Beyond the mask

Are you hiding your true self, or learning to embrace it? and what if your flaws are the foundation of your greatness?

We often hear the advice, "fake it ‘til you make it," but others preach, "be authentic."

So, which path should we follow? Should we reveal our true selves, or only the parts we think will be accepted?

In a world where perfection is often celebrated more than honesty, it’s easy to feel tempted to hide behind a mask.

But how do we navigate the balance between self-doubt and self-assurance?

Is it possible to overcome imposter syndrome while learning to embrace who we truly are?

Social media only complicates things further. It’s a platform where anyone can present any version of themselves. We consume content regardless if it's real or fake because we’re captivated by the creativity of each viral videos we see online.

Then we find ourselves asking, Can we do that too?

Maybe you've even started creating a channel because you believe you can make it, and you're determined to keep trying.

But the question still lingers: What does it actually take to “make it”? Should you follow the "fake it ‘til you make it" mantra, or stay true to who you really are?

It's easy to spiral into doubt.

If you fake it, can you keep up the persona? If you show the real you, will anyone care about a "nobody" like you?

Fear creeps in, and before you know it, you’ve done nothing because of that fear.

The key is this: DO IT FOR YOU.

Want to start a business, a vlog, or pursue something you’re passionate about but afraid of lacking support?

Truth is, most of the time, that support won’t come from where you expect it.

The people closest to you might not be the ones cheering you on, and that’s okay.

In fact, some of the most meaningful support will come from strangers (people who don’t personally know you but are drawn to the value you're offering) whether it’s products, services, or the creative work you pour your heart into.

It can be discouraging when those around you don’t immediately see the potential in what you're doing.

But here's the real point: you're not doing this for them; you're doing it for yourself.

You're creating, building, and growing for your own fulfillment and vision. That’s where your true power lies. If you wait for others’ approval, you may never start.

So, unless it’s constructive feedback, their opinions shouldn’t matter. Stay focused on your goals. The right people will find you along the way.

Don’t let fear hold you back. Whether you decide to "fake it" (in a healthy way) or show the raw, unpolished version of yourself, do it for you.

And if you feel like a nobody? That’s actually a blessing because it means you have the freedom to be whoever you want to be without the weight of expectation.

Remember this: people will always have something to say. So why not silence their opinions and listen to yourself instead? What is your opinion of yourself? What do you truly want for your life? That’s what matters.

When you create from a place of authenticity, you stop worrying about how others will judge you.

Feel lost? Like you're not good enough? Or that you don’t fit in? Guess what... it's okay to not always know the way.

It's okay to feel lost.

You are here right now, experiencing this moment, live it. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn’t promised. So, make the most of the "now," whether you feel lost or not.

If you feel like you're not good enough, that's okay too. In fact, it’s not a bad thing. Feeling "not good enough" simply means there's room for growth, more chances to improve, and that’s something to embrace. Never aim for perfection.

As Captain Mayuri from *Bleach* wisely says:

"If something is truly perfect, that's it. The bottom line becomes: There is no room for imagination. No space for intelligence, or ability, or improvement. Perfection is a dead end; a condition of hopelessness. Always strive to be better than anything that came before you, but never aim for perfection."

And if you feel like you don’t fit in? Then stand out.

This is where the beauty of imposter syndrome comes in.

Sometimes, wearing different "masks or hats" can help you discover a new version of yourself. Though imposter syndrome may make you feel like you don’t belong, this discomfort can actually lead to self-discovery.

Trying on different roles and experimenting with new personas can unlock parts of yourself you never knew existed. It may feel fake at first, but that’s part of the process of finding what truly resonates with you. By pushing through the doubt and exploring new possibilities, you’ll uncover strengths and abilities you didn’t recognize before.

If you’re unsure of who you are or what you want to do, trying out different "masks" is a valuable experience. The journey of “faking it” may just be a stepping stone toward finding your real self.

Eventually, you'll shed the mask and land on something that feels authentic, but only because you gave yourself the space to explore.

However, it’s important to note that "faking it" should never mean adopting an unsustainable lifestyle or pretending to be someone you’re not. You don’t want to "fake it" by living beyond your means or creating a false identity just to gain approval or attention.

Faking it should always be about building real confidence, trying new things, and developing new skills, not fabricating a persona based on lies.

Stay grounded in your core values as you explore different roles and take risks.

Know your worth.

Embrace your flaws.

If you love yourself (imperfections and all) nothing can break you.

Negativity won’t touch you.

You’ll start turning your flaws into sources of strength, and in doing so, inspire others to do the same.

So, embrace who you truly are, because the world needs you as you are, not as some version of yourself trying to fit in.

Own your imperfections, for they make you unique and powerful.

You've got this.

-jhamfong

Beyond the mask lies the true self, the person you are when you let go of societal expectations and self-doubt. It’s not about perfection; it’s about embracing the imperfect journey of becoming who you really are. 'Fake it ‘til you make it' is a stepping stone, not a permanent state. It's about building confidence and trying new things, but without losing touch with your core values. Authenticity doesn’t mean being flawless; it means being real, vulnerable, and continuously evolving while staying true to yourself.

Rights and Credits

Content Credits:

1. Written by: Jhamfong
2. Featured Image: "Beyond the mask" by Jhamfong Arts

External Sources/Research:Imposter Syndrome Concept Credits:

1. The concept of Imposter Syndrome was first introduced by psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes in the 1970s. They explored how high-achieving individuals often feel like frauds despite evidence of their success.

Quote Credit:

1. The quote, "If something is truly perfect, that's it. The bottom line becomes: There is no room for imagination. No space for intelligence, or ability, or improvement. Perfection is a dead end; a condition of hopelessness. Always strive to better than anything that came before you, but not perfect," is spoken by Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi from the anime Bleach, created by Tite Kubo.

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