We encounter various distractions and challenges in our daily lives, so it’s not worth trying to be someone you’re not. Sooner or later, your real self will show. When that happens, if you’re not displaying good qualities, you may be rejected for being “fake.” Here are some tips on how to stay true to yourself and your business.
We are who we are – until we’re not.
Why It’s Important and How To Be True To Yourself
In both work and social settings, I have far more respect and admiration for someone who is genuine than for a person who changes to fit in. I will appreciate you for who you ARE, not the fake version you’re putting on. Don’t pretend to be someone else just to make me happy. That’s not what friendship means. That’s not how you build trust. That’s not what earns my loyalty in business.
If situations change, your core beliefs should be steadfast to who you are and not change with the wind. You never know where you stand with someone like that.
Sure, circumstances may arise that make you take a new direction or follow other guidelines, but your foundation must be clear. What are your beliefs? How do you act under this scenario? Where do you stand on this topic?
Try To Improve Yourself
If you are trying to improve yourself, learn a new skill, or take the steps needed to advance your career, that’s great – I will support you. But, if you’re wearing the “mask of others”, you’re out of luck. If your business does the same, you’re out of luck too!
Friends may be more forgiving than customers, and that’s understandable. Friends have a longer history of dealing with you and may better understand why you’ve taken a new path. Customers, well, not so much. Our customers judge us on a few unique measurements such as trust, honesty, fairness, convenience, and appreciation, to name a few. When these are broken, there is little history or personal emotions to account for. It’s time for them to move on.
Just remember to be respectful, professional, determined and most of all, be someone that others can count on. Your friends and customers will appreciate it.