Many books, videos and advertisements promote the slogan “Be yourself!”. Many self-help books suggest that we express our individual personalities. I have a central problem with the “be yourself” movement: it is static and limits your potential. No matter how good or who you are, you still have to adapt to your environment to evolve. If you only remained yourself, you would no longer grow through challenges.
In my opinion, you should not rest on who you are today, but strive to develop the new self of tomorrow. You should try to realize your potential to the best of your ability.
Of course, this does not mean that you should neglect your own opinions or preferences. In this respect, you have to stand your own ground and not obsessively try to change or conform.
At the same time, however, you have to be socially compatible enough not to be perceived as ill-mannered or unfriendly. This is sometimes a balancing act, but it can make all the difference socially.
To sum up, it is important to develop your own personality. This includes cultivating your preferences, opinions and viewpoints and representing them to others. Self-hatred because you are not “perfect” should of course also be avoided as best as possible.
Nevertheless, you should not simply remain yourself, but develop yourself further and grow through challenges. In the future, you will no longer be your present self, but a self that has learned from today's mistakes and deeds. This does not mean that you are flawed today. It only shows that you have gained and understood new life experiences.
Don't just be yourself, but develop yourself!