7 subtle signs someone is selling out and losing their authentic self

It’s intriguing how often people get caught in the pursuit of societal norms, losing sight of who they authentically are.

We all know the story. A person starts off with a burning passion, their actions and decisions reflecting their core values and beliefs.

Then, the world happens. Influences creep in, they start compromising their integrity for external recognition.

Strangely enough, this shift is often subtle, unnoticeable until the person has drifted far from their true self.

Here, I share seven understated indications that someone is on the brink of selling out, losing grip of their authentic self.

1) Prioritizing status over values

We all have values that guide us in our decision-making process. They’re like an internal compass, pointing us towards what truly matters to us.

But when someone begins to lose their authentic self, you’ll notice a shift in their priorities.

Suddenly, their actions are less about aligning with their core beliefs and more about climbing the social ladder. They start to compromise their values for recognition, power, or wealth.

This shift is subtle but significant. It’s not about abandoning ambition or success—it’s about losing sight of what brought passion and purpose into their lives in the first place.

When the pursuit of status takes precedence over personal values, it’s a sign that someone is drifting away from their authentic self.

Remember, the real measure of success isn’t how high you climb, but whether you remain true to your core beliefs along the journey.

Stay grounded in your values. They’re your beacon of authenticity amid the noise of societal expectations.

2) Fear of failure overshadows creative exploration

In the journey of life, we all stumble. We face obstacles, make mistakes, and sometimes, we fail. But for someone losing touch with their authentic self, this fear of failure becomes a paralyzing force.

Instead of embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, they start to avoid risks.

They become less adventurous, less innovative, and less willing to step outside their comfort zone. Their fear of failure stifles their inherent creativity and potential for personal growth.

I’ve seen this in my life. There was a time when I allowed the fear of failure to dictate my actions. But I’ve learned that it’s not about avoiding failure—it’s about using it as a stepping stone towards growth and learning.

As Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Do not let the fear of failure silence your creative spirit. Embrace challenges as opportunities for exploration and growth.

3) Conforming to societal expectations over personal truth

One of the subtle signs of someone selling out is when they start conforming to societal expectations at the expense of their personal truth. This often manifests as a disconnect between their actions and their deepest values.

This is where the “Free Your Mind” masterclass with the shaman Rudá Iandê can serve as a transformative tool.

It’s a journey I’ve been intimately involved in producing, designed to help you dismantle societal conditioning and embrace your authentic self.

In this masterclass, Rudá guides you through exercises that reveal the self-imposed limitations holding you back.

By aligning your thoughts and actions with your personal values, you gain improved mental clarity and emotional resilience.

The shift from frustration and guilt to love and acceptance is profound. This masterclass encourages proactive steps towards personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.

It’s about breaking free from societal expectations and embracing your true nature.

So, if you’re feeling the pressure to conform and losing touch with your authentic self, I strongly recommend checking out this masterclass.

It’s not just about learning—it’s about experiencing a journey towards mental and emotional liberation.

Take the first step to free your mind now. Your authentic self awaits.

4) Ignoring their gut instincts or intuition

When someone starts ignoring their gut instincts, it’s often a sign that they’re drifting away from their authentic self.

Intuition is that inner voice that tells you when something feels off or when you’re headed in the right direction. It’s a compass that’s built from life experience, emotional awareness, and self-trust.

But when people prioritize external opinions over their own inner guidance, they slowly lose touch with who they are.

You’ll notice this shift when someone starts making choices that seem “out of character.”

Maybe they take a job that looks good on paper but feels wrong deep down. Or they stay in relationships, friendships, or situations that drain them because they don’t want to “rock the boat.”

Over time, ignoring intuition becomes a habit. They stop trusting themselves and instead rely on what other people think they should do.

The result? Their decisions feel hollow, and their authentic self gets buried under layers of doubt and people-pleasing.

