Growing up, I was very sheltered. I was born into a religious Jewish family with parents who survived concentration camps before immigrating to Canada. I attended religious schools with little exposure to mainstream society, so I didn’t know much about dating, sports, fashion, or pop culture.
When I broke away to be on my own as a teenager, it was like being reborn.
I was used to following very strict rules around food, prayer, and daily life. Then suddenly there were no rules. I didn’t know how to function. It was like being released into the wild after a lifetime of being contained. And nobody in the outside world could understand my situation.
Can you guess who in the above photo is me?
It took many years to separate from my conditioning and understand myself and the world on my own terms, but it was a process I had to go through to become more authentically me.
Even if you didn’t grow up with strict cultural or religious influences like I did, we all develop within systems that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs. As kids, we’re praised for fitting in and often criticized for being different. Society tells us we must fit certain molds, and when we don’t, we feel shame and lose our sense of belonging. We then carry all kinds of limiting beliefs into adulthood.
But it’s never too late to challenge these beliefs.
Here are five quick tips to overcome social conditioning and live as your authentic self.
BE MINDFUL
Pay attention to how you think and act. Identify when you are acting out of societal expectations rather than your own genuine feelings.
MAKE AUTHENTIC CHOICES
Practice being true to who you are, not just what others want you to be. Question and challenge the status quo. Make decisions that align your life with your inner truth.
DARE TO BE DIFFERENT
Embrace your unique qualities and passions and don’t be afraid to stand out. Real fulfillment comes from living authentically, not just following the herd.
CULTIVATE A GROWTH MINDSET
Instead of viewing yourself as fixed or limited, believe in your ability to learn, grow, and redefine yourself. Follow your curiosity.
FIND YOUR PEOPLE
Surround yourself with a supportive community of people who encourage your individuality and growth.
Remember, it’s okay to let go of old beliefs that no longer serve you. Give yourself permission to change and evolve. Understanding how your conditioning influences you can lead to self-discovery, empowerment, and freedom.
You are worthy and deserving of living life on your terms.