How to Succeed by Being Yourself: 13 Tips for Authentic Living

Let’s be real: at some point, we’ve all heard the classic, “Just be yourself, and everything will fall into place.” Sounds like one of those cheesy, feel-good quotes you’d find on an inspirational poster—right next to a picture of a kitten hanging off a tree branch.

But is it really that simple? Can being unapologetically, authentically yourself actually lead to success? The short answer: Yes, but also, no.

Success isn’t simply about letting your true colors shine; it’s about finding the right way to channel those colors into something that works for you (and doesn’t turn everyone around you into human flypaper). 

Is “Being Yourself” Really Enough to Succeed?

Being yourself is not a magical success formula. It’s a foundational piece, sure, but you still need the other ingredients—like hard work, adaptability, and a dash of ambition.

Think of it like baking a cake. Just because you have the flour (being yourself) doesn’t mean you’re done. You need the other stuff to bring it all together.

Being authentic helps you build genuine connections and avoid burnout from pretending to be someone you’re not, but you’ll still need to hustle and keep learning to truly succeed.

Now, how exactly do you do that? 

How to succeed by being yourself

Let’s go into the ways you can succeed by being yourself, without turning into a walking Pinterest quote. Here are some insights and strategies to get you on the right track to succeed in life by being yourself.

1. Know Yourself Before You Preach “Be Yourself”

First things first: do you even know who “yourself” is? I mean, really know. Not the “I’m a Gemini who loves long walks on the beach and binge-watching Netflix” kind of knowing. We’re talking about the deep stuff—your values, strengths, quirks, fears, and weaknesses. If you don’t take the time to understand yourself, you’re just throwing “be yourself” out there with no direction, like a motivational speaker who’s winging it.

Think about it. If you don’t know what makes you tick, how are you supposed to align that with your success? It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual—possible, but you’re going to end up with three leftover screws and a coffee table that wobbles. And nobody wants that.

Take time to reflect on your past experiences, what motivates you, and what drains you. Once you’re clear on that, you can start to map out a path to success that feels less like you’re forcing yourself to fit into someone else’s blueprint and more like you’re creating your own masterpiece.

• Set aside time each week to reflect on your goals, strengths, and weaknesses—journal if you’re into that kind of thing.
• Ask trusted friends for honest feedback (and brace yourself, it might sting a little).
• Don’t spend hours taking random personality quizzes online; get out there and experience life.
• Stay open to the idea that who you are now might not be who you’ll always be—and that’s okay.

2. Play to Your Strengths (Even the Weird Ones)

We’re all walking bundles of strengths and weaknesses. Some of us are analytical wizards, while others are more people-focused. Some of us can write an entire essay without breaking a sweat, and others can barely string together a text without turning into a ball of anxiety. The key to succeeding by being yourself? Focus on what you’re actually good at.

Now, here’s the fun part: sometimes, your strengths might seem like oddball traits. Maybe you’re the type of person who can crack a joke at a funeral or has a borderline obsessive knowledge of niche topics (did someone say “18th-century shipbuilding”?). It doesn’t matter how weird or offbeat your strengths are. Own them. Lean into them. The world is full of people trying to be carbon copies of someone else. Stand out by doubling down on what makes you you.

Take, for example, Steve Jobs. He was famously difficult to work with, obsessed with perfectionism, and known for having a bit of an ego. But that’s also what made him successful. He didn’t try to temper those traits—he used them to his advantage. So, find your unique strengths, even if they’re a bit eccentric, and turn them into your superpowers.

3. Accept Your Flaws (and Laugh About Them)

Here’s the thing: nobody’s perfect. That’s not just a cute saying your mom tells you when you’ve failed miserably at something. It’s a cold, hard fact of life. But instead of desperately trying to hide your flaws like some dark secret, why not embrace them? Heck, why not laugh about them?

Self-deprecation can be a powerful tool if used wisely. There’s something refreshing about someone who acknowledges their shortcomings instead of pretending to be some flawless robot. People connect with vulnerability. They like knowing that, just like them, you too can’t fold a fitted sheet or still don’t understand how taxes work.

Successful people don’t just accept their flaws—they learn how to work around them or even turn them into strengths. So you’re not great at public speaking? No problem. Maybe you’re a killer one-on-one. Bad at sticking to schedules? Maybe your creativity thrives in the chaos. Whatever it is, don’t let your imperfections become roadblocks. Instead, turn them into opportunities for growth—and humor, of course.

