I think people have a tendency (myself most definitely included) to do things or be somebody that they think other people will like, even if goes against what they believe in or what they really are. The most obvious example of this, or the way to understand it most easily, I believe, would be to think about peer pressure.
When people think of peer pressure, they think about hypothetical situations that usually involve high school, alcohol, or drugs. But of course peer pressure goes much more deeply than that, and is usually in your life no matter your age or social situation.
For example, I once read something called "50 questions that will free your mind," which are essentially just 50 questions designed to make you think about your life and the person that you are. One of the questions asks:
"You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire. They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend. The criticism is distasteful and unjustified. What do you do?"
This is peer pressure. In reality, most people would just go along with it, or at the very least not stick up for the friend. If you are being true to yourself, you will stand up for what you believe in (that the criticism is distasteful and unjustified), even if makes things a little awkward, or even if those three people have a lower opinion of you.
To be true to yourself means to stick up for the things you believe in, to believe in your dreams and seek to make them a reality. When we do these things, we become the people we were made to be, and live happy and fulfilling lives.
I'll end with two quotes... one of which you have definitely heard before, and another which you may have:
"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are" - e.e. cummings
"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss
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