Why “Just Be Yourself” Is Terrible Advice (And What to Do Instead)

It's simpler than you might believe.

Photo by Noah Silliman on Unsplash

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Hey fearless friend,

Ever felt stuck because you’re overthinking everything?

You’re not alone. A lot of people hear “just be yourself” and feel even more lost—because what if you don’t know who you are yet?

What if you’re unsure where you’re going?

The Problem: Overthinking Leads to Indecision

So many millennials get trapped in a cycle of:

• Waiting for clarity before taking action

• Jumping between ideas, careers, and identities

• Feeling like confidence comes from having it all figured out

The unfortunate truth is, that kind of thinking keeps you stuck. You’re constantly second-guessing yourself, analyzing every move. And comparing your progress to people who seem to have it all together.

And the worst part? The longer you wait for clarity, the harder it gets to take action.

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Why This is a Mistake

Most people believe confidence comes from knowing exactly who they are. They think successful, self-assured people just woke up one day with a rock-solid identity. But that’s not how it works.

Confidence isn’t something you find—it’s something you build. And the way you build it is through action.

Photo by Ethan Elisara on Unsplash

The Truth: Identity Comes from Action, Not Reflection

Authenticity isn’t a magical realization—it’s a process of becoming. You don’t have to wait until you “feel ready” to start moving forward. Instead, you create clarity by:

✅ Taking small, intentional steps forward

✅ Showing up, testing things out, and learning as you go

✅ Trusting that experience will shape your identity over time

The more you do, the more you learn about what feels right for you. Every decision, every risk, and every uncomfortable moment adds another piece to the puzzle of who you are.

What to Do Instead

Rather than waiting for the perfect moment of clarity:

1. Pick a direction—even if it’s not 100% clear. You can always adjust.

2. Take action before you feel ready—growth happens outside your comfort zone.

3. Trust the process—confidence isn’t a prerequisite to action, it’s the result of it.

Think of it like learning to ride a bike.

If you stand there analyzing every detail of how the pedals work, you’ll never get anywhere. But the moment you push forward, that’s when you start figuring it out.

The Best Part? You’re Closer Than You Think

When you stop waiting for clarity and start doing, the real you begins to emerge. You’ll gain momentum, make better decisions, and start showing up in ways that feel authentic.

Not because you figured everything out in advance, but because you permitted yourself to explore.

Let’s Make It Happen

If this resonates with you, and you’re tired of overthinking your way into more confusion, I’ve got 3 open spots to work with me this month.

➡️ Just send me a DM to book a free call and see if we’re a good fit! 🚀

To your authenticity and health,

Daniel