People who always stay true to themselves never display these 9 behaviors

In a world constantly urging conformity, there exists a rare breed of individuals who remain unwaveringly authentic.

These steadfast souls navigate life with a distinct set of principles, avoiding nine common behaviors that often compromise personal integrity.

Unveiling the secrets of those who always stay true to themselves, this article invites you to discover the traits that set them apart in a world sometimes reluctant to embrace genuine individuality.

1) Seeking validation

People who stay true to themselves understand that their self-worth is not tied to others’ opinions.

They aren’t out there trying to please everyone, nor are they constantly seeking approval or validation from others.

They are confident in their choices and decisions, even if they go against the grain.

It can be challenging to resist the temptation of validation, especially in a world where likes, shares and comments have become a measure of popularity and self-worth.

But those who stay authentic realize that these fleeting moments of digital approval do not define their value.

2) Ignoring their own feelings

I’ll be honest with you. There was a time when I would suppress my own feelings to keep the peace or to fit in.

But over time, I realized that ignoring my feelings was not being fair to myself. It was like denying a part of who I was.

People who stay true to themselves never ignore their feelings. They accept and acknowledge them, even if they are uncomfortable or inconvenient.

They know that it’s okay to feel a certain way and that it’s important to express those feelings in a healthy and respectful manner.

Let me share a personal example. A few years back, I had a friend who often made sarcastic comments about my career choices.

Initially, I laughed it off, not wanting to create a scene. But deep down, these comments hurt me.

One day, I decided to express my feelings instead of suppressing them.

I told my friend how these comments made me feel. It was uncomfortable, yes, but also liberating.

From that day forward, I’ve learned to never ignore my feelings, no matter what.

And that’s what being true to yourself is all about: acknowledging your feelings and standing up for yourself when necessary.

3) Comparing themselves to others

In the age of social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing ourselves to others.

We see our friends’ vacation photos, home renovations, or relationship milestones, and can’t help but compare our own lives.

But here’s the thing: people who stay true to themselves understand that life isn’t a race or a competition.

They know that everyone is on a unique journey with different goals and timelines.

A study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology found that making frequent social comparisons can lead to greater stress, anxiety, and depression.

That’s why those who remain genuine steer clear of comparisons.

They focus on their own growth and progress, celebrating their achievements without measuring them against others’.

4) Pretending to be perfect

Let’s face it – nobody’s perfect. We all have flaws, make mistakes, and face failures. It’s part of being human.

People who stay true to themselves never pretend to be perfect. They know that perfection is an illusion, an unattainable standard that does more harm than good.

They aren’t afraid to show their imperfections.

They understand that their flaws and failures are not something to be hidden or ashamed of, but rather they are opportunities for growth and learning.

So they own their mistakes, learn from them, and move forward.

They know that being true to oneself means embracing the whole self – the good, the bad, and everything in between.

5) Prioritizing others’ needs over their own

It’s natural to want to help others and make them happy.

But people who stay true to themselves know the importance of balancing the needs of others with their own needs.

They understand that constantly prioritizing others’ needs over their own can lead to burnout and resentment.

They know that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for mental and emotional health.

These individuals set healthy boundaries and aren’t afraid to say ‘no’ when necessary.

They respect their own time, energy, and needs, and expect others to do the same.

Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you; it allows you to be there for others in a more meaningful way. 

6) Hiding their true selves

We’ve all been in situations where it’s tempting to hide our real selves, to fit in or avoid judgement. But those who stay true to themselves?

They never hide.

They have the courage to show the world who they really are, with all their quirks, passions, and idiosyncrasies.

They understand that it’s okay to be different, to stand out, and to be unapologetically themselves.

These individuals know that pretending to be someone else is not only exhausting but also deprives the world of their unique contribution.

They embrace their individuality and encourage others to do the same.

7) Letting fear dictate their actions

Fear is a powerful emotion. It can paralyze us, prevent us from taking risks, and keep us stuck in our comfort zones.

I remember a time when I was offered a promotion at work. It was a great opportunity, but it also involved a lot of responsibilities that I wasn’t sure I could handle.

Fear started to creep in, making me doubt myself and my abilities.

But those who remain true to themselves don’t let fear dictate their actions.

They acknowledge their fears but don’t allow them to control their decisions or their lives.

They understand that stepping outside of their comfort zone is where real growth happens.

They see fear not as an obstacle, but as a sign that they’re pushing their boundaries and growing.

So I took the promotion. Yes, it was scary and challenging, but it was also one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

It pushed me to grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

8) Living in the past

We all have moments in our past that we’re not proud of. Mistakes made, opportunities missed, relationships lost.

It’s easy to get stuck in these past moments, replaying them over and over again in our minds.

But people who stay true to themselves know that living in the past is not the way to go.

They acknowledge their past, learn from it, but they don’t dwell on it.

They understand that the past cannot be changed, but the future can be shaped by the actions they take today.

They focus on the present moment and making the best of it.

Don’t forget that every new day is a chance to start fresh, to learn, grow and become a better version of yourself.

So let go of the past and focus on what you can control – your actions right now.

9) Sacrificing their values

Values are the guiding principles that dictate our behavior and actions.

They reflect what’s most important to us.

People who stay true to themselves never sacrifice their values, no matter the circumstances.

They hold tight to their beliefs and principles, even when faced with pressure or temptation to compromise.

They know that their values define who they are, and sacrificing them would mean denying their true selves.

Embracing authenticity

The renowned poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

This couldn’t be truer when it comes to living authentically.

Your story, your voice, your experiences – they’re unique to you.

And by staying true to yourself, you allow your story to unfold in its own beautiful, unscripted way.

And to that I say: Dare to be yourself. Embrace your uniqueness.

Stand tall in your truth. Because the world needs more people who are brave enough to be themselves.