In a world that often demands conformity and masks, the pursuit of living an authentic life can be a daunting journey. Authenticity is more than just a buzzword; it’s a way of being that allows you to embrace your highest self, honor your values, and live with integrity. By shedding the heavy layers of societal expectations and self-imposed limitations, you can tap into a life of freedom, fulfillment, and purpose. This article will explore what it means to live authentically, the benefits it brings, the challenges you may encounter, and practical strategies to help you discover and stay true to your authentic self.
Jump To:
- What does it mean to live authentically?
- What are the benefits of living authentically?
- Why is it so hard to be authentic?
- How to discover your authentic self
- How to live more authentically
- How is authenticity linked to confidence?
- The importance of authenticity in your professional life
- Examples of authenticity
- 5 powerful quotes about authenticity
- Final thoughts
What Does It Mean to Live Authentically?
Living authentically is about being genuine, honest, and unapologetically yourself.
It means aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with your core values, beliefs, and principles. When you live authentically, you’re not trying to please others or conform to societal norms; instead, you’re embracing your unique identity and living in a way that feels true to who you are.
Authentic living does not necessarily mean your life is loud or flashy or that you ruffle other people’s feathers. True authenticity is going to look different for every single person! That’s why, the first step to living an authentic life is to get to know yourself deeply and become deeply familiar with your intuition, your highest self, and your core values.
Authenticity is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery and self-expression. As new ideas and new experiences come to you, your beliefs and desires might change. That’s okay! An authentic life allows for personal growth and expansion.
What Are the Benefits of Living Authentically?
Living an authentic life and being our true selves is the most freeing commitment we can make and can lead to better health and a more fulfilling life.
Authentic people spend less time stressing over what people think of them and more time enjoying their lives. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of living authentically.
Increased self-awareness and confidence
By embracing your true self, you cultivate a deeper understanding and acceptance of who you are, including your strengths, weaknesses, and unique quirks. Wouldn’t it be amazing to feel self-assured and confident in your decisions? By getting to know your own self and approaching the world with authenticity, your insecurities will melt away. You’ll know that some people will enjoy your company and others won’t, but you’ll never question if you could have or should have done anything differently.
Greater sense of fulfillment and purpose
When you live in alignment with your values and passions, you experience a heightened sense of meaning and purpose, which can lead to a more satisfying and fulfilling life. When we are conforming the the expectations of others, it’s much harder to listen to your gut about what’s right for you. By living more authentically, you can hear your own voice over the voices of others and pursue what truly lights you up inside.
Improved relationships
Authenticity fosters deeper connections with others by allowing you to show up fully and vulnerably, attracting like-minded individuals who appreciate and accept you for who you are. When you and the people around you all show up as your authentic selves, you can each feel more seen, understood, and supported.
Reduced stress and anxiety
Living inauthentically can be a significant source of stress and anxiety, as you constantly worry about meeting others’ expectations or maintaining a façade. Embracing authenticity can alleviate this burden, promote inner peace, and improve mental health.
Why Is It So Hard to Be Authentic?
Living authentically requires overcoming limiting beliefs and societal expectations.
Despite the many benefits of living authentically, it can be very challenging to begin doing so and most of us haven’t had much practice. From a young age, we’re conditioned to conform to societal norms and to fit in with our family, community, peers, etc. As social creatures, it can be scary to be a unique individual rather than blending in with the crowd. No one wants to feel isolated or ostracized. We spend our lives developing limiting self-talk designed to quiet our own beliefs and help us fit in with those around us.
Eventually, after a lifetime of feeling uncomfortable in your own skin and bending to become more like everyone else, it can be hard to even remember who you really are! When you decide it’s time to live a more authentic life, the first step has to be to discover who the authentic you is. Then you’ll have to overcome the self-limiting beliefs most of us have that the authentic you isn’t enough. Living authentically requires that we become confident and self-assured along the way.
How to Discover Your Authentic Self
In order to live authentically, you first need to understand who your authentic self is. Discovering your authentic self is a journey of self-exploration and self-awareness. Here are some strategies to help you push through the layers of expectations and uncover your true essence. Try to keep an open mind and be kind and patient with yourself as you do this work. You are exactly who you need to and you are enough just the way you are.
