Popular networking sites have transformed how we communicate and connect with friends and family. But, one significant drawback of using these sites is lower-esteem. Looking at other people’s lives on social media compels us to compare ourselves and our lives with that of others. Seeing others enjoy fame or an axtravagant lifestyle we become constantly pressured to try to and become like them. For instance, if young graduates see their peers getting good jobs, it makes them impatient to get a job. As a result, they frequently accept any job offer in the hopes of not being left out. Trying hard to fit in makes us lose our uniqueness and do what we love the most. Hence, on days when you feel the urge to blend in, remind yourself that you are unique and it’s okay if you don’t fit in.
Where Does the Quote Come From?
The quote is attributed to Theodor Seuss Geisel or known under a pen name as Dr. Seuss, a famous writer, and illustrator of children’s books. However, the quote is not found in any of his books, sadly it is not possible to verify the attribution to Dr. Seuss.
Who Was Dr. Seuss?
Theodor Seuss Geisel was a renowned American writer, cartoonist, and illustrator of children’s books. His books gained immense popularity for their engaging storyline, funny rhymes, and outlandish characters. Geisel was a graduate student at Lincoln College, Oxford. However, in 1927, he left Oxford and became an illustrator. He worked for Vanity Fair, Life, New York Newspaper PM, and several other publications.
After creating numerous illustrations for humor books, Dr. Seuss wrote his first book. However, the book was rejected by 30 publishers. But, a friend of Dr. Suess who worked as an editor at Vanguard Press helped him publish and release his first book ‘And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street,’ in 1937. After that, he wrote around 60 books for kids. Dr. Suess also tried writing an adult book titled, ‘The Seven Lady Godivas,’ published in 1939 but did not do well.
Adults are obsolete children, and the hell with them. Dr. Seuss
After that, Dr. Seuss only focused on children’s books, earning him worldwide recognition. His books had a funny storyline, but they beautifully conveyed essential life lessons to kids they could benefit from in adulthood. For instance, his book, ‘Did I ever Tell You How Lucky You Are?’ imparts the lesson of optimism and gratitude for all the good things in our lives. Dr. Seuess’s books sold over 600 million copies and were translated into more than 20 major languages in his lifetime. In 2002, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield, Massachusetts, displayed Dr. Seuess’s sculpture and some of his books’ famous
What is The Meaning Of The Quote?
The quote is a beautiful and thought-provoking reminder that it is perfectly fine to be different from others. Society has created unreasonable norms and rules to gauge a person’s success. For instance, society expects every student to score high marks, enroll in a reputable college, and then be employed by a remarkable organization. If someone fails to follow this success plan designed layered out for us society, they are considered a failure. Hence, each one of us tries to fit in according to societal norms so that we are accepted, appreciated, and liked by others.
Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. Judy Garland
However, by following the crowd and trying hard to fit in, we lose the unique features that help stand out from everyone else. Many people give up on their dreams or opt for career paths they have no interest in solely because of the fear of being an outcast and different from the masses. If you want to blend in with the crowd, you must let go of your unique personality and start thinking and acting the same way as people around you.
Remind yourself that you get to live only once. Therefore, instead of wasting your precious time fitting in the crowd, be courageous to stand out and embrace everything about yourself that makes you, you. By accepting yourself and letting go of the idea of pleasing others, you will get a surge of self-confidence that will help you live life on your own terms.
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment
Ralph Waldo Emerson
3 Ways to Accepting Your Individuality
1. Stop Comparing Your Life To Others
The first step to accepting yourself for who you are is to part ways with the habit of comparing yourself to friends and colleagues. Comparison is a slow killer of happiness, confidence, and self-esteem. When we compare ourselves with others, we invite disappointment into our life and stop appreciating the good things that we already have.
Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another Marquis de Condorcet
Many teenagers and young adults trap themselves in the unhealthy habit of comparison. They compare their grades, appearance, and sometimes financial standing with that of their peers. As a result of this unhealthy habit, they shatter their confidence and lose their uniqueness by trying to be someone else. Hence, focus on your life and never believe that you are inferior to anyone in any regard.
2. Be aware of Your Strengths
Another effective method you can try to use to accept yourself is to remember the strengths and the positive traits you already have. We often get so busy focusing on our shortcomings that we overlook the positive aspects of our character. Hence, on days when you feel like you are not enough, make sure to remember how far you have already come.
3. Work on Your Shortcomings
Our weaknesses and insecurities constantly urge us become invisible, to fit into the crowd. We get so invested in counting our weaknesses and thinking negatively about ourselves, we try hard to become something we are not. Instead of trying to be someone else and disliking who you are, work on your shortcomings.
Make a list of traits you don’t like about yourself, and then work on improving yourself. A simple example, if you hate being lazy or not dedicated to your goals, try to figure out the root cause of the problem to get rid of it.