Now is the time to be more than who you are. Being more is as important as eating or breathing is to the human body. Currently, you are who you are and the sooner you understand that you have to grow to be a better individual, the sooner you can grow beyond who you are. Grow beyond who you are?
Being genuine is the only way to grow beyond who you currently are.
To grow as an individual you can only do so as an individual. However, you must take certain precautions so as not to come across inauthentic or disingenuous.
While it may be a slippery slope do your best to not make it a competition. We are all taught that you have to be the best. You have to be number one. Excessive competitiveness does nothing but bring you down when you win and you resent those who do win. Be careful.
Let go of what other people say or expect. Just be yourself. You want to be genuine, the real deal then you cannot be when you are at the mercy of others. When others tell you you should do this or say that then you are nothing but a follower. Remember you are the only person that gets to say who you are. So be that person. While the “cool” kids are doing what the “cool” kids do when it is all said and done they are nothing but followers. Remember that.
Being genuine means, you are not following anyone but blazing your own trail. Then those that want to be with you will find a way to be near you and they will do so because you are genuine in your intents and actions. Trust the process and most of all trust yourself.
Do not force it. Forcing yourself to be genuine well that does come shining through o anyone and everyone. So do not force it.
All in all, just be yourself.