Reflect on your values and beliefs
Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you and the principles that guide your life. Identifying your core values can help you align your actions with your authentic self. One of the quickest ways we “lose ourselves” is when we get swept up by what someone else wants. Think about your moral values and how you want to show up in the world.
Explore your passions and interests
What activities or pursuits ignite your passion and bring you joy? Engaging in these pursuits can help you connect with your higher self. You might consider revisiting activities you enjoyed as a kid to see if the spark is still there.
Practice mindfulness
Cultivating mindfulness through practices like meditation, journaling, or simply being present is one of the best ways to tune into your inner voice, allowing you to better understand your authentic self. When all the layers of the outside world are stripped away, you’re left with what’s truly you. Try to stay in the present moment and notice your thoughts and feelings as they come up.
Seek feedback from trusted sources
Surround yourself with people who know and appreciate you, and seek their honest feedback. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights into your authentic traits and qualities. The right people will be able to shine a light on the things that make you uniquely you and help you remember your personal values.
Become more self-aware
An important step in discovering who you really are is noticing who you’ve been acting like. Try to become more self-aware and notice your knee-jerk reactions, the way you show up in conversations, your expectations of yourself and others, etc. This well help you to find the gap between who you’ve been and who you want to be so that you can start making more intentional choices as you move forward.
Challenge your limiting beliefs and negative self-talk
The thoughts that run through your mind all day aren’t who you truly are. You are not your thoughts. Identify and challenge the negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that hold you back from embracing your authenticity. Try to notice your patterns of thinking that come from trying to fit in or be accepted. Begin replacing them with empowering beliefs that align with your true self. It takes time to unravel subconscious thought patterns so be patient with yourself as you work through this process.
How to Live More Authentically
Once you feel sure about who your authentic self is, it’s time to become true to that version of you long term. It can be difficult to tune out the opinions of others and those closest to us might take time to adjust to the new you. Staying true to your authentic self is an ongoing practice that requires commitment and intention. Here are some strategies to help you remain an authentic person:
Set boundaries and prioritize self-care
It might take time for the people in your life to adjust to the new version of you. Protect your energy and well-being by setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing self-care practices that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for being true to yourself and make sure you take time to recharge and recenter when you need to.
Surround yourself with supportive individuals
As you step into the new authentic version of yourself who doesn’t compromise on your values, it will become very important to be intentional about who you spend your time with. Cultivate relationships with people who accept and celebrate your authentic self, and let go of energy vampires who consistently undermine or invalidate your true identity.
Live with integrity
Being authentically you doesn’t mean you have to put others down or ignore their needs. Find a balance of being true to yourself while still being kind and compassionate to others who are on their own journeys. The last thing you want is to have regrets about the way you acted while trying to be authentically yourself.
Practice self-expression
Take time to do things that make you feel the most like yourself. Even though you know deep down who you are, we all have to remind ourselves from time to time what it feels like to be true to that person. Find creative outlets to express your authentic self, whether through art, writing, music, cooking, dancing, or any other form that resonates with you.
Embrace vulnerability
Being authentic requires vulnerability as you allow yourself to be seen and accepted for who you truly are. Embrace this vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. There may be times that showing up as your true self elicits a fear of judgment. Just remember that this feeling of vulnerability means you’re not caving to peer pressure to be who you’re expected to be. It’s a good thing!
Continuous self-reflection and growth
You don’t have to know everything about yourself that there will ever be to know. It’s okay to commit to an authentic life and still occasionally make mistakes or learn new things about yourself. Living authentically is an ongoing process of self-reflection and growth. Be open to learning, evolving, and adjusting your path as you gain new insights and experiences. This will ensure you don’t get stuck in a new (albeit different) facade.
Let go of your past
Sometimes it can be hard to move forward when we carry shame or guilt about past decisions. If you are still trying to make up for things you did in the past, you won’t be able to be fully focused on living authentically in the moment. If you’re carrying weight from your past – it’s time to set it down and walk away. Decide to be true to yourself from here on out – that’s the best thing you can do to atonement for your mistakes.
