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&lt;p&gt;Welcome back, friends. Today we will be continuing our journey towards unlocking our authentic selves. If you haven’t read part one of this series yet, you can do so &lt;a rel=&quot;noopener noreferrer&quot; href=&quot;https://firsthand.co/blogs/diversity/being-yourself-part-i&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;. I recommend starting with part one since at least some of these entries are meant to be read in order. And now, without any further delay, let’s get right into it!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have a Reliable Support System&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you’ve taken inventory of the people in your life who you feel most comfortable around, you may begin to rely on them for help or guidance. Building trustworthy and lasting relationships is key to realizing long-term goals, as such relationships will provide positive reinforcement and encouragement as you move forward on your journey.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Depending on your circle’s shared interests, you may seek out local events to participate in. For example, a group of friends who enjoy bowling may sign up for a local league. This example may seem clich&#233;, but the bottom line is no matter what your interests are, there is likely a community of people for you to engage with.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;A good group of trusted friends can be there to support each other through difficult times, keep one another focused on their goals, and help to build and reinforce a set of values. Be sure to maintain your relationships with regular communication, and do your best to avoid people who try to discourage you from your goals or who are otherwise negative.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Follow the Right Motivators &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;As you move forward personally and professionally, always be mindful of your goals, how you plan to achieve them, and &lt;em&gt;why&lt;/em&gt; you are working towards them. If your motivations for reaching your goal are based on pressure from others, money, or status, you may want to rethink your plans. Remember, we are on our way to living our &lt;em&gt;own&lt;/em&gt; authentic life, not a life that someone else wants for us.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They say that nothing worth doing is easy – are you willing to make sacrifices and battle against obstacles to achieve your goals? Your instincts will tell you if your goals are right for you and whether they are worth fighting for. If you feel wishy-washy about a goal, it’s probably not worth pursuing. Following the path that’s right for you will strengthen your resolve and will serve as a constant reminder of who you are and who you want to be.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Reflect&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Whether it’s a personal journey or a professional journey, constantly pushing towards your goals can be emotionally exhausting. There may be moments of uncertainty, and there will be many obstacles and challenges; unfortunately, there may even be people who stand in your way. Set small goals for yourself, and let yourself feel successful each time you reach one. When you’re tired, allow yourself some time off, whether it’s from work, or from doing anything, really.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;It’s important to take a step back, get into your hobbies or other activities that make you happy, and reflect on your progress. This will help you avoid burnout, and will give you time to reassess who you are and what you’re driving towards. As stated earlier in part one, our path can change and it’s important to recognize the signs when it’s time to shift gears. Maintain an open mind, stay positive, and listen to your inner voice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Moving Forward&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once you’re living by your values, it will become easier to make decisions about your career. Certain trades or professions may appeal to you due to your hobbies, your local community, or because of the values that you hold. For example, someone with a passion for serving the youth of their community may want to become a teacher, or a social worker. If you’re currently working and don’t feel fulfilled, it may be the right time to start thinking about a career change.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;If your current job is at least tolerable, take your time. Follow the strategies in this series and do a lot of research into career paths that might excite you, or that you’ll excel at. In the event you find that your job is hazardous to your mental health or otherwise toxic, it’s time to get out. Even a quick lateral move can help ease the pressure temporarily while you look into new career paths. Seek out companies that offer great employee resource groups (ERGs) and other programs that make employees feel valued.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Being yourself, feeling fulfilled, and living by your values are key ingredients to a happy and successful life. Take your time, learn to recognize the small achievements as you progress, and never give up on what’s important to you, no matter what. With a strong foundation and good people around you, you will have the potential to reach your goals.&lt;/p&gt;

Rob Porter

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