American singer, actress, dancer, Judy Garland, star of Wizard of Oz, was attributed the fine quote:
“Always be a first rate version of yourself and not a second rate version of someone else”.
This quote encourages a focus on achieving a clear sense of your own identity. It is an important part of mental toughness in that you create real clarity for yourself and those around you, about who you are and what you stand for. This self-awareness helps you develop some principles and boundaries that help you take control of your own destiny.
Being a first-rate version of yourself builds your resilience. It helps you respond appropriately when you encounter situations that you are uncomfortable with. It provides you with an anchor when you feel lost or overwhelmed.
You can then strive to be the best you can be in the knowledge that you have the basic template in place that works for you.
Whilst we all are influenced by and learn from others the challenge with closely copying someone else’s persona is that you don’t live in their shoes. Their world isn’t your world and so you can’t live your life as authentically, positively and emphatically as you can by living your own version.