I’ve always believed that being yourself is one of the bravest things you can do. It’s not easy to stand tall in our authentic self, especially with all the outside noise telling us who we should be.

It takes a lot of courage to be true to yourself, and luckily, courage is not something you’re born with or without – it’s a skill that can be nurtured and developed.

In this article, I’m going to share 8 ways that have helped me summon the courage to be my true self. These tips aren’t about changing who you are, but rather, embracing and revealing the real you.

So if you’re ready to step into your own light, keep reading. Because being yourself isn’t just brave, it’s liberating.

1) Embrace vulnerability

There’s a bit of a misconception about vulnerability – many of us perceive it as a sign of weakness when in fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Brene Brown, a renowned research professor, has spent years studying courage and vulnerability. Her work has shown us that vulnerability is not about winning or losing, it’s about the courage to show up when you can’t control the outcome.

By embracing vulnerability, we essentially allow ourselves to be seen, truly seen. It can feel scary to expose your true self, especially when there’s a risk of judgement or rejection.

But here’s the thing – it’s only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.

So next time you feel that urge to hide who you really are, remember that your vulnerability is not a weakness but a gateway to your authentic self. It’s about having the courage to show up and be seen in our true light – flaws, failures, and all.

So go ahead, embrace your vulnerability. It might just be the bravest thing you’ll ever do.

2) Challenge your fears

There’s a phrase that I’ve always loved – “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

A few years back, I was stuck in a job that didn’t align with who I truly was. I dreaded going to work every day, but the fear of leaving what was comfortable and launching out into the unknown was paralyzing.

One day, I decided to face that fear head-on. I quit my job and started a journey to discover my true passion. It was terrifying, and there were certainly moments of self-doubt, but it was also liberating.

Challenging your fears doesn’t mean they disappear. But each time you face them, they lose a bit of their power over you. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown, even when it’s scary.

So if there’s something that you’ve been wanting to do, something that aligns with your true self but you’ve been held back by fear, I encourage you to confront that fear. It might just lead you to where you truly want to be.

3) Practice self-compassion

We often extend compassion to others without hesitation, but when it comes to ourselves, we’re not as forgiving. We beat ourselves up over mistakes, critique our shortcomings, and push ourselves to the brink of exhaustion.

What if we treated ourselves with the same kindness we give to others?

Research has shown that self-compassion can lead to greater emotional resilience, more accurate self-concepts, and less reactive anger. People who practice self-compassion bounce back from failure faster and are more likely to persist in the face of challenges.

Self-compassion is about accepting yourself as you are, flaws and all. It’s about understanding that imperfection is a part of the human experience and not a sign of personal inadequacy.

So the next time you stumble or fall short, instead of being your own worst critic, try being your own best friend. Because you are deserving of the same kindness and compassion you so readily give to others.

4) Unplug and reflect

In this digital age, we’re constantly bombarded with images and messages about who we should be, what we should look like, and how we should act. It’s easy to lose ourselves in the chaos and noise.

Taking some time off to disconnect from the digital world can do wonders for your self-awareness. It’s in these quiet moments that we can truly reflect on who we are and what we stand for.

Try to carve out some time each day to just be with yourself – no screens, no distractions. It could be a quiet walk in nature, a meditative practice, or just sitting in silence.

Use this time to explore your thoughts and feelings, your dreams and fears. Ask yourself: Who am I when no one is watching? What brings me joy? What are my values?

Unplugging and reflecting gives you the opportunity to reconnect with your true self, to understand what makes you uniquely you. And once you gain that understanding, summoning the courage to be your true self becomes a whole lot easier.

5) Surround yourself with support

It’s hard to be your true self if you’re constantly surrounded by people who don’t appreciate you for who you truly are. It’s like trying to grow a sunflower in the shade – it won’t reach its full potential.

We’re not meant to go through this journey alone. We all need people who believe in us, who cheer us on, and who love us unconditionally, quirks and all.

Seek out those who celebrate your authenticity and make you feel safe to be yourself. These could be friends, family, mentors, or even online communities.

There’s an exceptional strength that comes from knowing you’re supported and loved for being exactly who you are. This support can be the wind beneath your wings as you summon the courage to show up as your true self.

So remember, just as a sunflower needs sunlight to thrive, we need love and support to courageously be ourselves. Don’t deny yourself that. You deserve to bloom fully and freely, just as you are.

6) Set boundaries

There was a time when I was a chronic people-pleaser. I struggled to say ‘no’ and often found myself overextended, trying to meet everyone else’s expectations. Eventually, I realized that in my attempt to make everyone else happy, I was losing sight of who I was and what mattered to me.

Setting boundaries was a game-changer. It meant acknowledging that my needs and feelings were just as important as everyone else’s. It meant understanding that it’s okay to put myself first sometimes.

Boundaries are not about being selfish or unkind. They’re about respecting your own needs and creating space for your authentic self to shine through.

Start by identifying what drains you, what doesn’t feel good, what crosses your line. Then, communicate these boundaries assertively and respectfully.

Remember, it’s okay to say ‘no’. It’s okay to prioritize your wellbeing. By setting boundaries, you’re not only respecting yourself but also inviting others to do the same.

7) Invest time in self-discovery

Discovering who you truly are is not an overnight process. It’s a journey that requires time, patience, and a willingness to delve into the depths of your being.

Investing time in self-discovery means asking yourself deep, probing questions, trying new things, exploring different interests, and reflecting on your experiences.

One of the ways I’ve found helpful in my own journey is journaling. It’s a space where I can freely explore my thoughts and feelings without judgement.

Other methods could be engaging in mindfulness practices, seeking professional help like therapy or coaching, or simply taking time out to do things you love.

Remember, self-discovery is not a destination but a journey. And the more you learn about yourself, the easier it becomes to be your true self and live in alignment with who you truly are.

8) Live your truth

At the end of the day, summoning the courage to be your true self is about living your truth. It’s about aligning your actions with your beliefs, staying true to your values, and expressing yourself authentically.

Living your truth can be challenging, especially when it goes against societal norms or expectations. But it’s also incredibly freeing.

It’s about understanding that you are enough, just as you are. It’s about honouring your individuality and celebrating your uniqueness.

So dare to be yourself. Dare to live your truth. Because there is no greater freedom than being authentically you.

Final thoughts: The courageous journey to authenticity

The journey to becoming your true self is a courageous one. It requires vulnerability, self-compassion, and a whole lot of introspection.

At its core, courage is not about being fearless. It’s about facing those fears and still choosing to be yourself. It’s about acknowledging your imperfections and still choosing to love yourself.

In the wise words of Brené Brown, “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”

Remember, it’s not about becoming someone else. It’s about peeling back the layers of who you’re “supposed” to be and revealing who you truly are.

So go forth with courage. Be bold in your authenticity. Embrace your unique self and let it shine brightly in the world.

Because there is no one else quite like you, and that in itself is a beautiful thing.