Most of us know that feeling of "not quite fitting in."
We try to compensate by behaving in ways we think other people will like, and telling them what we think they want to hear. We go against our true nature to try to impress, or to be accepted by the people around us.
The result is that we end up living inauthentically. This way of living can be tiring. But, worse, it boxes in who we really are and holds us back from fulfilling our potential. The antidote is to be true to ourselves. Living authentically means choosing what you want in life and plotting your own course on that basis. It means being guided by your own values – not those of anyone else.
Living life authentically can be tougher than you expect. It can force you to go against the grain, be unconventional, or open yourself up to criticism or ridicule. It can also take a surprisingly long time to achieve. On the other hand, living authentically offers a myriad of benefits, including the opportunity to realise your true potential and to achieve a high level of personal happiness and well-being.
Developing authenticity is a lifelong journey. In this article we provide simple advice on how to pursue authenticity.
Know your values
A good place to start is to identify your core values and to commit to being guided by them.
Plot what you want
Then, identify gaps between who you are now and the person you know you can become. Approach each gap or challenge and address them one at a time.
Be brave
In order to be authentic, you also need to live with integrity. This takes courage, but it can help you feel better about yourself.
Talk straight
Honest communication is crucial to being authentic. This means being truthful, but not in a brutal way. Speak your mind but always respect other people's feelings.
Avoid dogmatism
It is important to let people's actions speak for themselves. Don't be guided by your own assumptions, and try to take people's words at face value.
Believe in yourself
Strength of character is a "must" for authentic living, so build your self-confidence. A strong sense of self will help you get through challenging situations.
Maintain balance
Learn how to control your emotions. This is important because it shows that you have inner strength and that you respect the people around you.
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