How can you become more authentic?

Authenticity is a hot topic now; many organisations and individuals recognise that being authentic is at the heart of self-care and emotional integrity. It's not easy, and after a lifetime of living a way that society has made us conform to fit, you can break the bad habits of a lifetime to enable you to become more content, more meaning and more fulfilment in your life.

What benefit does authenticity bring to you as an individual?

Robust mental health, clear boundaries, solid and healthy relationships
Increased self-confidence and inner peace with your actions because they reflect your values.
A career or business that is more aligned to you as an individual, meaning you too can look forward to every day and run your life with passion. It also means that your life is more self-sustainable as you are more likely to stick with the more challenging times for a career or business that is a part of you.
Authenticity is something unique in this day and age; it draws like-minded people to you like a magnet.

How can you benefit from working with or having a relationship with someone authentic?

Working with authentic people means you know where you stand.
There is a profound understanding of your boundaries, as they have paramount respect for their own.
I have found there's a great passion for helping one another in the authentic community.

Seven ways You Start Your Authentic Awareness?

It starts with you becoming more aware of yourself. It would help if you got clear on what you stand for, what aggravates you on a fundamental level, and what you value above all else. You will need to have the courage to build your confidence and yourself up by embracing your self-awareness, warts and all. You will need to make those actionable changes don't shy away from difficult conversations in which you have to stand your ground for your beliefs.

I break all of this down here:

Tip 1 – Ask yourself

First of all, I suggest listening to yourself and ask yourself these questions to start you off

1. What are your values?

2. What is your personality?

3. What are your beliefs?

4. What do you want for your life?

5. What do you need in your life?

a. Why do you want and need these things? Does this thought come from you or someone/something else, or have you always felt that way?

Tip 2 – Understand your thoughts

Take the time to hear your thoughts and understand them.

Know the ones that don't serve you, belong to you or are negative and fear-driven.

Allow the thoughts that energise and excite you. Consciously visit and explore these thoughts as much as possible understand why you are motivated by these thoughts.

Tip 3 – Have courage

Being authentic is about showing up as you. That is a vulnerable thing. It will serve you in the long term.

In the short term, it means you are real. Not everyone wants to be authentic or hear honesty. You will find out who authentically cares for you and your vision and those who don't. Embrace this change, spend time with people who will help you grow.

Tip 4 – Belonging is not the same as fitting in

It takes time, self-awareness and understanding to know when you belong rather than changing and censoring yourself to fit into a social group.

Tip 5 – Set boundaries

It is worthwhile having difficult but compassionate and expansive conversations when you lay boundaries with people.

Boundaries are the most mutually respectful thing to enforce in a friendship, family, romantic and working relationship.

Tip 6 – Trust is vital

Remember that trust is earned over time. Be patient with people. Build trust with people in an authentic, truthful and compassionate way. Don't be a pushover. Stand your ground if trust gets broken.

Tip 7 – Manage your reactions

When we are hurt, we need to process what happens.

When we are struggling, we need to reach out and talk about things. Not ignore, not necessarily explode at someone, but understand what your grievance is.

Seek people who you can trust and process what happens to you.

How can we remain authentic?

Remember, authenticity is a constant conscious practice. In this day and age, we need to keep checking in with ourselves to act authentically, and you must first become aware of what this means for you:

Live in the moment. Concentrate on what is happening around you currently; listening is essential. Learn to listen to your intuition and heart.
Be true to yourself and do not pretend. Yet this doesn't mean you always need to say what's on your mind either. Remember to check in with your values, personality, and what you need and what you believe.
Accept your complex emotions and imperfections. Lean into the uncomfortable. The more we become comfortable with the awkward our worlds will grow massively.

All that being said, once you embrace it, it can be cathartic and freeing. You can be you, surrounded by people who accept you for who you are.

What I invite you all to consider is where your priorities stand. Consider how you can steer your life to live that priority, whatever that may be.

Welcome to a real you! You've got this!

7 ways to be more authentic.