What Is Authenticity? Why Living True to Yourself Matters?
What is authenticity to me?
II’ve been reflecting on this question a lot lately. Like many concepts in life, authenticity can be interpreted in different ways. How we view and express it varies depending on our experiences, values, and the expectations society places on us.
I’ve had conversations with friends that triggered a surprising amount of misguided anger around the idea. Some assumed authenticity meant being selfish or reckless—living an unfiltered, unrealistic life that disregards others. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
One moment that stood out to me recently was while watching a marketing strategy video I generally admired. I agreed with much of the content—until the speaker casually dismissed authenticity, saying it was “overrated.” He claimed that “authentic people can’t be relied upon; they’ll just decide to show up one day and not do what they promised.”
That statement floored me.
It felt like a deeply one-dimensional take on something much more nuanced. To me, that sounded less like authenticity and more like a lack of integrity or accountability. I wondered: What was his definition of authenticity? Had he had a negative experience with someone who claimed to be authentic, but wasn't acting with emotional responsibility?
Eventually, I came across a definition that resonated much more deeply:
“It's not, ‘say whatever is on your mind.’ Instead, I define it as ‘consistent emotional labor.’”
— Seth Godin, (Defining authenticity).
Now that made sense.
That felt real.
For Me, Authenticity Means:
Living in alignment with your values and beliefs.
Having integrity—keeping promises and respecting others, not disregarding them.
Establishing boundaries that reflect what you are truly willing and able to do.
Authenticity doesn’t mean being unreliable or impulsive. In fact, the most authentic people I know are thoughtful, steady, and self-aware. And when life feels out of sync, authenticity invites us to pause, reflect, and choose growth—rather than remain stuck in someone else’s story of who we should be.
My Journey with Authenticity.
Let me tell you about a book that changed my life.
About ten years ago, a friend gave me “How to Make a Living by Being Authentic” by Neil Crofts. At the time, I was ready to step into self-employment but struggling with confidence. That little-known book rocked my world.
I had spent much of my life trying to fit in, dimming parts of myself to be accepted. But this book introduced a radical and liberating idea:
You don’t have to keep living the life others set for you. You can consciously create a life that reflects your values, talents, and individuality.
It gave me permission to stop apologising for being different—and instead, to design a career and life where I could just be me.
What it Meant For Me:
I stopped worrying so much about what others thought of me.
I identified what I enjoyed and was good at.
I created a plan to live in alignment with those truths.
I trusted the author’s message—and my own experience of how uplifting it felt to work with authentic people. I knew this was the life I wanted to lead.
How it Changed My Life:
I launched my business and fully embraced my newfound freedom.
I delivered value with consistency and transparency.
I collaborated with like-minded people on meaningful projects.
I pushed past my comfort zone—traveling, expanding, and growing with confidence I’d never had before.
When it Challenged Me:
After a while, I drifted off course, flowing too easily with others' needs and forgetting to check in with myself.
As someone who naturally helps others, I found myself absorbed in solving problems that weren’t mine to fix. Slowly, I began shaping my life and business around someone else's expectations, not my own.
The result?
I lost myself.
That period brought burnout, confusion, and painful realisations. I had traded authenticity for approval and paid the price.
What I Learned:
Authenticity isn’t a destination; it’s a daily practice.
You must consistently stay in tune with your instincts and values.
Ignoring those inner truths is a surefire way to lose your way.
From that experience, I developed tools and practices that now help me—and others—rise up when authenticity is challenged.
These became the foundations of my work:
Authenticity is now the core of the work I do through Dynamic Potential Academy, where we support individuals and teams to grow with purpose, creativity, and emotional intelligence.
Here’s how we help people reconnect with who they are and how they lead:
Empower – Creative Leadership for Emerging Talent
Develop clarity, confidence, and core skills to lead authentically and creatively in your early or evolving career.
Thrive – Well-being and Performance for Professionals
Support your mental and emotional well-being while creating space to grow sustainably in work and life.
Unite – Team Building and Connection
Build emotionally intelligent, psychologically safe teams that work and grow well together.
Why Authenticity Matters So Much to Me:
Authenticity has given me clarity, courage, and purpose.
It’s allowed me to focus on the right priorities, surround myself with positive people, and share my voice without apology.
It’s not just about work—it’s about every part of life.
It’s about speaking the truth, even when it’s hard.
It’s about being real, not perfect.
In Conclusion:
Authenticity is an ongoing relationship with yourself. It’s a practice of self-recognition, integrity, and emotional consistency.
When you honour your truth—internally and externally—you begin to show up in the world in a way that is powerful, liberating, and deeply connected.
And when you lead from that place…
You become unstoppable.
Ready to Reconnect with Your Authentic Self?
Explore how Dynamic Potential Academy can support you or your team to grow with purpose and integrity.