Trusting your gut isn’t always easy, but it’s a direct path back to your true self. If you notice someone constantly second-guessing their instincts or chasing external validation, it’s a sign they might be selling out.

Reconnecting with that inner voice can be the first step toward living with integrity and authenticity.

5) Neglecting the power of community

In a world that often glorifies individual success, it’s easy to overlook the importance of community.

But when someone starts isolating themselves and focusing solely on their own achievements, they’re likely losing touch with their authentic self.

Here’s the counterintuitive truth: we thrive in connection with others. Our relationships, our communities, are not just support systems—they are mirrors that reflect our authentic selves.

They remind us of who we are, challenge us to grow, and celebrate our successes with us.

But when someone starts sidelining these connections for individual pursuits, they’re not just losing a support system—they’re losing a part of themselves.

They’re compromising the joy of shared experiences and mutual growth for the illusion of solitary success.

Never underestimate the power of community. The journey to authenticity is not a solitary one—it’s a journey best undertaken with others by your side.

6) Chasing wealth over prosperity

There’s a subtle but critical difference between wealth and prosperity.

Wealth often refers to the accumulation of material possessions, while prosperity is about aligning our financial decisions with our deepest values and using money as a tool for positive change.

When someone starts prioritizing wealth over prosperity, they’re on the path of selling out. They chase after money and material possessions, losing sight of their deeper values and purpose in the process.

True prosperity isn’t about how much money you have—it’s about how you use it.

It’s about investing in businesses and initiatives that promote social good, that align with your values, and that contribute to a more just and sustainable future.

Remember, every financial decision you make is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in. So ask yourself, are you chasing wealth or cultivating prosperity?

7) Avoiding personal growth

Lastly, one of the clearest signs that someone is selling out and losing their authentic self is when they stop growing as a person.

Growth requires change, reflection, and sometimes uncomfortable truths — all things that can be avoided when someone is more focused on “fitting in” than staying true to themselves.

Instead of challenging themselves to grow, they settle into routines, stick to what’s easy, and avoid anything that forces them to confront their deeper values.

When someone avoids personal growth, you’ll notice they stop pursuing meaningful goals or learning new things.

They stay in the same job even when it no longer aligns with their passion. They avoid tough conversations, stick to surface-level friendships, and resist self-reflection because it’s easier to pretend everything is “fine.”

Over time, this avoidance leads to a watered-down version of who they once were. Their authentic self gets buried under layers of fear and comfort.

True authenticity means constantly growing into the person you’re meant to be, not shrinking back into the person others expect you to be.

If you see someone avoiding growth — or catch yourself doing it — it’s a sign that it’s time to reconnect with who you truly are.

Growth isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Without it, it’s far too easy to lose sight of your real self.

Embracing Authenticity

In this article, we’ve peeled back the layers of subtlety that often mask the process of selling out one’s authentic self.

By recognizing the shift in priorities, overcoming fear of failure, and understanding the importance of community, we foster deeper self-awareness and authenticity.

For those ready to delve deeper into these principles, I highly recommend the free “Free Your Mind” masterclass with Rudá Iandê.

This masterclass, which I’m proud to have co-produced, is designed to help you break free from societal conditioning and rediscover your personal truth.

Rudá Iandê guides participants through exercises that dismantle societal conditioning, promote personal growth, and overcome self-imposed limitations.

This journey fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience, aligning thoughts and actions with personal values.

Joining this masterclass will equip you with the tools to reclaim your authentic life. It’s about breaking free from societal expectations and embracing your true nature.

So here’s to living authentically, to recognizing when you’re veering off your path, and to having the courage to realign. Your authentic self awaits.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.

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Picture of Justin Brown

Justin Brown

Justin Brown is an entrepreneur and thought leader in personal development and digital media, with a foundation in education from The London School of Economics and The Australian National University. His deep insights are shared on his YouTube channel, JustinBrownVids, offering a rich blend of guidance on living a meaningful and purposeful life.

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