Is the person the world sees really who you are? How real are you being in your life? Sometimes it feels difficult to show up in our life in an authentic way. We tend to behave as we think we need to be or should be. We stop ourselves from saying what we feel or think for fear of not being liked or accepted.
Being authentic requires courage. The courage to act consistently with what is true for us even in the face of fear or uncertainty. It is connecting with the core of who we are, our values and beliefs. When we are authentic, our inner world of thoughts matches our outer world of actions.
Authenticity demands that we break away from old patterns of behaviors that prevent us from being our true selves. Authenticity is about embracing our strengths and values to create meaning and purpose in our lives.
Discovering our authentic self entails us to look deeper into ourselves and take action. Here are six ways to explore your authenticity and three action steps.
Ways to explore your authentic self
Know your values. What is important to you? If you know what you value, you can behave in ways that honor those values.
Know your passions. What are you doing when you feel most alive? Look at the strengths and the gifts in your life and pursue what you are good at. Follow what brings you joy and fulfillment.
Know your needs. Is there a dream you’ve pushed aside or put on hold? Take care of yourself. If you’re unhappy, it will show up in your attitude and behavior.
Know your purpose. What is your life’s mission? What kind of life do you want to live? By knowing your life’s purpose you are better prepared to make choices that are true to who you are and to stand up for those choices.
Dwell in gratitude. Develop an interconnected sense of being. Instead of complaining about what you don’t have, look around and discover what you are grateful for.
Empty your cup. If we let our minds be filled with other people’s opinions and ideas, how can we be true to who we are? We cannot pour something into a vessel that is already full.
Action Steps
Quiet your mind. Hear the longing that is often drowned out by your own busyness and worry.
Meditate
Enjoy the moment
Slow down
Appreciate your uniqueness. Identify the skills and abilities that define you at your core.
Believe in yourself
Let go of self-doubt
Celebrate small successes
Master the fear. Identify your fear and find the root.
Face your fear
Climb out of your comfort zone
Take a small step in spite of it
Discover who you truly are. It is your life. Live it authentically.