Contrary to the true self, the indoctrinated self reflects the impact of external influences on our identity formation. From a young age, we are shaped by the beliefs, values, and norms instilled by our families, schools, and communities. While these influences serve as guiding principles in navigating the complexities of life, they also constrain our individuality and limit the scope of our potential and imagination.

The indoctrinated self often manifests in societal expectations and norms, dictating the paths we are expected to follow and the roles we should embody. Whether it’s conforming to traditional gender roles, pursuing conventional career paths, or adhering to cultural norms, we often find ourselves trapped in a web of expectations that stifle our true essence and hinder our personal growth.

At first glance, the true self and the indoctrinated self may seem opposed, representing the battle between authenticity and conformity. However, upon closer examination, we discover that they are intricately intertwined, each influencing the other profoundly. If you tell yourself a lie long enough, it becomes your truth.

While the true self embodies authenticity and individuality, the indoctrinated self reflects societal norms and expectations. Yet, within this dichotomy lies a common thread – the quest for identity and fulfillment. Whether striving to align with our true selves or navigating the confines of societal conditioning, both paths are driven by a desire for self-discovery and meaning. This path can be labeled as many things in the mindset world. It can be called your journey, destiny, or your purpose.

At this point, we have already been brainwashed by the school system and our early developmental years. The one saving grace for children today is to have parents with strong mindsets. These parents will make or break their children and set them on the trajectory to find their true selves or continue down the indoctrinated path.

When I speak about the indoctrinated self, I am speaking about anything that gives you the mindset of following what you were told to do rather than finding the answer yourself. Yes, it can be easier to have someone tell you what to do, for example, go to college and get an education. However, that advice, though common, is optional. Today, it is akin to me telling you less efficient methods to understand your mindset, like getting in touch with your feelings and being overly emotionally intelligent.

Just because the world trains you to be weak doesn’t mean you must follow that path. This is where the discrepancy begins because one version of ourselves can be true while the other can be authentic. Though it might seem like you believe what you think you should believe or what feels right for you, you were probably influenced in some way to think that way. For example, think of a certain brand. Some brands are considered luxury, while others are commonplace. There is a reason why people associate certain cars and apparel with status: it’s because they have been indoctrinated to believe it to be so.

There are many benefits to embracing your true self. These include increased self-awareness, being more authentic, and feeling more fulfilled. Honoring our unique passions and aspirations unlocks our full potential and cultivates deeper connections with ourselves and others. However, this journey is not without its challenges, as it requires courage to challenge societal norms and embrace vulnerability in the face of uncertainty.

Conversely, conforming to societal norms offers security and belonging as we align ourselves with familiar expectations and roles. Yet, this conformity often comes at the cost of sacrificing our individuality and suppressing our true desires. Over time, the disconnect between our authentic selves and societal expectations can lead to feelings of emptiness and disillusionment.

This leads us to determine what kind of human existence we are trying to live. The awareness of what you believe and what you will relinquish will set the tone of your life. This is a reminder that identity can be complex, especially if you mix in the delusion of the indoctrinated mindset of societal agenda. This agenda serves many purposes, but limiting people’s mindsets is the scariest.

In a sense, we have become fixed on what we should expect from the world but have lost the view of what we should expect from ourselves. This means that we must learn to see the patterns given to us by people and society and train our minds to question if the path we are currently on is one we have chosen that is true to ourselves. While societal conditioning may shape our perceptions and behaviors, it is ultimately up to us to reclaim our authenticity and chart our own path to fulfillment.

By embracing our true selves, we unlock the door to boundless possibilities and embark on self-discovery and empowerment. Through self-reflection, introspection, and mindful living, we can transcend the limitations of societal conditioning and forge a path that resonates with our deepest desires and aspirations. We will step away from mediocrity and separate ourselves from those who are too afraid to dare to change or those who do not know they need to change if they want to live more authentically.

As you navigate the crossroads of authenticity and conformity, remember that external influences do not predetermine our destinies but are shaped by our choices and the courage to embrace our true essence. In the end, it is our authenticity that lights the path to fulfillment and unlocks the door to our true destinies. This concept might seem like no matter what, you will never be your true self because there will always be someone who tells you what to believe, and in a sense, what they say is theirs; you have the choice to make yours.

This separation from self to indoctrination is simple to differentiate when you have the mindset to ascertain the difference between what is true and what is false in your being. Your mindset is a compilation of values, beliefs, and systems you have come to accept. However, if you want to do the work to find your true self, you must relinquish all you know and have learned to find true meaning. This is a daunting task because you will feel lost in this self-discovery phase and revert to the old you. Still, I want you to remain steadfast and continue. Do not be afraid to walk down that path of uncertainty because, at some point, you will learn your truth.

In closing, knowing the difference between your true self and your indoctrinated self will be a journey many people will not take. Some might be interested and start, but they still need to finish. Though the journey can be arduous, the effort placed on this task will be worth it. You can not learn true freedom if you are not your true self, and even if you lie to yourself, your being knows the truth.

What will separate you from living the life you truly should be living is the divide between what you know and what you don’t know. This will require you to do an immense amount of work to shape a new mold that you will constantly have to molt with each new phase of life. Here at Reven Concepts, we help people with that journey to finding their true selves and purpose. The task can be daunting, again, but the result of learning what you truly can do will be an eye-opening experience that will make you question why more people do not walk down that path to finding their true selves as well.

Until then,

Michael Rearden

Founder of Reven Concepts