5 Reasons Why You Feel This Way &amp; What to Do<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/affirmations-for-confidence-self-esteem\/\">44 Powerful Affirmations for Confidence and Self-Esteem<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To sum up, remember that staying true to yourself should be one of your top priorities in life. You can\u2019t be genuinely happy if you are busy faking your feelings and fulfilling someone else\u2019s expectations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You have probably heard the advice to be true to yourself. But what does it really mean and why is it important? And how do you know if you have lost the connection with your inner self? What Being True to Yourself Means and Why It\u2019s Important It means being honest with yourself about your &#8230; <a title=\"How to Be True to Yourself &#038; 7 Signs You\u2019ve Lost Touch with Yourself\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/how-to-be-true-to-yourself\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about How to Be True to Yourself &#038; 7 Signs You\u2019ve Lost Touch with Yourself\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":769,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[28,31],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/768"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=768"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/768\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1398,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/768\/revisions\/1398"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/769"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=768"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=768"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=768"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}