Do you ever wonder if you’re trying too hard to stand out? Here’s an idea!

Release the grip on trying to make an impression or be something you’re not. Be yourself.

*Most* people you talk to and work with want you to be genuine. They want to talk to YOU. Show them.

Rather than trying so hard to make a particular impression, sit back, relax, and let who you are stand alone. This benefits everybody!

Consider the leader who emphasizes empathy and collaboration over internal fiefdoms or openly shares a personal challenge in a humanizing way. Think about a team that prioritizes true customer relationships over aggressive sales tactics.

When you’re real, you encourage others to be the same way. You license yourself and others, fostering a culture of honesty and open communication. Authenticity breeds trust and respect.

Benefits aside, practicing this can be nuanced and challenging. Does your environment support this? What about workplace boundaries? Does it even feel safe to share what I think or feel? Being vulnerable can be scary. It is all much easier said than done.

No matter what you do, not everyone will like or agree with you, so it’s not about avoiding conflict. Also, this isn’t a free pass to be a jerk. Instead, it’s about being true to your values and honest.

The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll be. You’ll start to do more things in service of you and who you want to become.

As you embrace your values and lead by example, notice how it inspires and empowers others to do the same.

So, where do I start? As much as I want to make this actionable, this is a continuous process that varies for everyone. Here’s one idea:

Reflect on your most memorable day and a challenging one. What made the day great, and what caused the frustration? Who was there? What were you doing? Understanding your reactions can help you identify what’s important. Explore it!

The more you understand what makes you you, the more you find your blueprint for showing up in the world, seeking experiences, and finding others who share the very things that matter to you. It’s one step in a never-ending quest to grow and embrace YOU.

Every step you take will inspire you and those around you. So, get going!