To Thy Own Self Be True

It came to me today, “To thy own self be true.” I wondered just what this quote means and how did it apply to me and my network of acquaintances. William Shakespeare’s Hamlet has a father giving this admonition to his son, saying that holding to this will prevent him from then being false to any man. Many years later, this remains sound advice for many of us, on so many levels.

Initially, one may think it an unnecessary warning to heed, but there are areas of our lives where we need to take time to be honest about where we currently are, where we want to be and the “why” that lies beneath it all. Why is it important for us to get that corner office and the corresponding title, a home on the water or golf course, a luxury car or two, to become CEO of our own businesses, send our children to prestigious private schools, experience regular international vacations? In and of itself, there is nothing inherently wrong with any of the above achievements…we need to focus on the “why”.

Examine yourself to understand your intent and why having these things are important to you. In doing this self examination, heed Polonius’ advice to Laertes and be true in your introspection. This is where dishonesty only causes you to cheat yourself and gain nothing. Are you striving for the executive title or latest high-priced vehicle simply to show others that you have arrived? Going from Shakespeare to another well known quote, are you motivated by trying to “keep up with the Joneses?” Now, I know many won’t even acknowledge knowing the Jones family, yet alone being concerned about their thoughts, so again I say, “To thy own self be true.”

To help you better identify your true intentions first ask yourself what are you willing to do to get what you want? Are you willing to sacrifice quality time with your family, intentionally deceive others to get ahead, or compromise your character or values? The second question to ask is whether the consequences of such actions are worth the possible rewards? If the phrase “the ends justify the means” enter your thoughts, take another minute to revisit the question. If your answers are the same, then I submit you are being true to yourself – work with what you have.

Sometimes, we map out a plan for ourselves with only the starting point and destination in mind, with no thought about the experience of the journey along the way. Know that we will undoubtedly face hurdles and roadblocks on our journey. These obstacles can lengthen our journey, cause unforeseen detours that may disappoint and discourage us. How we deal with the people and events that detour us will ultimately determine the true elements of our selves. Design what you want for yourself after deciding why you want it. Have goals and work to achieve them, just remember in doing so, to thy own self be true.