The High Value of Being Yourself

Can you easily be yourself in social situations, or are you more of a people-pleaser? Increasingly, evidence shows that being yourself improves your well-being and quality of life.

The Problem With People-Pleasing

You likely know a people-pleaser. Indeed, you may be one. People-pleasers routinely place others’ emotional and material needs above their own. This behavior can have adverse effects that outweigh any short-term gains.

Consider these detrimental aspects of people-pleasing:

• Fawning for others’ approval commonly causes anxiety.
• Our dearest aspirations take a backseat, and they may never be realized.
• Others can easily pick up on this behavior, so they may not find people-pleasers trustworthy.

Being Yourself Boosts Your Relationships

Rather than undertaking such an exhausting practice, we can lean into our personal authenticity. We can be ourselves!

According to a research-backed Psychology Today article by Suzanne Degges-White, PhD, “Authenticity offers emotional protection and supports satisfying relationships.”

Whether you’re seeking greater fulfillment in social relationships or with a significant other, you’ll benefit from that article’s full text.

Authenticity Can Benefit Your Professional Side, Too

In our work lives, we may be likelier to choose people-pleasing conduct over our authentic selves. After all, some flawed managers encourage such behavior. In fact, reading that sentence just now may have made you feel anxious about current or past work situations.

Research reported in the Harvard Business Review shows us that you’ll get significantly farther in your career if you stay true to yourself.

Use that insight the next time you apply for a job or interact with a client or prospect.

Do You Need Help Connecting With Your True Self?

Authenticity may not happen overnight, and talking with qualified professionals can help you connect with yourself and heighten your capacity for happiness in all aspects of life.

You can connect with us at seven clinics around Milwaukee or through our telehealth option. The team at American Behavioral Clinics is versatile, empathetic and here for you.