STAYING TRUE TO YOU AS AN UNDERGRADUATE
Away from my parents and guardians’ watchful eyes, and equipped with values, ready to show my peers this innocence and beauty in me. Alas, it is such a different game out there. I have always wondered why people say, if you cannot beat them, then join them. Now it is becoming clear. But how can I define my stand?
With the social pressure and so-called social norms, young undergraduates could easily compromise their values and principles, seeking the acceptance and validation of others. You lose your identity while pretending to be alright just so you can belong, only to be clouded with the burden of worthlessness as soon as you are within the four corners of your room. Staying true to yourself is priceless because it is when you are true to yourself that you will feel confident, happy, fulfilled, unashamed, and satisfied while trying out new things or figuring out what works best for you. Below are some ways you can stay true to yourself:
Define your values and principles: If you don’t have the values and principles on which you stand, you will have to conform to living the life your peers want for you. Let people know who you are by your core values. Defining your values will also help you set boundaries because not everyone or thing is allowed to deposit their opinions or baggage on you.
People pleaser: Naturally, human beings want the approval and validation of the people around them, so they often take up too much caring less about what they genuinely feel or desire. Learning to say NO is golden. Whatever you do not agree with or cannot help with, politely turn your peers down. You can say YES too but remember that you “do not need to say YES when you mean to say NO.”
Trust your intuition: Your intuition is a feeling that tells you what you agree with. Don’t always accept the opinions of your peers. Learn to listen to your guts and voice out what you feel about an issue from your heart.
Surround yourself with a like-minded friend: The people you choose to surround yourself with have a significant impact on your life. Going through life, you will meet many individuals with different values. You should identify the ones that will help you hold fast to what is true.
Have a mentor: A mentor in this regard is a person who has so many life experiences and thus, understands the fears and aspirations you may have and can help you stay focused on your value and personal growth.
BE YOU | Oafoundation.com.ng
You will keep evolving until you become the person you desire if you remain true to yourself. Nobody knows or treats you better than you. The best way to show kindness to yourself is to Be You! Be your cheerleader!!
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