Many of us look to see what the people around us are doing before we set down our personal goals, plan for the future or just live from day to day. This attitude might be appropriate for children, but as adults do we need to constantly look to others to show us the way?

We are unique individuals and we need to celebrate our individuality, rather than lose ourselves in the herd that is the society we belong to. Og Mandino expresses this idea brilliantly in his book “The Greatest Miracle in the World” when he writes:

“Proclaim your rarity…never in all the 70 billion humans who have walked this planet since the beginning of time has there been anyone exactly like you…never, until the end of time will there be another such as you…You! One of a kind. Rarest of the rare…Why have you valued yourself in pennies when you are worth a king’s ransom…Never do as another. Never imitate…be yourself.”

To be yourself, you need to first be aware of who you are and accept your talents as well as your limitations; follow your heart and listen to your inner voice; and most important of all, have the confidence to follow through. It’s certainly not easy to be different or take a diverse path from your peers, if that is what your heart is telling you to do; but if you do take that path, you just may find the peace, happiness, success and fulfilment that you are seeking.

So don’t let the herd mentality that prevails in our society hold you back from being yourself, from doing what you love, and from chasing after your dreams. Celebrate who you are in your entirety — and accept your good as well as your not-so-good qualities.