The Power of Being Yourself
Your authenticity is your advantage. When we place ourselves among people who align with who we are, opportunities naturally begin to unfold.
Banana trees won’t naturally grow in Alaska. They need warmth, humidity, and a tropical climate to thrive. On the other hand, wild blueberries flourish in Alaska’s cooler air and rugged soil, but struggle in hot, humid regions.
Different fruits require different environments to grow and people are no different.
Each of us has the potential to flourish when we’re surrounded by the right people and placed in an environment that supports our nature. To truly thrive, we must first recognize our own personality, interests, and limits. We need to find our unique climate for growth.
Imagine someone whose world revolves around organized sports. They work in athletics, love studying player stats, analyzes game strategies, and personally live an active lifestyle. Now imagine placing that person in a room full of people who are deeply immersed in scientific theory and abstract research on a topic that is foreign to them. The sports enthusiast may feel out of place, unsure of how to connect, and hesitant to speak up.
Place that same person in a sports bar with others who share their passion, and they’ll likely feel energized, seen, and eager to engage.
The same is true for all of us.
When we understand our interests and choose to respect our personal level of comfort and boundaries, we can begin to seek out environments and people that feel aligned. Not only will we feel more at ease, but we’ll be in a space where we can grow, contribute, and thrive.
Identify your Authentic Self
Take a moment to jot down the things that genuinely light you up.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend?
What are your favorites: food, activity, movie, music, book, etc.?
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If you had the ability to retire today, how do you envision spending your time?
Who are the people in your life that you are the most comfortable with?
As you look over your list of answers, consider the places and spaces where people who share those interests might gather. When you show up in environments that feel natural and comfortable, you’re not just socializing, you’re gifting yourself joy and opening doors you’ll be excited to step through.
Commit to attending one event, or visiting one establishment this week that brings you joy. Go with your family, invite a friend, or make an effort to introduce yourself to others who are there!
One of the beauties of this world is our diversity! Don’t try to fit the mold of another. Be true to who you are .