Picture this: it's your first day of school and you're nervous but excited. Before you go inside, the parents give you some advice. They say, “Go ahead and be yourself.” You know you should listen to them, but your mind is racing with other thoughts.

“Be yourself? Okay…are you sure? What if they don't like me?”

“Maybe if I just blend in, everyone will like me and it will be better.”

“If it doesn't stand out, I'll fit in.”

You'll never believe this, but your parents may have been right. Crazy, huh? But really, not being true to who you are is the biggest disservice you can do to yourself. Truly, the greatest. Let's dive into it.

When you are truly yourself, something magical happens. You do deeper connections and start surrounding yourself with people who make you feel comfortable in your individuality. There is something so powerful about knowing that there is no one else like you.

Related: 10 Unmistakable Habits of Totally Authentic People

If this is true (and it is), why are we so nervous about letting our personalities shine through?

often, fear of rejection it prevents us from showing our true selves. People tend to think that if they stand out, they will be left out. That others will look at them as a black sheep. Guess what? I have been rejected and left out more times than I can count, but not for lack of authenticity. If I am rejected or left out to show my personality, then this circumstance is not right for me.

Of course, I could put on a mask and pretend that I am exactly who I need to fit into the situation. But at the end of the day, it would only hurt myself. If something isn't right for me, it's just that…it's not right for me.

Think about it.

If you succumb to peer pressure to fit a stereotype, you're almost putting yourself in a box (talk about claustrophobia)—trying to perfectly fit the mold you feel your peers or society have of how you should be. act or what should your opinions. to be. When you try to get into these boxes and meet some social expectationsyou lose yourself. You will no longer feel fulfilled in your daily life.

It is important to take the time to get to know yourself. Understanding yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, goals, desires will all help you thrive. Knowing yourself is an investment that, I promise, will pay dividends in the long run. Knowing yourself will allow you to make decisions that match who you are, not who others expect you to be.

Related: How to be more confident

I've never been one to follow the crowd. I have always believed in doing things authentically, be it my work or my everyday life. And you know what? It seems to work. People notice when you are real and authentic. It's like a breath of fresh air. People crave authenticity. Why? It's easier to find similarities and interests when you know who someone is. It's always about connection.

March to the beat of your own drum, and soon, everyone around you will too. Give others permission and the confidence to be who they are when you are doing the same. Then all your drums and percussion come together to make a sweet symphony of the sounds of Don Henley, known as the greatest American drummer ever.

How cool is that? When you choose to be yourself, you not only enrich your life, but you also create a richer and more vibrant world around you, one that displays unique talents and endless creativity.

Related: These life secrets will help you be calm, confident and consistent

The world doesn't need another copy. She needs YOU. It needs your passions, ideas and creativity. She needs everything that makes you special. She needs everything you do, you.

Embrace your individuality. from to be authentically yourselfyou inspire those around you and empower others to do the same.

So be you. Unapologetically, uniquely you. Because in a world where everyone else is caught, being yourself is the most powerful thing you can do.