
For years, I wore the navy suit. Not because it reflected who I was, but because it seemed like the uniform of success.
In the world of law and government, dressing the part felt as rigid as the rules themselves. So, I did what I thought I had to: blue and gray suits, polished shoes, and just enough conformity to fit into the structure. But even then, I couldn’t suppress the part of me that refused to be boxed in.
I started small: a pair of orange dress shoes here, a funky pair of glasses there. Skinny New Wave ties that no one could argue weren’t “appropriate,” but which still hinted at the individuality I longed to express.
It wasn’t about rebellion for rebellion’s sake. It was about survival—finding a way to honor my authenticity while still meeting the demands of the institution I served. And you know what I learned?
The boundaries we think others have placed around us—the expectations, judgments, and restrictions—are often nothing more than myths we’ve bought into. And those myths? They can keep us small.
Before I go on, let me be clear: I’m not calling for anyone to dress or act in a way that undermines their credibility, offends others, or disrespects the institution or situation they’re navigating. Professionalism and respect are vital. But so is finding the courage to align the outer world with the truth of who you are inside.
This is how the story of Achilles can change your life.

Achilles and the Clothes of a King’s Daughter
In Greek mythology, Achilles was destined for greatness—and tragedy. His mother, Thetis, knew of a prophecy: if her son joined the Trojan War, he would achieve eternal glory but die young. Desperate to protect him, she disguised him as one of the king of Skyros’s daughters, hiding him among their ranks in the hopes he would avoid the Call.
For a time, Achilles lived this false existence. He wore the clothes of a girl, pretending to be something he wasn’t, suppressing his identity as a warrior. But then, the Call came.
Odysseus, clever as ever, arrived on Skyros disguised as a merchant. He brought jewels and fine fabrics to tempt the women—but among these treasures, he placed a sword and shield. While the others admired the trinkets, Achilles instinctively reached for the weapon. His truth could no longer be hidden.
Achilles embraced who he was meant to be, donning the armor of a warrior and stepping into his destiny. The Greeks needed him to face their deadliest enemy, and Achilles needed to be true to himself.

Your Call Awaits
Achilles’s story holds a powerful lesson for anyone feeling trapped by the expectations of others: hiding from who you truly are doesn’t protect you—it only delays the inevitable.
I see this all the time in leaders who feel stifled by rigid professional norms or social myths that say, “This is how you’re supposed to be.”
Whether it’s the suit you wear, the way you speak, or the way you lead, these structures can feel immovable. But like Achilles, you have the power to reclaim your truth and step into your mission.
Here’s what I learned from my own experience:
Your authenticity doesn’t destroy credibility—it enhances it. I still succeeded. I still got promoted. I still delivered results. The orange shoes and funky glasses? They reminded me—and others—that leadership is about substance, not surface.
The world doesn’t crumble when you step out of the box. Those rigid boundaries you’re afraid to cross? They’re often built on assumptions, not reality.
The Call is always there—and it won’t wait forever. Whether it’s a whisper or a roar, the Call to step into your full leadership potential is relentless. Answering it means releasing yourself from the false armor others have placed on you and embracing the tools you need to face your greatest challenges.
What Boundaries Will You Break?
The story of Achilles isn’t just ancient history—it’s a mirror. It asks us to look at the clothes we wear, the roles we play, and the myths we’ve internalized about who we’re supposed to be.
So, ask yourself: Are you wearing the suit of someone else’s expectations, or are you ready to put on the armor that reflects your truth?
⚡ Watch my latest YouTube Myths, Leadership, & Life conversation, with Master Facilitator, author, and TEDx speaker Thomas Lahnthaler, to see how stepping into your authenticity can lead to professional rebirth, creativity, and bold impact. Then, dive into the full episode HERE.
Let me know in the comments: What’s one boundary you’ve broken to step into your true self? And what’s the next step you’re ready to take?
Because your journey—like Achilles’s—is a heroic one. And I want your future to be EPIC!

I'm Scott Mason, The Myth Slayer. I am an attorney and former C-Suite executive, coach, speaker, podcaster, and Master of the Mythic. I graduated from Columbia Law School and have spent years drawing on the full depth of a background spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors to provide lawyers feeling stuck or stagnant in their careers or as leaders with a unique (and fun!) system to help them live a life that's epic.
Click here to discover more about me, my mission, and how it can help you.
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