By Coco Chanel
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
"How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone." This Coco Chanel quote about authenticity stands as a guiding light for anyone searching for freedom from expectations. In just a few words, it captures a powerful idea that speaks to self-worth, individuality, and what it means to truly live as yourself. Today, there is intense pressure to fit roles and meet labels—whether from work, society, or even ourselves. This quote feels fresh and meaningful, reminding us that being authentic not only brings relief, but can change our lives for the better.
What Does This Quote Mean?
Coco Chanel’s words go far beyond surface-level wisdom. The heart of this Coco Chanel quote about authenticity is a call to let go of outside standards and focus on becoming your truest self. She uses the contrast between "being something" and "being someone" to draw a distinction between chasing roles or titles and pursuing real self-expression.
To "be something" is to strive for an identity defined by what others expect—be it job titles, social positions, or other labels. This is a way of living where your actions are guided by external goals, often at the expense of personal happiness. The "cares" you carry are the worries, anxieties, and burdens that come from pretending to fit a mold or meet societal standards.
On the other hand, to "be someone" means turning your attention inward—asking who you are at your core, and living in alignment with that truth. It is an approach that emphasizes values, passions, and personality over reputation or image. When Chanel says that we lose many cares by making this shift, she points to the relief and happiness that come from freeing ourselves of forced expectations. You gain mental and emotional lightness when your worth comes from authenticity, rather than a checklist of achievements. This quote is both a reminder and a challenge: to stop performing and start simply being, you lighten your own load and discover a deeper sense of peace.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Instead of measuring your worth by the standards set by others, shift your focus to your own growth and happiness. Social media and professional environments make it easy to fall into comparison traps. Practice noticing when you start comparing, and remind yourself of this Coco Chanel quote about authenticity—being someone authentic matters more than looking impressive.
2. Make Choices Based on Your Values
When faced with decisions, ask: "Does this align with who I really am, or am I just playing a part?" Whether it is how you dress, who you spend time with, or what work you take on, focus on authenticity over appearance. Staying true to your values creates a sense of consistency and confidence that is hard to shake.
3. Be Honest About What You Want
People often say yes to things simply because it is expected. If you feel burdened by commitments or roles that do not suit you, it might be time to gently step back. Express your needs and boundaries with respect. You will find that the relief of being honest allows you to perform better in the roles that truly matter to you.
4. Develop Self-Compassion
When you strive to "be someone" instead of "something," you naturally encounter doubts and fears. Accept that it is normal to feel unsure or even lost at times. Look for self-acceptance during these steps; forgive past attempts to fit in, and celebrate small moments when you act or speak in line with your true self.
5. Show Courage in Self-Expression
Express your personality in everyday choices, whether through your sense of style, your creativity, or your way of communicating. Even small acts—like voicing your honest opinion or wearing what you love—are real-world applications of the Chanel spirit. Your authenticity might even inspire others to do the same.
Taking these steps is not always easy, but it breaks the cycle of endless caring about perception and reputation. Each time you choose authenticity, you prove to yourself that being someone is much more rewarding than being something in the eyes of others.
The Motivation Message
You are unique—your quirks, your tastes, your dreams all add up to something no one else can copy! Every time you focus on who you are, not what box you fit in, you grow braver and lighter. Letting go of the urge to be "something" makes space for joy and self-acceptance. You are not a list of titles or roles, you are alive and growing, and that is already powerful.
Step forward with the confidence that your real self is valuable! The world does not need more copies; it needs your one-of-a-kind personality, ideas, and energy. Be patient with yourself and trust that the more you make choices aligned with who you really are, the more fulfillment you will find. Start small if you need to—a word of honesty here, a unique decision there. You will feel the weight of cares melt away.
Remember, you have the right to take up space just by being you! Drop the extra baggage, trust your inner compass, and see how freeing it feels. Today is as good as any to practice living as someone, not something. Go for it—you have everything you need within you!
About the Author
Coco Chanel, who was born in 1883 and died in 1971, was a pioneering French fashion designer and businesswoman best known for transforming the way women dressed and lived. Raised in humble beginnings, she rose to create the iconic fashion house Chanel, introducing styles that celebrated freedom of movement, simplicity, and self-expression. Her revolutionary vision not only changed clothing but also challenged traditional roles for women in society.
Coco Chanel’s life was marked by her fierce independence and her refusal to be defined by others’ expectations. This quote about authenticity speaks to the core of her philosophy—living boldly as yourself and not merely playing assigned roles. Chanel believed that genuine style and confidence start from within. Her legacy, both as a designer and thinker, encourages us all to shed pretense and embrace who we truly are. The message in her words endures: being someone real always outshines being something expected.
