People tend to wear different masks in their everyday lives to fit in a certain role or adhere to societal norms. However, if you find yourself constantly putting on a mask and avoiding being yourself, it could indicate a deeper inner problem. So, if you feel like you are not being yourself and struggling lately, read this space to learn why it happens and how you can overcome this obstacle.
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What Does It Mean To Feel Afraid To Be Yourself?
Being yourself does not necessarily mean being the same person at all times. You could be one way with your family or friends and another way at your workplace.
However, if you are hesitant to voice your opinions, thoughts, feelings, or ideas and concerns for fear of being judged, challenged, or offending someone, it implies you fear being yourself.
The need to be agreeable at all times and avoid stating an opinion contrary to the popular notion reflects your fear of being judged. It may also be related to social anxiety. Eventually, you may feel like something is wrong with you or have low self-esteem.
Multiple reasons can prevent people from being their true selves, and the key is to identify the underlying reason and work to overcome it. Here are a few factors.
Past Experiences
Past experiences define and shape personalities and influence future behavior. At some point, you may have experienced disapproval from someone significant in your life or felt that your opinion does not hold value.
At the same time, you feel bound to live up to certain standards set by the important people in your life, like your family or peers.
Self-Doubts
People driven by self-doubts generally feel as if they are not good enough to be accepted as who they are. If you also feel that way, you may be unable to express yourself.
Social Anxiety
If you are socially anxious, you may feel the need to conform to the norms to be acceptable or blend in with the crowd. You may also feel the need to belong and not want to stand out or be ostracized for expressing an opinion different from the majority.
How to Overcome Feeling Afraid Of Being Yourself?
The first thing you need to realize and accept is that not being yourself and putting up a façade at all times comes with a price. It costs you your self-esteem, self-worth, confidence, and also the feeling of self-love. Underneath that fake persona, you may be amassing anxiety, fear, doubt, and even hatred at times.
Hence, you first need to change the way you see yourself. Here are some tips to help you overcome the fear of being yourself.
Realize Your Self-Worth
You must believe that you are valuable just as you are. If you do not accept yourself as who you are, you cannot expect others to do so, either. If you feel like there are some aspects of your personality that you want to change, you can work to improve those areas.
Moreover, if you need help realizing your full potential to understand self-worth, you can opt for good spiritual life coaching to transform your mindset and perception.
Make Small Changes
It is always a good idea to take small steps initially, particularly when it comes to behavioral aspects. If you had previously not shown your true self to others, start making small changes.
Share snippets of your personality with your close circle and gradually reveal your true persona.
Be Mindful Of What You Say
While listening to and expressing your inner voice is good, it is also important to be mindful of your judgment and criticism of others. When you are careful with your choice of words, you can expect others to do the same.
Understand and Face Your Apprehensions
You also need to understand that you cannot control others’ opinions of you, and by hiding who you truly are, you are only suppressing your personality. People you have just met or spent time briefly with may not have the full picture, and their misconceived notions must not impact you.
How Can You Benefit From Being Your True Self?
You cannot please everyone! There will always be people who do not approve of you, agree with you, or even dislike you, no matter how many versions of yourself you put up for the show. There will also be people who see right through the façade. On the other hand, if you choose to be yourself, it will benefit you in many ways.
You Feel Liberated
If you stop hiding, you can breathe easier, express your true self, and voice your opinions and concerns. Soon you will experience and enjoy that feeling of being liberated and doing things that give you joy.
You Will Be More Confident
Once you stop focusing on pretending, you will feel more confident in your skin and will gradually start to feel better about yourself, shunning your self-doubts.
You Attract the Right Crowd
Being yourself will enable you to attract people who realize and admire you for who you are. You will also be more comfortable in the company of such people.
Final Thoughts
It is the innate human desire to be admired and liked by everyone. However, it should not come at the cost of losing your true identity and your self-love. Surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with. Be who you truly are, and do not fear showing your true self to the world.
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