“We’re all guilty of — being people pleasers,” Alejandro Betancourt begins in his candid essay “Stop Apologizing and Start Living Boldly.” With this observation, the entrepreneur, investor, and single father launches into one of his most impactful explorations of authentic living in a world that often demands conformity.
The Apology Epidemic
Alejandro Betancourt identifies a pervasive habit that undermines our potential: the tendency to apologize for our authentic selves. “Apologizing for being yourself is no way to live,” he states simply. This insight comes from personal experience navigating the complex intersections of entrepreneurship, parenthood, and societal expectations.
As the founder of ALMA Capital and parent to twins, Betancourt has faced judgment for his unconventional choices. “I became a single dad in a very conservative country. Many said I was ruining my life; some looked down on me,” he reveals. “But my sons are the best thing that ever happened to me. If I obsessed over peoples’ opinions, I wouldn’t have my family today.”
This experience crystallized a powerful truth: apologizing for our authentic choices diminishes our ability to live fulfilling lives.
Alejandro Betancourt’s Freedom Framework
Alejandro Betancourt offers practical guidance for breaking free from apologetic living. Here are some of his top tips:
1. Embrace Your Unique Qualities
“You know what makes you unique? Your weirdness,” Betancourt asserts. Rather than toning down our distinctive traits, he encourages embracing them as connection points. “Surround yourself with people who dig your weird side. Let it connect you. Never apologize for being one of a kind.”
2. Pursue Your Aspirations Unapologetically
“Do you have a vision for your life but keep waiting for permission to pursue it? Why?” Betancourt challenges readers to stop seeking external validation before chasing dreams. “Shake off external validation and start building!”
This principle applies to both personal and professional aspirations. Whether launching a business, changing careers, or making unconventional life choices, Betancourt advocates for boldly following our inner compass.
3. Set Boundaries Without Guilt
Alejandro Betancourt encourages selective curation of our social circles. “Surround yourself with people who bring out your best,” he advises. “It’s time to cut the cord when certain friends leave you drained or disrespect you.”
This isn’t about callously discarding relationships but about recognizing that “nurturing friendships that energize and support you” creates the environment needed for authentic living. “Never apologize for only giving your time to positive people,” he emphasizes.
4. Think Long-Term
Authentic living requires rejecting society’s demand for quick fixes. “Set 5 or 10-year goals and chip away. Building things of value takes time. Trust the process,” Betancourt writes. This patience supports genuine self-expression by removing pressure to conform to others’ timelines.
The Liberation of Authenticity
What makes Betancourt’s perspective compelling is his lived experience of the liberation that comes with authentic self-expression. The confidence with which he approaches life choices comes not from arrogance but from alignment with his core values.
“You answer to yourself first,” he asserts. “Make decisions based on your values, different from what Aunt Milly will think.” This principle guides him in both business ventures and personal life decisions.
A Universal Invitation
While drawn from his unique journey, Betancourt’s message transcends his personal circumstances. “The right people will celebrate someone brave enough not to conform,” he writes, extending an invitation to readers to discover their authentic path.
His closing rallying cry summarizes the philosophy that has guided his unconventional but fulfilling life: “Stop saying sorry. Stop people-pleasing. Live your truth without needing validation… Rock your fantastic life! You do not need to apologize for it!”
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