Move to the Beat of Your Own Drum

What makes you dance? What makes you move? What interrupts your flow...your groove?

If you ask anyone, they will confirm that we are all different and all unique with different styles and different techniques.

In the same breath, those same people will adjust to become more like the person who just stepped in the room.  Just like chameleons, they adjust to match their surroundings.  Is this you?

Does another person's presence impel you to change the way you talk, act, or even think? Do you find yourself morphing to fit into the expectations or norms of others, like a chameleon blending into its environment to avoid standing out? This is more common than you might think and often stems from a desire to be accepted, to belong, or to avoid conflict. But, in the end, one becomes less and less themselves.

In the workplace, employees might suppress their true personalities, ideas, or values to align with their team, workplace culture, or superiors. While this can sometimes facilitate smoother interactions and avoid friction, it can also lead to a loss of authenticity and, ultimately, a decrease in job satisfaction and overall well-being.

Why do we do this? Many are conditioned to seek approval and avoid rejection from fear of standing out or being perceived as different in professional settings.  Is it real pressure from the various environments or self-imposed limited beliefs?  There is value in our individuality, not conformity.

Conforming can only last so long as it is exhausting and counterproductive. Imagine holding a certain unnatural pose for an hour.  It's uncomfortable, stifles creativity and normal movement, which also alters our mindset and mood. When we suppress our true selves, we are not only doing a disservice to ourselves but also to our workplaces, which miss out on the diverse perspectives and innovative ideas that come from a truly inclusive environment.

Break free from moving to the beat of someone else's drum.

Embrace your true and authentic self.  Learn what makes you tick and why.

Be courageous in being yourself which may also mean making sure you're in the right envionment that appreciates genuinity.

Remember, we are all unique and bring our own flavor and style to the mix.  Your rhythm is what makes you, you.

Be yourself and inspire others to do the same.  Because, when you meet someone else, you, too, want to meet the real them.