Giving up may be a more extreme way of saying “letting go”, but either way it’s an important thing to do from time to time.
By this I don’t mean giving up on one’s goals, ideals, or beliefs. I’m talking about giving up trying to be appear a certain way. To appear to be an expert in something that you’re only loosely familiar with. To appear to be “smart,” or “genuine”. It’s okay to be what you are as you work to improve and further yourself. It’s okay to accept that you’re not an expert and that you can ask questions. Otherwise, the chances are you’re only fooling yourself.
Let go of the idea of portraying yourself in a certain way. Ask questions even if you think it makes you feel dumb. Be willing to accept that it (usually) doesn’t matter how you come across. What matters is if you’re truly serious about being honest with yourself.
When you are, and when you give up the empty aim of trying to please or satisfy the expectations of others, only then will you really learn and grow.
Only then will things be real.