People like to believe they are a certain way. They judge themselves based on the culmination of actions over time.

But this is inaccurate.

Many people put on a show for others. They change the way they act in order to fit in, to be liked, or — at the very least — to avoid rejection.

Who you truly are is how you behave when you are alone.

The language you use while having a moment of road rage. The type of gossip you share at work. Whether you return your shopping cart in an empty parking lot. Your ability to make charitable donations anonymously. Or whether you throw garbage out of the car window when alone on a quiet backroad.

Your behaviour when nobody is around to see. That’s you. The rest of the time, you’re putting on a show.

Sometimes the show is minimal, other times significant.

But don’t worry if this concept is making you cringe.

Noticing is the first step in progress.