Combatting conformity
Question:
Most information that is shared today is just noise. It's the kind of stuff that tends to disrupt the peace and wholeness of humanity. Please offer lessons on how to overcome the various disturbances that may influence us to conform. How do we combat conformity and embrace our inner madness?
Answer:
I've been doing career and wellness coaching for 8 years. I work with women of color professionals and staying authentic comes up all the time. Most of us need to code switch and attune to different environments - professional or personal. Context dictates utility. After all, just because you lower your voice at the library doesn't mean you are a quiet person.
But what we forget is to code switch to different parts of ourselves. We think we must abandon ourselves in order to meet the demands life tosses our way.
"To thine own self be true" is from Hamlet. But we need it outside of a play. Here are some practices to consider -
Tell yourself what other people think of you is none of your business. Because it isn't, and more than that, it's intrusive.
Reroute the need for external validation to internal. Look for self.
Make time to be with yourself - alone. This could look like sitting quietly, enjoying a hobby or taking a walk. The point is to get to know your inner compass, so you understand what is truly important to you, and can differentiate your own wisdom from outside voices.
Mercedes
