Be the Real You

Learn how to be the real, unique you. Take off that mask and let's get busy.

Steps

 * 1)  Voice your thoughts. Don't wait for others to give their input; you may not get another change to speak your mind. If you disagree with something, bring up the issue, but do so with respect. Remember you want to solve a problem, not create a new one.
 * 2)  Get over peer pressure. Real friends aren't afraid to give you the painful truth, but they do so in a loving way. Peers, on the other hand, are just people you want to impress or fit in with. This is fine, unless they try to get you to do something against your beliefs or something you know is wrong. Real friends don't put friends in compromising situations, but instead encourage each other to be the best they can be.
 * 3)  Be transparent with others. Don't wear a mask. Don't be afraid to let people see the real you. Be open and honest.
 * 4)  Accept your individuality. You are unique (think you-nique)! Write down a big list of things you like about yourself and that make you you. It's also good to write a list of things you need to work on and would like to become, but remember this list is to help you be the best you can be, not to make you feel bad about yourself.
 * 5)  Don't fake anything. People can see right through that, and those who can't will figure it out or be told soon enough. Eventually, the truth is going to slip out and it will be painful. Living a lie is not being true to the real you.
 * 6)  Don't do things just because other people are. Once you figure out who you really are, doing something for the sake of just fitting in won't even seem cool anymore.
 * 7)  Develop your natural talents. Take up piano, or painting. Sign up for a dance class. Pursue your passion and do something you've always wanted to do.
 * 8)  Be upfront with people. Consult them if you're struggling or if you have a problem with the way things are being done, but again, do so with respect. Figure out a way things can be done better, and don't be passive.
 * 9)  Break the mold of what's cool -- just be you. Don't wear what everyone else is wearing if it doesn't look good on you or fit your lifestyle. Don't go for something crazy that you'll regret later -- substance abuse (drugs, alcohol), partying, premarital sex, getting a tattoo, etc. It's most likely a spur-of-the-moment fad that you'll wish you hadn't gotten into.

Tips

 * You can get ideas from people-watching and magazine surfing, but don't copy anyone's style or personality.