How Do You Stay True to Yourself in a World That Wants You to Shrink?

🎤 Behind the Roar | July 26, 2025

I was recently asked a question that stopped me in my tracks:
“How do you not shrink up—and [instead] become the person you are?”

It was meant as a compliment, but also an observation. And my answer came quickly, not because it’s easy, but because I’ve been thinking about this very thing a lot lately.

My response was this:

“…believe me, it takes a lot of self-discipline, self-affirmation, and a whole lot of stubbornness. A refusal to step back from what you know is right and true. We all have that in us… sometimes we bury it, but all it takes is a gentle reminder that we are built to be strong-willed and resilient. We just have to dig deep sometimes and ignore the self-doubt.”

That answer came from experience.

I’ve spent years learning to remain authentically me—in meetings, in conversations, in moments of tension, and even in seasons of grief. And what I’ve discovered is that authenticity is not passive. It takes practice. It takes clarity. And it takes a willingness to feel misunderstood sometimes.

Authenticity doesn’t mean everyone will like you.
It doesn’t guarantee validation.
It simply means you’ve chosen to lead with truth.

We live in a world that often rewards conformity and speed. A world where empathy can be seen as softness, and confidence as a threat. It’s tempting to shrink—to take up less space, to play it safe, to avoid rocking the boat.

But here’s what I believe, even now:

Kindness still matters.
Compassion still matters.
Authenticity still matters.
Truth still matters.
You still matter.

So if you’re walking through something hard—if your voice feels shaky, or your sense of self feels under threat—I want you to know this:

You’re not alone.
Dig deep.
Stay stubborn.
Be persistent.
And let your roar rise.

Together—let’s keep showing up with our authentic voices.

— Ronda 💛

📖 Want More?

Being authentic is not always an easy path. But with daily intention and a little determination, you can learn to embrace and recognize your worth and value, and lead your life with your full authentic self.

If you want to learn more about how you can step into your own unshakeable power and authenticity, grab your signed copy of Roar Like A Woman here.

Keep roaring!
— Ronda 💛