Being true to yourself is not always easy, especially in a world that often demands conformity.
Authenticity involves being honest, genuine, and entirely yourself without being influenced by external factors. But how can you tell if you’re truly authentic?
Psychology provides some answers. There are certain signs that signal you’re a deeply authentic person.
In this article, we’ll explore ten such signs that reflect your authenticity. These signs are not about being perfect, but about being real, about embracing who you truly are.
Let’s dive in.
1) Embrace vulnerability
Being an authentic person requires a certain level of vulnerability. This doesn’t mean you’re weak, but rather that you’re strong enough to reveal your true self, even when it feels risky.
This idea is backed by renowned psychologist Brené Brown who says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Authentic people embrace their flaws and are not afraid to acknowledge them. They understand that vulnerability is an integral part of human nature and it’s what enables us to form deeper connections with others.
2) Live by your values
One of the key signs of being an authentic person is living in accordance with your values. Values act as your compass, guiding your decisions and shaping your life.
I remember when I was offered a job that paid an impressive salary, but it went against everything I held dear. The company culture was toxic, and their business practices were questionable at best. Despite the monetary allure, I turned down the offer.
Why? Because I wouldn’t compromise my values for a paycheck. It was a tough decision, but looking back, I realize it was the right one. It reinforced my identity as an authentic person.
As renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn and change.”
Being authentic means being flexible enough to change, but not so flexible that you lose sight of your core values.
If you’re someone who stands by your beliefs and lives in alignment with your values, then you are truly authentic.
3) Honesty, even when it hurts
Authenticity and honesty go hand in hand. Authentic people don’t sugarcoat the truth; they tell it like it is, even when it’s uncomfortable or painful.
There was a time in my life when I had to confront a dear friend about their self-destructive behavior. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I feared that it would end our friendship but knew I had to be honest for their sake.
In the words of psychologist Jordan Peterson, “Tell the truth, or at least don’t lie.” This doesn’t mean being brutally honest all the time, but it does mean communicating truthfully and respectfully.
Authentic people understand that honesty is a cornerstone of all strong relationships. They choose truth over comfort, indicating their deep authenticity.
4) Acceptance of self and others
One of the hallmarks of an authentic person is acceptance. They accept themselves, warts and all, and extend this acceptance to others.
I remember when I first started my career, I was constantly comparing myself to my colleagues. It was exhausting and unfulfilling. When I finally learned to accept myself, my strengths, my weaknesses, and stopped comparing, I found peace and contentment.
Famed psychologist Carl Jung once said, “The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
Accepting yourself, your journey, and others without judgment is a sign of an authentic person.
So if you don’t feel the need to put on a mask or pretend to be someone you’re not, then you’re showing the authenticity that resides within you.
5) Celebrate being different
In our society, fitting in is often valued over standing out. However, authentic people embrace their individuality and aren’t afraid to go against the grain.
In my own life, I’ve often found myself at odds with societal norms. Whether it’s my unconventional career choice or my preference for solitude over social gatherings, I’ve always embraced my differences rather than trying to hide them.
As psychologist Albert Ellis once said, “The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”
Authentic people celebrate their uniqueness and don’t feel compelled to conform to societal expectations. They understand that being different is not just okay, but it’s what makes them who they are.
6) Self-reflection is a constant
Authentic people are often introspective. They take the time to reflect on their actions, their choices, and their experiences.
I have always found solace in self-reflection, whether it’s jotting down my thoughts in a journal or simply sitting quietly with my thoughts. It’s during these moments of introspection that I get to understand myself better.
Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, once said, “Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise.” This self-honesty comes from frequent self-reflection.
If you find yourself constantly reflecting and seeking to understand your inner world better, then you’re likely a deeply authentic person.
7) Courage to express your feelings
Famed psychologist Daniel Goleman, known for his work on emotional intelligence, notes, “Self-awareness is the first component of emotional intelligence.” This awareness includes understanding and expressing our emotions.
An authentic person doesn’t shy away from expressing their feelings. They understand that emotions are a part of being human, and they’re not afraid to show them.
I’ve always been someone who wears their heart on their sleeve. I believe that expressing our feelings is not a sign of weakness but rather a sign of strength and authenticity.
If you’re someone who openly shares your joy, your sorrow, your anger, showing vulnerability in expressing your feelings, then this is a good indication that you’re a deeply authentic person.
8) You don’t seek external validation
Authentic people have a strong sense of self-worth. They don’t rely on external validation to feel good about themselves.
I’ve learned from personal experience that seeking approval from others is a never-ending chase. It was only when I began to validate myself that I truly felt content and fulfilled.
Psychologist Abraham Maslow, known for creating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, said, “What is necessary to change a person is to change his awareness of himself.” This includes becoming aware of where you seek validation.
If you find your self-esteem doesn’t fluctuate with others’ opinions and you validate your own worth, this is another sign of your deep authenticity.
9) Comfort in solitude
In a world that often equates being alone with being lonely, authentic people find comfort in their own company.
I’ve often found that my most profound thoughts and ideas come to me when I’m alone. I’ve come to cherish these moments of solitude as they provide me with clarity and peace.
Famed Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung once said, “Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself.”
Authentic people are comfortable spending time alone because they value their inner world just as much as their outer one.
If you enjoy your own company and find solitude refreshing rather than lonely, you’re exhibiting a strong sign of authenticity.
10) Unafraid to say no
Authentic people understand the power of saying no. They don’t feel obligated to please everyone and are unafraid to set boundaries.
Personally, learning to say no was a game-changer for me. It freed me from the burden of trying to meet everyone else’s expectations and allowed me to prioritize my own needs.
If you’re someone who’s not afraid to set boundaries and say no when necessary, it’s yet another sign of your authenticity.
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