Your long term success depends on being true to your authentic self today

It’s not always easy to be ourselves, especially in today’s society where the pressure is high. There are times where it is tempting to be something we are not in order to get more recognition, or a raise or even a new position.

But it is important that we remain true to ourselves because the world needs more people like us. In fact, the world needs you just the way you are.

Sure we all have some areas of opportunity to make adjustments to ourselves, that is part of life, but the world needs you, the authentic version of you, not a fabrication of someone else.

One of the biggest reasons I believe this is true is summed up in a simple statement…

mi o sutetemo myori wa sutezu (身お捨ててもみょりわ捨てず) English interpretation: You can abandon your own body but you must hold onto your honor — Miyamoto Musashi, The Dokkōdō: Principle #20

Musashi was enforcing the idea that no matter what happens to your body you need to retain your honor. That was of the utmost importance to the samurai. Without their honor, they were just people walking around with swords and weapons.

The Japanese word used here by Musashi for honor is myori, which can be interpreted to mean our reputation and honor. That word isn’t used much…