We live in a fast-paced world: a world where everyone is always searching for the next big thing and always wanting more than what was given. Yet lately, there’s been a trend towards looking inward for fulfillment rather than outward. Everyone’s pining for experiences rather than possessions and wanting to focus on becoming who we really are.
Why is that the case? Everyone desires happiness, and authenticity is inextricably linked to it. To be authentic is to feel at home in our body, accepted for being authentic, and synchronized with our values. It is a kind of confidence that doesn’t stem from attaining something outside of ourselves. Instead, it is about knowing deeply that we are enough to be true to our character despite external pressures.
We all want to become the best version of ourselves, but a few actually do it. You see, achieving authenticity is one of the most challenging to practice on a day-to-day basis. But if you follow the techniques listed in this post, you’ll begin to light the way forward.
Here are simple ways to become a more authentic person:
Be Present
Authenticity requires the ability to be present with yourself, regardless of what is going on around you. You are not aware of your state of being if you are constantly distracted by your internal chatter or reacting to external stimuli. Therefore, practice pausing to breathe throughout the day. This will enhance your mindfulness and help you notice when you’re being inauthentic. You see, being present allows you to find opportunities to express yourself more fully and take action that is more in line with the real you.
Take a Step Back
When you find yourself in a rut, the first action you may take is to apply all brainpower to develop a solution. Sometimes that approach can get you nowhere and just lead to a cycle of overthinking. The best response you can do right now is no response. Often it’s better to take a step back and reflect before you react.
You might need to take some time off, a day or a week, to do something fun or read a book such as Alma Lightbody’s You’re Not the Boss of Me, a self-help guide for inner healing and becoming your authentic self.
Ignore Social Media Scoreboard
One way to take off the mask we’ve been wearing and start to live a life of authenticity is to ignore the social media scoreboard.
Being your authentic self can feel especially daunting now in our screen-obsessed world. We’re just trying to fit in, be liked, and be accepted by other human beings. And as a result, the personality we present—on our social media profiles and in real life—has become mere counterfeits of who we think we should be and not a reflection of who we indeed are inside. While it may be tempting to use social media platforms to craft a highly curated and idealized version of yourself, authentic self-expression is more likely to benefit overall wellbeing and happiness. Hence, try not to fall prey to perfection; instead, just be yourself!
Listen to Your Body
Unlocking your most authentic self means listening to your intuition, and the voice within that guides you in your decisions. The body can guide you to find the answers that you’ve been searching for so long. Notice when your body begins to feel tired, tense, or active. Close your eyes and meditate. What is the body trying to convey? Is it asking you to slow down and rest, stay away from someone, or release your energy? If you’re unsure what your body is trying to say, visit Alma Lightbody for energy work. Allow her to channel energy to help clear and heal a depleted body area and connect with the real you.
Speak Your Truth
Authenticity doesn’t mean expressing how you feel in a way that’s hurtful or judgmental. If you believe your authentic identity likes to belittle anyone, then you’re not listening to the real you—you’re listening to your worst and false self.
Instead, seek to express your deepest truth in a way that doesn’t lose sight of your ultimate goal. Improving how you communicate can have a significant impact on living authentically. Practice an assertive communication style that ensures open, honest conversations while still considering other people’s feelings. Set boundaries to prevent unhealthy communication and help you remain honest.
All in all, authenticity can feel like a big, abstract concept. But when you take a closer look, it comes down to your day-to-day actions. It’s those seemingly little moments, the minor things you say, your decisions, your actions that add up to you are. What we’re trying to say is only you have the power to become the best version of yourself. That being the case, commit to taking daily action towards authenticity. You’ll be surprised how simple it becomes to see those small acts add up.