Everyone wants to win the praise and admiration of others. It’s only natural. That includes securing a solid reputation, being singled out for a job promotion, or earning the respect of folks “who matter.” But some people go to such great lengths to look good that they don’t realize what they’re compromising in the process.

Some folks spend so much time looking over their shoulder and worrying about what others think of them that it’s hard for them to be their best. In addition, it can take a toll on their confidence and self-esteem.

Are you afraid of being yourself?

10 Ways People Compromise Themselves to Look Good

How much do you modify your behavior just to look good?

Do you…

Refuse to speak up because you don’t want to be judged?

Keep opinions to yourself because you don’t want to be shot down?

Refuse to ask questions because you don’t want to appear incompetent?

Follow the crowd because you don’t want to stick your neck out?

Follow nonsensical orders because you don’t want to look like a loose cannon?

Sweep mistakes under the rug because you don’t want to appear unsuccessful?

Imitate bad behavior because you don’t want to look like a goody-goody?

Abide by outdated rules because you don’t want to rock the boat?

Play it safe because you rarely get in trouble for being cautious?

Refuse to admit weaknesses because you don’t want to look inferior?

If this sounds familiar, you’re not being true to yourself.

What would happen if you thought for yourself, voiced your opinions, stood up for your beliefs and values, and did what’s right rather than what’s popular? In other words, what if you were authentic?

If you try too hard to please the world, you’ll never please yourself.

Would being genuine hurt your reputation, weaken your relationships, or damage your career? Or, would folks view your attitude as inspiring, your moral character as invigorating, and your honesty as refreshing?

This comes down to one thing. If you’re not proud of who you are and what you stand for, you might feel compelled to put on a false front. In doing so, you might be able to fool others, but you have to answer to a higher authority — your conscience. That alone may dissuade you from veering off track.

Instead of trying to look good, focus your energy on being good.

At the end of the day, the path you choose should never be determined by the number of people who say or believe something; you must have the courage and conviction to question conventional wisdom and do what’s right.

Are you trying too hard to look good? You have nothing to prove to anyone but yourself. Make yourself proud. Be the best person that you can be. Instead of trying to look good, be good. After all, you have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

Are You Afraid of Being Yourself?

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Additional Reading:
Do You Compare Yourself to Others?
If You Can’t Be Yourself Around Others, Who Are You?
What Does Your Name Say About You?
To Be or Not to Be
Be Nice to Yourself
What Makes Someone Beautiful in Your Eyes?

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