The one thing you can do better than anyone else in this world is to be yourself. Why then is your authenticity and being your authentic self so elusive for so many people?

Surprisingly, for many, showing up in the world as yourself can confusing, uncomfortable, and scary. Younger generations, who immerse themselves in social media and incessantly text on their cellphones, particularly experience this. Earlier generations weren’t subjected to the overwhelming influx of viewpoints and perspectives enabled by today’s digital technology. Nor did they experience the illusory feeling of being part of extensive online communities with unfamiliar individuals.

Add to this, the stark and ubiquitous social and political divide created by the current all-or-nothing, us-versus-them American mindset. The truth is few people truly fit squarely in either extreme.

DEFINITION OF AUTHENTICITY

Most dictionary definitions of authenticity focus on commercial product qualities and origins. Thus, they don’t translate well to people and their inanimate qualities such as authenticity. But, the idea and use of the word are not new. Still, it remains difficult to define the term or precisely measure it. Furthermore, untangling the cause-and-effect connections among correlated variables such as happiness, assurance, and personal autonomy, among others, is extremely challenging.

Nevertheless, a useful and succinct definition of authenticity is living your life according to your values and goals, rather than those of other people.

The idea is that when you work from your inside out, from what you feel or sense inside yourself, you’re true to yourself. That’s authentic. For example, trust your instincts and intuition. Follow your gut or your heart, both of which will reveal your subjective notion, or the whole “felt sense,” of your choices and actions.

When you’re being authentic, you speak for yourself and stand up for yourself. It happens more naturally and with greater ease. And, it’s less effortful than mimicking and justifying some kind of persona. This is because when you’re genuine, you get a full embodied sense that signals you’re acting on what you believe is true and what has value for you from your life experience.

Authentic Versus Different

Sometimes people equate authenticity with being different or iconoclastic. This is incorrect. It’s only true when you sincerely have different opinions and preferences.

However, if you recognize that you share certain traits or viewpoints with others, then behaving in a manner that truly reflects who you are would probably result in concurrence or uniformity in these instances, rather than disparity.

Standing Your Ground Verus Simply Getting Your Way

Another misconception about authenticity is that being your true self means you always stand your ground and get your way. This is also untrue. Most reasonable and amicable people consider others’ wants, needs, and preferences. They consider options and compromises. You can still be authentic and feel good about going along with others.

10 REASONS WHY AUTHENTICITY IS IMPORTANT

There are many benefits to knowing who you truly are and acting from that understanding.

1. Greater clarity about your wants, needs, and aspirations
2. Better knowledge about and appreciation for yourself
3. More confidence and self-assuredness about who you are and the choices you make
4. Less vigilant and worried about others’ choices and opinions and how they reflect on you
5. More apt to feel more at ease and open
6. Improved balance, health, and well-being
7. Receive trust and respect from people because you’re notably genuine
8. Experience enthusiasm and true passion as you act following your true self and what you genuinely desire
9. Better self-esteem and honest (non-egoistic) self-pride by following your passion, confidence, and integrity
10. Greater chances of living the authentic life you want

So, be more authentic and reap these benefits.

To do so, avoid letting yourself get pulled into fads, trends, or popular personas on social media. Step out of the game of share and despair. Allocate more time to self-reflection and getting to know yourself. Next, develop your unique identity and viewpoints, act in a manner that aligns with your true self, and advocate for your beliefs and actions.

FOR MORE ON OR ASSISTANCE WITH BEING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF, SEE:

Starchaser Mind-Body-Spirit Blog, in particular:

• The Transform Yourself category
• Be Your Authentic Self With 3 Heart-Centered Techniques,
• How Your Embodiment Shapes Your Life
• How to Be Authentic and True to Yourself