Be an Individual

Whereas being yourself is all about being comfortable in your own skin and doing what you feel, to be individual is to follow your heart and actively resist social pressure and control.

Steps

 * 1)   Find yourself first. Figure out what makes you you. Spend an hour before you sleep in bed thinking about life, religion, death, etc. and your stance on everything and how accurately you follow those ideals and stances. Write down those ideals and set about sticking to them.
 * 2)   Be yourself. Stop filtering your natural individuality and start feeling comfortable in your own skin. Don't give yourself any reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Shame and embarrassment are the biggest obstacles to achieving true individuality.  Instead of trying to match current trends (i.e. trying to get into pop punk music to fit in even if you don't like it), do things that you enjoy doing.  Though others could potentially call you "nerd" or "weird" chances are that eventually, the very thing you like is going to come into style (or has been in style before).  Instead of trying to keep up, slow down and do things your own way at your own pace!
 * 3) Set goals for yourself, particularly ones that contribute something new and different to the world. Aim to do something that's never been done before.
 * 4)   Learn to face and overcome criticism. If your goals really are paving a new road, you'll encounter naysayers all along the way. Get used to it.
 * 5) Question everything. Be keen to learn. Don't believe everything you read, and don't reproduce it unless it is a reliable source. Constantly ask yourself how many different ways there are to do the things you do, and why you're doing it the way everyone else is doing it. If you can find a better way, go for it.
 * 6)   Be original. Don't accept generic behavior or work from yourself. Put your own twist on everything you do. Stamp it with your individuality.  At the same time, always try to be yourself!  Live out of your heart instead of the latest trendy magazine.
 * 7) Love yourself. Celebrate yourself privately, and be proud of your existence. There is only and will only ever be one of you to ever exist. Fulfill the potential entrusted upon you.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Find Yourself
 * How to Be Yourself
 * How to Set Goals
 * How to Build Character Through Integrity