• Identify one quirky habit or trait you usually hide and try owning it in social situations.
• Celebrate your uniqueness by pursuing hobbies that align with your interests—even if they’re “weird.”
• Surround yourself with people who embrace your weirdness, not those who make you feel like you need to hide it.
• Use your oddities to your advantage—quirks make you memorable.

4. Stop Comparing Yourself to Everyone Else (Seriously, Stop)

There’s nothing that can drain the joy out of “being yourself” faster than playing the comparison game. In today’s social media world, where everyone’s highlight reel is on full display, it’s easy to look at others and think, “Wow, they’ve got it all figured out, and here I am, still trying to figure out how to be a functional adult.”

Here’s a truth bomb: most people don’t have it figured out. They’re just better at pretending they do. And you? You’re wasting time comparing yourself to a highly curated, filtered version of reality.

Success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people reach the top by working 80-hour weeks. Others do it by striking a perfect balance between work and play. If you’re constantly measuring yourself against someone else’s definition of success, you’ll drive yourself crazy. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is… yourself. Are you better than you were last year? Last month? Last week? Good. That’s all that matters.

• Every time you catch yourself comparing, flip it: “What can I learn from this person instead?”
• Limit your social media intake—if someone’s feed makes you feel like trash, unfollow. Simple.
• Remind yourself: you’re comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.
• Write down your personal progress weekly, so you can actually see how far you’ve come.

5. Stay Weird, Stay Consistent

Here’s the unsexy truth: a big part of success is just showing up—day after day, even when you feel like a fraud or a failure. Being yourself isn’t a one-and-done kind of deal. You don’t just wake up one day, decide to “be yourself,” and then magically succeed. It’s a process. And part of that process is being consistent.

Consistency is where a lot of people fail. We’re all jazzed up when we start something new, but as soon as things get tough or we hit a roadblock, we bail faster than someone who showed up to a bad Tinder date. The trick to succeeding as yourself is sticking to it—through the highs and the lows, the wins and the losses.

And if you’re a little weird along the way? Even better. The world rewards people who are unique, but it really rewards people who stick it out. So, stay weird. Stay consistent. Even if it feels like you’re running in circles sometimes, just keep going. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it happens over time.

• When making decisions, ask yourself: “What’s my first instinct here?”—then actually follow it.
• If something feels off, trust that feeling and investigate before diving in headfirst.
• Practice gut-checking daily decisions to strengthen that intuition muscle.
• Don’t overthink every choice to death—go with your initial feeling and see how it plays out.

6. Be Okay With Not Being Liked by Everyone

Here’s the bitter pill: not everyone’s going to like you. In fact, some people will actively dislike you—and that’s perfectly fine. You could be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there will still be someone who hates peaches. Trying to please everyone is the fastest way to lose yourself.

When you’re being your authentic self, there will be critics. There will be people who think you’re too much or not enough. But here’s the thing—those people aren’t your tribe. You don’t need to be liked by everyone to succeed. You just need to be liked by the right people.

Take it from some of the most successful people in the world: polarizing personalities often attract loyal followers. Whether you’re building a business, a brand, or just trying to navigate your career, remember this—embrace the haters, because they’re a sign that you’re staying true to yourself.

• Start small by saying “no” to something insignificant but annoying, like that weekly Zoom call you dread.
• Identify situations where you always people-please, and come up with one response to use when you want to say “no.”
• Remind yourself: people respect you more when you set boundaries (and if they don’t, they’re not worth your time).
• Be ready to deal with some discomfort—people will test your boundaries. Stand firm.

7. Find Your People (Because No One Does It Alone)

Here’s a hard truth: being yourself is great and all, but if you’re surrounded by people who don’t get you, it’s like trying to grow a cactus in the rainforest—it’s just not gonna work. Success isn’t a solo mission. Even the most “lone wolf” types had a pack. Think about it: Steve Jobs had Wozniak, Serena Williams had her coaches, Batman had Alfred (and let’s be real, Batman’s kind of useless without him).

You need to find your people. Surround yourself with those who lift you up, who get your quirks, and who aren’t secretly wishing you’d fail so they can say “I told you so.” This isn’t about collecting a bunch of yes-men who praise your every move. It’s about finding people who challenge you to grow while accepting who you are. And when you do find them, stick with them. Your tribe is key to your success. They’ll celebrate your wins, pick you up when you fall, and most importantly, remind you to be yourself when the world’s trying to turn you into someone else.

