How often have you been told to ‘be true to yourself’ while trying to be successful in life or finding acceptance from others? Chances are you probably have lost count. Whether you are preparing for a job interview or meeting prospective partners for your business, this is usually the first advice you get from your friends and your family. Although it sounds simple, being true to yourself is far from easy.
Let’s face it. Most of us are just trying to fit in and be accepted by others in all walks of life. The reason is quite simple: we all fear rejection. That’s why presenting an idealised version of ourselves seems like the best way to ensure we are accepted. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t adapt to a particular situation; however, changing our personality to please others is an issue we need to address. When we try to force ourselves to fit into the image created by others, we tend to lose touch with our true self—which isn’t healthy.
So, we need to be our authentic selves, especially in the age of social media, where we are constantly bombarded with perfect-looking pictures of influencers and personalities that often makes us feel insignificant. However, it’s important to understand that not everything that glitters is gold, and we do not need to copy someone in our pursuit of happiness. Remember, when you try to be true to yourself by becoming an authentic person, that can massively help boost your self-worth, enrich your relationships, and put you on the path of personal growth.
In her New York Times bestseller The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, author Brené Brown says, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” So, here are some tips that can help you find your authentic self.
Accept your flaws
Accepting your flaws can be a herculean task, as it needs immense courage and self-acceptance. Think about it. When was the last time you opened up to a person about your mistakes or shortcomings? Let’s say you failed an exam or your work assignment turned out to be below par. You try to brush these failures under the carpet and try not to discuss them with others due to the fear of being rejected or made fun of. No matter how hard you find it to accept your faults, real progress is possible only when you don’t deny them. If you want to be true to yourself, you should try to acknowledge your mistakes and find ways to learn from them and emerge successful during your next attempt. Don’t reject your shortcomings and accept only accept parts of yourselves. Learn to embrace your entire being by being true to yourself.
Being an authentic person means staying true to your values, beliefs, and personality, regardless of external influences or societal expectations.
Authenticity is important because it allows you to build genuine connections with others, fosters self-acceptance and self-esteem. Living authentically also promotes mental and emotional well-being, as you’re not constantly trying to conform to others’ expectations.
Practice self-awareness, be honest about your feelings and opinions, and make choices that align with your authentic self rather than seeking approval from others.
Embracing authenticity fosters personal growth and fulfillment by allowing you to live a life that aligns with your core values and passions.
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