“In a world where you can be anything, be yourself.”
-Albert Einstein
Being authentic has merit. It ironically is the one trait that allow us to stand out more than any others. I find it ironic because oftentimes we work so hard to be a person that we feel society or other people in our circle want us to be with that goal of standing out in mind. Being yourself requires humility, self-confidence, and a willingness to let go of what others may think or say about you. Over the past decade, there has been a societal shift toward focusing on mental health. Couple that with the ridiculous amount of information at our disposals, and like everything else in life, people tend to make it more complicated than it needs to be.
There is an entire industry based around coaching people with “my simple seven step program” to love themselves and overcome depression. This is not to degrade coaches, therapists, or any program with the intention of helping others; there is value in it. I just spoke with someone the other day with a strong testimonial regarding an executive coach and the impact it had on his life. With that being said, sometimes simple is best. The quote that led off this blog is one that you’ve likely read several times, and you were probably introduced to it at a very young age. I’d liken it to the “Golden Rule:” extremely simple, often overlooked. Sometimes we get in our own heads and think “it couldn’t possibly be that easy.” So, in the case of the Golden Rule, we overlook it and instead are in search of the mental health program that will help us form better, more meaningful relationships. News flash: start trying to treat others the way you wish to be treated— I’d bet you’ll see some improvements.
Being authentic and adhering to the Golden Rule are both skills that have grown within me as a result of my association with the special needs and disabled communities. I rarely come across an individual within these communities that shies away from who they are at their core. More often than not, they are unapologetically themselves, and that is refreshing to be around. Being around these individuals also serves as a consistent reminder for me to follow their lead. They aren’t worried about how others will perceive them, the latest social media trend, or the next best mental health program to get them “back on track.” They simply show up as themselves with love in their hearts.
I’d encourage you to take a page out of the book of simplicity as you go through your week. Don’t scoff at the elementary-nature of these principles, and commit to being 100% authentically yourself. In my opinion, it’s the best “self-help” medicine that we all have at our disposal each day. And it’s free.