• Actively seek out groups or communities where you feel like you belong—online or in person.
• Cut ties with people who consistently bring you down or don’t respect your growth.
• Invest time in nurturing the relationships that matter—quality over quantity.
• Be open to new friendships, even if they don’t fit your “usual type.” Your tribe might surprise you.

8. Stop Trying to Be “Productive” All the Time

In the world of #hustle, #grind, and #RiseAndGrindBro (yes, that’s a thing), we’re constantly bombarded with the idea that if we’re not being productive 24/7, we’re basically failures. Spoiler alert: this is complete nonsense.

Being yourself means understanding your natural flow. Are you a night owl who gets their best work done at 3 AM? Great, roll with it.

Do you work better after taking long breaks that involve staring at the ceiling, waiting for inspiration to strike? Cool, do your thing.

Productivity isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, and trying to cram yourself into some ultra-efficient, bullet-journal, task-list-obsessed box is a surefire way to burn out.

Success comes from working smart, not necessarily hard—and definitely not from working like a caffeine-fueled robot.

The more you embrace your natural rhythm and stop trying to mimic someone else’s “perfect productivity system,” the more you’ll see real, meaningful results.

• Identify your natural productivity windows (early bird, night owl, mid-afternoon slump) and work within them.
• Schedule regular breaks, even if it feels “lazy”—burnout helps no one.
• Focus on a few key tasks each day, rather than cramming 30 things into your to-do list.
• Learn to listen to your body and mind—if you need rest, take it, and don’t feel guilty about it.

9. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail (Repeatedly)

I know, I know—everyone says “failure is part of the process.” But do they ever tell you just how much failure is involved? They should, because you’re gonna fail—a lot. Sometimes, it feels like that’s all you’re doing. And that’s where being yourself really matters.

When you’re chasing success as someone else, failure feels like confirmation that you’re a fraud. But when you’re failing while being yourself, it’s just another step on your journey. Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times before inventing the lightbulb. You think he ever tried to be anyone but his weird, obsessive self? Doubtful.

So, embrace failure. Let it humble you, let it teach you, but don’t let it define you. Being yourself means giving yourself the grace to stumble, fall, and still keep moving forward.

• Start viewing failure as feedback rather than a final result. What didn’t work? What will you do differently next time?
• Reframe each failure as part of a bigger story—no one’s defining moment comes without some crashes.
• Try new things regularly, knowing full well some will flop. Failure builds resilience.
• Reflect on past failures—realize they weren’t the end of the world, and neither will future ones be.

10. Stay Open to Change, but Don’t Lose Your Core

Here’s the tricky part: you need to stay adaptable. The world changes, industries evolve, and you can’t just sit around hoping that sticking to the same old thing will work forever. But while you’re adapting, make sure you don’t lose sight of who you are at your core.

Think of it like being a tree. Your roots—the things that make you you—stay firmly planted. But your branches? They can sway with the wind, grow in new directions, and even shed a few leaves when needed.

The more flexible you are in your approach while staying grounded in your core values, the more successful you’ll be without losing yourself in the process.

• Regularly check in with your values to make sure new opportunities still align with who you are.
• Experiment with different approaches or strategies, but always ask yourself: “Is this me?”
• Be willing to pivot if something isn’t working, but don’t throw out everything you stand for in the process.
• Write down your “non-negotiables”—the things that will never change about you, no matter what.

11. Take Care of Your Mental Health (Seriously)

In a world where “the grind never stops,” the first thing to fall apart is usually your mental health. And guess what? You can’t be yourself, let alone succeed, if you’re constantly running on empty, stressed out, and on the verge of a breakdown.

Taking care of your mental health isn’t just some optional wellness perk—it’s foundational to your success. This means recognizing when you’re overwhelmed, setting boundaries, and understanding that taking a break doesn’t make you weak; it makes you smart.

Look at some of the most successful people out there—many of them are huge advocates for mental health. That’s because they know that success is a marathon, not a sprint, and no one can sustain the long game without taking care of their mind.

So, whether it’s therapy, meditation, long walks, or binge-watching a guilty-pleasure show, prioritize your mental health. Because a burnt-out version of yourself is no good to anyone.

