I remember when I was interviewing at companies on my long job search. I would get so nervous. I would think of what they would want me to say. I would try to say what they would want to hear. But I always got turned down. The last couple of interviews I went on were technical type jobs I didn't even want. But I just got so desperate.
Then it dawned on me. Nothing is working. I'm just going to go in there and be myself. I am going to respond to questions exactly as I would respond to those questions. I would add my personality into the interview, instead of sounding like a robot. My last two job interviews, they gave me an offer. The first one I declined because the job really wasn't for me. The second one.. Well I work there today.
I think alot of time in our lives (I know in my life), we aren't ourselves. But what does it mean to be 100% yourself. I believe it means staying true to your values. Even though everyone else is doing one thing, if that one thing is not in your belief system, or doesn't align with your values, then you have to be courageous enough to stand up for yourself. A few weeks ago a couple of friends of mine wanted to see a movie that didn't align with my values. Even though it was 3 against 1, even though it would've been easier to just agree to go to the movie, I said a phrase that I often say with moments like this, "No, that's not really my thing." Did they laugh at me? Did they beat me up? No. They not only respected my values. Instead we went to my favorite restaurant, and had such a good time.
I think it also means to stay unique when society tells you to be mainstream. I love zumba. Not only do I burn 800 calories, but I get the opportunity to dance to music. When there is music on, I just cant help myself but to dance to it. It's like God put that in my heart to be joyful, and express myself through dance. For a guy, this hobby is pretty unique! But I don't care. I do my own thing. When I was a kid though, I used to care what people think about me. Now I don't care at all, and I LOVE it! I only serve one master, and He doesn't care if I do zumba, or act goofy and innocent. This is how he created me in my mothers womb.
People really respect authenticity. People really respect people with backbones. People don't like phony's and fakes. So when you align yourself with your values and beliefs and you follow your passions even though they are offbeat, people will NOT beat you up. They will respect you.
Just be yourself yo!
