It's not enough to just be yourself. You must be your best self
Neil StraussRead
We get stuck in old thought and behavior patterns that may have been effective when we were twelve months or twelve years old, but now only serve to hold us back. And, while those around us may have no problem correcting our minor flaws, they let the big ones slide, because it would mean attacking who we are.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We often cling to outdated thoughts and behaviors that hinder our growth and development.
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and letting go of old thought patterns and behaviors that may have once served us well but are no longer beneficial. It highlights how both we and others can become complacent about significant flaws, fearing that addressing them might threaten our identity or self-image.
Themes
ChangeGrowthSelf-AwarenessIdentityBehavior
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development, one might use this quote to encourage individuals to reevaluate their life choices.
More from Neil Strauss
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There are certain bad habits we've groomed our whole life -- from personality flaws to fashion faux pas. And it has been the role of parents and friends, outside of some minor tweaking, to reinforce the belief that we're okay just as we are. But it's not enough to just be yourself. You have to be your best self. And that's a tall order if you haven't found your best self yet.
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In fact, every woman I met seemed disposable and replaceable. I was experiencing seducer's paradox: The better a seducer I became, the less I loved women. Success was no longer defined by getting laid or finding a girlfriend, but by how well I performed.
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A lot of guys are very intimidated by an attractive woman, and they dehumanise her because our culture perceives beautiful women as commodities. But I think if you're able walk up to a person and get to know them, and you see their flaws and their impurities, and realise that they're like you, then you can humanise them again.
Neil StraussRead
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