"Be yourself" is useless advice. This coming from an almost useless website.
I remember watching a YouTube video of someone talking about how "Be yourself" is really bad advice. The point he made was that if you were worried about something it would still be there if you were being yourself. For example: If you see someone you'd like to talk to but are over critical of yourself, you will still be that person after taking the advice.

The YouTube video then said that the best advice to give in that situation was: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Nothing is gained from "Being yourself" whereas being told to make mistakes gives you an objective. He also said something about "Fake it to make it" which was essentially be the person you want to be and then that will become you.
(Man of face http://www.youtube.com/user/MillywiggZ, Tue 25 May 2010, 15:29, 7 replies)

'Fake it to make it' works a treat....
....as someone once said to me (on an otherwise wanky management course: 'How do you tell the difference between someone who is confident and capable, and someone who is just pretending to be?'

Answer: 'You can't'.
(NoveltyCondomHead Clanks Wams., Tue 25 May 2010, 16:14, closed)

Yeah this is all well and good guys
But some people have a knack for spotting fakes. I can see the sense in being yourself from certain perspectives, for example the friends you choose. If you want your mates to love your for what you’re not then how will that friendship ever last...One day you or them will wake up and think, who are these fuckers that I call my friends!! I can see in business how being fake and insincere could work for you because I see people do it every day in my office. "Would you like a cup of tea boss", "can I laugh really loudly at a crap joke you just made please boss". I only laugh at the boss if he says something genuienly funny, just so he doesn't have to second guess me. Many would disagree i'm sure but being fake is not good.
(bROKEN aRROW PUA HVI Master, Tue 25 May 2010, 16:37, closed)

To be fair...
...I was really just making a point about confidence, and that if you convince yourself that you can do something, then you generally can.
(NoveltyCondomHead Clanks Wams., Tue 25 May 2010, 16:55, closed)

Fair dues
I can see this work well in some scenarios for sure but not all right? Didn't mean my post to sound mean or anything, I just work with a lot of fake people but get the meaning of your post now
(bROKEN aRROW PUA HVI Master, Tue 25 May 2010, 17:33, closed)

see
how often they fail
(haberman is singing in the changes, Tue 25 May 2010, 17:39, closed)

What is "being yourself"?
In the words of The Verve "I'm a million different people from one day to the next".
I'd say you should be as honest as the situation will allow. Be imperfect, disagree, just make sure you're diplomatic and don't don't lie about what you know.
I'll confess I'm not some succesful, rich, or even highly valued person -- but if I have the motivation I generally get what I need.
Honesty earns you respect too -- something you can get by without only if you're very clever.
(Me, I'm not... in any way intoxicated, Tue 25 May 2010, 18:01, closed)

I agree that nothing is to be gained from bei g yourself
Particularly if you are awkward, lacking in confidence and self-esteem. The line, however, is not without merit. It just needs an extra word in there.

Be your best self.
(Rilux might be pregnant and has bum-aids, Wed 26 May 2010, 12:26, closed)