“Being True to Yourself May Look Like Letting Someone Else Down”
One of the hardest truths to accept is that choosing yourself sometimes means disappointing others. From a young age, we’re taught to be considerate, accommodating, and mindful of how our actions affect those around us. While kindness and empathy are valuable, they can sometimes lead to self-sacrifice when taken to an extreme. We internalize the belief that saying no, setting boundaries, or choosing a different path is selfish—but in reality, it’s often necessary.
The fear of letting people down can keep you stuck in jobs, relationships, or commitments that no longer serve you. But living for someone else’s expectations is the fastest way to lose yourself. You are not responsible for how others feel about your growth, and you are not obligated to sacrifice your happiness to meet someone else’s expectations. Being true to yourself doesn’t mean you don’t care about others; it simply means you care about yourself, too.Here are some practical tips to get you started:
Check in with yourself. Ask, “Am I doing this because I want to, or because I feel obligated?”
Practice saying no. It can be as simple as, “I appreciate the offer, but I can’t commit to that right now.”
Create small boundaries first. If setting limits feels hard, start with something small and build from there.
Remember your why. When guilt creeps in, remind yourself why you made the choice in the first place.
Surround yourself with supportive people. The right people will respect your growth, not guilt-trip you for it.
Being true to yourself isn’t always easy, but living for someone else’s expectations is even harder. You are the one who has to live with your choices, so make sure they align with who you truly are. Some people may not understand, and that’s okay. Your authenticity is worth more than temporary approval.
- Intisar Farah