What does it mean to be authentic? Although I believe we as humans have more in common then we do different, our differences create our individual authenticity. We are all unique, but it is our uniqueness in conjunction to living an honest life that creates personal authenticity. Authentic is defined as, “of undisputed origin; genuine”, “relating to or denoting an emotionally appropriate, significant, purposive, and responsible mode of human life.” Each of us is genuine when the behaviors that reflect our personality are honest, and each of us has the opportunity to create a responsible mode of human life. What makes you authentic? Your talents, skills and personality create the substance of your uniqueness, and when applied honestly you develop your authenticity. We all have the potential to be individually authentic, and it is uplifting to think of ourselves as one who is authentic based on the structure of our character and personality. Personality is defined as “the combination of characteristics that form and individual’s distinctive character”, “qualities that make someone interesting or popular”.

Being authentic is not creating behavioral characteristics to please others for acceptance, when those characteristics are not truly reflective of the person you are. Authenticity is not covering up your own weaknesses by pretending to be someone you are not. One who is authentic is true to his or her values, and will develop a substance of character and behavior that reflects those values. What are the factors that challenge our ability to be authentic? Each day there are external societal pressures and influences that challenge our ability to maintain our authenticity. The need for advancement, the desire for money and power, immediate gratification and material abundance are all factors that have the potential to compromise our ability to maintain authenticity. When we succumb to needs not in alignment with our values we are violating what it means to be authentic. “Authenticity in psychology refers to the attempt to live one’s life according to the needs of one’s inner being, rather than the demands of society or one’s early conditioning.” Does your personal definition of success compliment your authenticity, or have the demands of society deterred you away from a genuine sense of self?

Personally, I believe a genuinely authentic person is never dishonest. To be disingenuous is the antithesis of being authentic. The key to embracing your authenticity is behaving in a way that reflects the trueness of who you are rather then displaying what you want others to perceive you as being. Authenticity is honesty with self, and honesty with self is acceptance of self. Taking ownership for the wonderment of you, and knowing that it is never at the expense of others is an authentic spirit of ones character and identity. Outward identity is established from the adaptation of ones values to their personality for the benefit of those around them. Think about what makes you wonderful and celebrate the authenticity that you possess. Your authenticity is most readily revealed in the company of family and friends. They know when you are disingenuous and violating the trueness of your character. They have been there in good times and bad and have witnessed what it is that makes you, you. To betray family and friends is the ultimate betrayal of oneself.

A key to fulfillment is to acknowledge and be accountable for the times we violate our authenticity. It allows us to maintain a path that is in alignment with what makes us authentic. How many of us are living a life that is a true reflection of what we honestly believe about ourselves? If we are not, there is little capability to be authentic. Embrace the beauty of who you are. I believe each of us has an authentic purpose in life, and each of us matters. The revelation in discovering your own authenticity is when your behaviors are consistent with your values, your personality is mutually respectful of others yet unique to yourself, and honesty is present in all that you do. You do matter, and to utilize your authenticity to enhance the lives of those around you only exemplifies the value of you, and your greatness in being authentic.

TAGS: