Honesty
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
Choose to look like a fool while learning to become the person you claim to be, rather than lying about it.
Being silly is not dangerous.
one person who lived it
Have honest conversations with yourself and accept who you truly are to improve.
Being honest with yourself is key to improving.
one person who lived it
Address the root causes of your behavior, such as chronic lateness, so you have no need to lie to cover them up.
If you are often late for work, you might lie to avoid getting fired; stopping the lateness removes the need to lie.
one person who lived it
Read Sam Harris's book *On Lying* to understand the argument that all lying is harmful.
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One approach that helped: listen to the 'Recovery for the Narcissist' podcast for behavioral insights.
It was described as a life changer.
one person who lived it
Be honest about your current status, such as being a student, rather than lying.
Being a student is not inherently negative, and positive reactions indicate a relationship worth keeping.
one person who lived it
Recognize the burden of juggling lies to experience the freedom of honesty.
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Practice honesty to build a reputation for integrity and avoid situations that require lying.
It minimizes cognitive dissonance by aligning thoughts and actions.
one person who lived it