“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Former President Theodore Roosevelt
There’s always going to be someone out there who you think you could be just like or do better than, etc. and they may think it’s hurting them or their likeness. But in reality, the person who’s hurting is actually you. And those people who are looking up to you or looking to you are also missing out from you being you. Today, more than ever, I feel like people are trying to fake being authentic, because they are scared to show their authentic self.
How To Be Your Authentic Self: My Story
For a long time, I thought that I needed to be more like the “successful” people we see in media, or those who live and work around me in the world. So I completely took out my own personality and everything that makes me, me, and then I never got to share who or what I’m about. I was being the fake me, and trying to fit in with those that I THOUGHT I needed to be like.
I eventually learned to stop that and let my true self and colors shine. And you know what happened? People actually connected with and listened more than before! I was living in my authenticity and actually creating real connections. Not those inauthentic connections I had previously.
Tips on How To Be Your Authentic Self
Listen, there are so many times where taking the high road and acting like someone else versus living in your authenticity will feel better. But in reality, the growth comes in being vulnerable and opening up. That’s where real human connection happens. Here are a few ways you can be authentic and check yourself when you think maybe you aren’t being authentic.
Know who you are.
This is such an important one, and an absolute MUST to continue on down the line. It’s important to figure out the good, the bad, the ugly, and determine what parts of those you want to be a part of your personality. These are things that you would tell your family, your best friend, and what they know you for and can expect from you. There are also times where new things might pop up that you need to know how and if you want this to be part of your authentic self.
Trust yourself.
You know yourself better than anyone else. Trusting yourself and what made you is one of the key components to being your authentic self. You need to listen to your intuition, make decisions with confidence, and learn from your past mistakes. Listen to what your gut is telling you and follow along confidently. You can trust yourself because YOU know better than anyone who you are. You got this!
Learn how to meet your own needs.
When it comes to learning how to meet your own needs, you need to know what they are. Take time to reflect on what you truly need and how you can give yourself these things. Do you need space? Rest? Time to connect with your creativity? It’s really important to identify these things to give yourself the best chance at authenticity. Your needs must come first.
Give yourself space.
Sometimes, space is all you need to connect with who you are and become your authentic self. Schedule regular time for yourself to reflect and recharge, away from any distractions. You can do things like go on a nature walk, do some mindful breathing, or even meditate. Do whatever YOU like to do, in your own space, on your own terms.
Learn to be uncomfortable.
This is the part where you need to be comfortable being uncomfortable and learn your strengths and weaknesses. To truly grow and find our authentic self, we need to find what makes us uncomfortable and be comfortable recognize it. When you stay too comfortable your whole life, you never allow yourself the opportunity to grow or change. Try something new, step out of your comfort zone, and really allow yourself to sit in and work through your feelings.
Set boundaries.
Ahh, the terrifying word. If you’re like me, which if you’re reading this blog you probably are, boundaries are hard for you to set. And I get it, it can be super uncomfortable setting boundaries in the fear you might upset someone. But if you don’t set boundaries, the person you’re upsetting is yourself. Create some important, non-negotiable boundaries and be clear about what you need to feel comfortable in relationships and situations. It’s more than okay to protect your time and energy.
Surround yourself with support.
Support can be a huge cornerstone when it comes to embracing authenticity and finding yourself again. Surround yourself with people who help you cultivate good habits and want you to be your authentic self. Get rid of people who are secretly hoping you fail, and spend more time with people who help you feel good and bring you back to who you are and want to be.
Stay open to growth.
Understand that growth is a hugely important part of life. Be open to embracing new challenges that will develop who you are as a person. Just make sure you check in with yourself often to reassess your values and goals. While you do have to grow as a person, make sure you consider your mental health and be gentle with yourself. Don’t get too caught up on a growth journey if you’re only mentally ready to go slow. It doesn’t have to be an overnight process.
Avoid comparing yourself.
Remember that everyone’s path is unique on a journey to authenticity. However, try your hardest not to compare your progress to others. Focus on your own journey and what you want to get out of it. Also be mindful of the media you consume. You should only follow content that inspires authenticity rather than perfection. You want to feel good, not feel overshadowed or unworthy.
Express yourself.
Use art, writing, or music as a fun way to express yourself authentically. Express yourself through authentic communication, things you enjoy, and new challenges.
Quotes About Being Your Authentic Self
- “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” –Oscar Wilde
- “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” –Carl Jung
- “You were born an original. Don’t die a copy.” –John Mason
- “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
- “The only way to live is to accept each minute as an unrepeatable miracle.” –Jack Kerouac
- “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”– Brené Brown
- “Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, and magical person that you are.” –Mandy Hale
- “The greatest challenge in life is being yourself… in a world trying to make you like everyone else.” –Unknown
- “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” –Steve Jobs
- “It’s not what we have that will make us happy, it’s who we are.” –Margaret Fuller
Do you want to become your authentic self?
Being your authentic self can seriously change your life. You’ll worry less about what people think and spring out of bed eagerly every single morning. By following the tips above, you can get on the road to being who you truly want and NEED to be at heart. I hope that reading my story helped you, and if you’re interested in reading more, make sure you check out my blog!
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