How Is Authenticity Linked to Confidence?
Authenticity and confidence are intrinsically linked. When you live authentically, you cultivate a deep sense of self-trust and self-acceptance, which fuels your confidence. Likewise, as your confidence increases, it becomes easier to live authentically without fear of judgment. By embracing your true self, you no longer rely on external validation or seek approval from others. This inner confidence allows you to navigate life with greater ease and resilience, as you are grounded in your values and beliefs.
Additionally, authentic self-expression can boost your confidence by allowing you to showcase your unique strengths, talents, and perspectives. When you’re not hiding behind a façade or conforming to societal expectations, you can present your true self to the world with confidence and assurance.
The Importance of Authenticity in Your Professional Life
Authenticity has become an increasingly valued trait in today’s professional landscape. Being true to yourself – your values, beliefs, and principles – fosters trust, builds stronger relationships and contributes to long-term success and fulfillment. At its core, authenticity means embracing your unique strengths, quirks, and vulnerabilities without pretense. When you are authentic, you exude confidence and inspire respect, creating an environment of openness that encourages others to forge deeper connections.
Authenticity also allows you to align your actions with your personal brand and core values, cultivating a sense of purpose. This means that you will likely attract experiences and opportunities that are more aligned with who you are and what you want out of life. While maintaining authenticity requires courage and self-awareness, it ultimately leads to more fulfilling work, a positive work culture, psychological safety, better collaboration, and a greater sense of belonging for all.
Examples of Authenticity
Authenticity can manifest in various ways, both big and small. Here are a few examples that illustrate what it means to live authentically:
Being honest about your emotions
Instead of suppressing or hiding your feelings, you openly and respectfully express your emotions, even if they are uncomfortable or vulnerable.
Pursuing your passions
Rather than following a path dictated by others’ expectations, you make choices that align with your true passions and interests, even if they diverge from societal norms.
Honest self-expression
You dress, speak, and present yourself in a way that reflects your authentic self, without conforming to trends or societal beauty standards. You may also create art or media that reflects your true self without censoring yourself to fit in with the status quo.
Speaking your truth
When faced with situations that challenge your values or beliefs, you have the courage to voice your perspective and stand firm in your convictions, even if it means going against the grain.
Setting healthy boundaries
You prioritize your well-being by establishing clear boundaries and saying “no” to requests or demands that conflict with your authentic self or personal needs.
Taking responsibility for your actions
When you live authentically, there is no one to blame but yourself when things don’t go according to plan. This can be scary in the beginning, but ultimately leads to a greater sense of empowerment and self-trust and will encourage you to make better choices at all times.
Living with integrity
Being authentic means that you take full responsibility for how you show up in the world. All of your choices come back to you. Living in alignment with your values and being sure to have integrity in everything you do is a great example of living authentically.
5 Powerful Quotes About Authenticity:
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” – Brené Brown
“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” – Joseph Campbell
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Authenticity is the alignment of head, mouth, heart, and feet – thinking, saying, feeling, and doing the same thing – consistently.” – Lance Secretan
“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” – Brené Brown
Final Thoughts
Living an authentic life is not always easy, but it is a journey worth taking. By embracing your true self, honoring your values, and staying true to who you are, you can experience a profound sense of fulfillment, purpose, and inner peace. Remember, authenticity is not a destination but a continuous practice of self-discovery, self-expression, and self-acceptance.
Embrace the challenges and discomfort that may arise, for they are opportunities for growth and self-evolution. Surround yourself with supportive individuals who celebrate your authentic self, and have the courage to let go of relationships or situations that no longer align with your true essence. Take a deep breath, shed the masks, and step into the freedom of living your most authentic life.
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Mary Christina
Hey, I'm Mary! My background is in Psychology and I'm a certified Health Coach and Meditation Teacher. I'm also a mental health advocate and believer in personal development as medicine. I write because I'm hopeful that my experiences and learnings as a human are helpful to you--wherever you are.