I had a conversation with a friend the other night. It was a simple enough conversation, but it was one in which I was complimented for being who I was.

It was, undoubtedly, one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. This is mainly because I've always made a conscious decision to try and be myself, regardless of what is going on in my life.

There are many things in life which can inspire us to make changes. For one, everything around us always seems to be in continual change. We're constantly meeting new people, going new places and doing new things. Thus, it might seem natural to change yourself to fit the molds that form around you.

Doing this might make it easier to fit in with what you’re currently surrounded by, but the problem is that your situation is only temporary. If you change yourself to fit whatever comes, you will find yourself in continual change as well, and you’ll find it harder to find and fit yourself when things change again.

It’s so easy to lose track of who you are if you’re constantly trying to modify your identity.

To top that all off, there are always going to be people in this world who will inspire you to make a change, but not in a good way. These people I’m talking about are the ones who don’t think you’re worthy, or deserving or good enough. We all know those kinds of people.

They will always find something wrong with you. They have the ability to take something that makes you unique, and original and special and they spin it to be something bad and uncool. There will always be people like this in life. That’s never going to change. So you shouldn’t bother trying to change yourself to meet the expectations of somebody else… to try to fit their temporary standards and expectations. It will only be an exhausting and disappointing endeavor.

You’re never going to be good enough for those people, so accept that and move on. You shouldn’t have to prove yourself to anyone in the first place, so leave those people and their negativity behind. Instead, focus on being good enough for yourself.

I can understand wanting to be a better person—wanting to improve. So if you’re looking for a little self-makeover—if you want change—try and be the best you that you can be, rather than trying to be someone you’re not. It might not be easy, but you’re better off.

I’m a firm believer that life is better lived when you’re being yourself- wholly, authentically, and unapologetically.