I’m going to start this one with a personal fave.

“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.”

-Oscar Wilde

As a Career Coach, I’ve had the privilege of working with a very diverse group of people.

Finance experts. Software Engineers. Preschool teachers. And most recently, an airline pilot.

Though coming from a broad range of industries, many of them have at one point in their life experienced the pain of holding back from doing something they really wanted to do.

Their reasons vary, but usually revolve around self-doubt, other peoples’ expectations, or simply a lack of trust in their own ability.

And truly, I can relate.

As humans, we’re not born with an innate sense of trust in ourselves. If we’re fortunate, we grow up with families, teachers, and a support system that empower us to live up to our full potential.

But even with a full cup, it’s all too easy to allow setbacks and low points diminish our resolve and conclude that we should stay right there in our cozy little comfort zone. Or worse, cave and do what others expect of us.

I’m sure you’ve heard it said a million times before: You are unique in all the universe, that there’s never been anyone like you – nor will there be- in the history of mankind…and so on.

Well, it’s all true.

So today, I want to give you that little extra boost of validity and remind you that being true to yourself is a virtue and a key to true satisfaction.

Here are 5 quotes to remind you that real power comes from being your authentic self, organized by author.

1. George Bernard Shaw

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. It’s about creating yourself.”

2. Mason Cooley

“To refrain from doing anything, wait for the right circumstances.”

3. Marcus Aurelius

“To refrain from imitation is the best revenge.”

4. Confucius

“By three methods we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection, which is noblest.
Second, by imitation, which is easiest.
And third, by experience, which is bitterest.”

5. Marianne Williamson

“We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”