• Make time for self-care—whether it’s meditation, therapy, or just zoning out with a good book.
• Learn to say “no” to commitments that stretch you too thin—it’s not selfish, it’s survival.
• Pay attention to warning signs of burnout, like exhaustion or irritability, and take action before you hit rock bottom.
• Set boundaries on work-life balance—especially if you’re your own boss.

12. Be Kind (But Don’t Be a Doormat)

“Be yourself” doesn’t mean “be a jerk.” Yes, you should stay true to who you are, but a little kindness goes a long way. You don’t need to bulldoze people with your opinions or run them over with your ambition.

On the flip side, being kind doesn’t mean letting people walk all over you.

The trick? Assertiveness. Learn how to set boundaries, say no when needed, and stick to your guns without burning every bridge in sight. Being a pushover won’t get you anywhere, but neither will being an egomaniac. Find that sweet spot, and you’ll find that people are much more willing to support your version of success—because they’ll respect the person behind it.

• Practice kindness as a default, but be firm when people start to cross your boundaries.
• If someone disrespects you or your values, it’s okay to stand up for yourself—even if it gets awkward.
• Balance empathy with assertiveness: you can be both kind and confident.
• Learn to disagree with people without being cruel—there’s power in respectful confrontation.

13. Stay Curious and Never Stop Learning

Being yourself doesn’t mean being static. In fact, one of the best ways to grow into the most successful version of yourself is by staying curious and always learning. The world is full of new ideas, new technologies, and new ways of thinking. If you’re not open to learning, you’ll get left behind.

And no, you don’t need to be a perpetual student in the formal sense. But you do need to keep an open mind, read widely, listen to different perspectives, and challenge your own beliefs every once in a while. Curiosity keeps your brain sharp and your approach to success fresh.

Whether you’re learning a new skill, diving deep into a hobby, or even just keeping up with the latest in your industry, stay engaged. The more you learn, the more adaptable you become, and the more tools you have in your arsenal for success.

• Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch videos on topics outside your comfort zone—you’ll be surprised what sparks inspiration.
• Take up a hobby or skill that you’ve always been curious about, even if it’s totally unrelated to your main focus.
• Talk to people with different life experiences—you’ll grow by understanding different perspectives.
• Stay humble. No matter how much you succeed, there’s always something new to learn.

If you’re ready to turn your authentic self into tangible skills, why not level up with SkillShare? Whether it’s learning design, improving your productivity, or mastering business strategies, SkillShare has a class for everyone.

Start exploring, and who knows—your next big breakthrough could be just one lesson away!

Conclusion: Succeed By Being You—But Make Sure It’s the Best Version of You

And that’s how you do it: real, actionable steps to turn all that feel-good advice into something you can actually work with. Each point is a reminder that being yourself isn’t just a vague concept—it’s a daily practice. Keep it real, stay consistent, and watch your unique version of success unfold.

At the end of the day, the whole “be yourself” advice isn’t as simple as it sounds, but it’s also not a load of feel-good nonsense. To succeed by being yourself, you need to be aware of who you are, embrace your strengths and weaknesses, and continuously grow along the way. You’ll fail, you’ll stumble, but if you’re doing it as your true self, you’ll always find a way forward.

Remember: success isn’t about molding yourself into what society expects. It’s becoming the best version of who you already are, and then some.

So, take a deep breath, lean into your quirks, and get ready to surprise the world with just how powerful “being yourself” can actually be. Oh, and don’t forget to laugh at yourself along the way—because if we’re being honest, it’s a pretty wild ride.

FAQs

Q: Can I really succeed just by being myself?

Being yourself is important, but it’s not the whole picture. You still need to work hard, be adaptable, and constantly learn. Authenticity helps, but it’s not a free pass to success.

Q: How can I figure out who I really am?

Start by reflecting on what you enjoy, what you value, and what makes you unique. Ask for feedback from trusted friends, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new things to see what feels true to you.

Q: What if people don’t like the real me?

Not everyone will, and that’s okay. Being yourself filters out the people who aren’t right for you, allowing you to build deeper connections with those who truly appreciate you.

How do I balance being myself and still pushing to improve?

A: Growth doesn’t mean losing yourself. Stay grounded in your core values and who you are, but be open to change and new experiences. Improvement is just part of becoming the best version of yourself.