Being authentic, truly being yourself, is often easier said than done.

Psychology tells us that authenticity involves a deep understanding of our true selves, but what does it look like to be a genuinely authentic person?

In this article, I’ll share eight standout traits that define authenticity, according to psychological research.

As someone who has spent years delving into mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve discovered that authenticity is the cornerstone of inner peace.

Let’s delve into these traits and see how we can integrate them into our lives. I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit, and I’m excited to take this journey with you.

1) Authentic people are self-aware

Authenticity begins with self-awareness.

Psychology tells us that authentic people have a profound understanding of themselves. They are aware of their strengths, weaknesses, and emotions, and they aren’t afraid to confront them.

Self-awareness is the starting point of authenticity because it’s about knowing who you truly are, and not just who you want to be or who others want you to be.

In the realm of mindfulness, this is about paying attention to our own experiences, thoughts and feelings, and accepting them without judgement. It’s about being present in the moment and truly understanding our emotions and reactions.

Authentic people don’t shy away from their feelings. They accept them as part of their identity, which allows them to live a life that is in harmony with their true selves.

Iif you’re striving for authenticity, start by looking inward. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, embrace them, and let them guide your actions. That’s the first step towards living an authentic life.

2) They are not afraid to show vulnerability

Authentic people understand that vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but a strength.

It’s not always easy to open up and show our true selves to the world. It takes courage to reveal our imperfections and express our feelings honestly. But authentic people do this because they recognize the value in being real and raw.

I’ve learned this firsthand in my journey with mindfulness and Buddhism. Being vulnerable allows us to connect with others on a deeper level and fosters genuine relationships.

Brene Brown once said, “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.”

When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we’re not just being authentic; we’re also inviting others to do the same. It’s a powerful way to foster connections and build trust. Don’t be afraid to show your true colors. Authenticity thrives in vulnerability.

3) They live by their values

Living an authentic life means adhering to your core values, even when it’s difficult. Authentic people don’t compromise their principles to fit into societal norms or to please others.

In Buddhism, this is tied to the concept of “Right Action”, one of the elements of the Eightfold Path. It refers to acting in ways that are in harmony with our inner truth and values.

Following “Right Action” means not harming others, being honest, and living a life that aligns with your deepest beliefs and principles. It’s about making choices that reflect who you truly are, not who you think others want you to be.

Authentic people understand the importance of this and strive to live in accordance with their values every day. They know that authenticity isn’t just about being true to themselves in the present moment, but also about aligning their actions with their long-term values and goals.

Living authentically means standing by your values, even when it’s tough. It’s a challenging path, but one that leads to true fulfillment.

4) They are present

Authentic people live in the here and now. They’re not preoccupied with regrets about the past or worries about the future. Instead, they focus on the present moment and embrace it fully.

This idea ties in closely with the concept of mindfulness. Mindfulness is all about being fully engaged in the current moment, paying attention to our thoughts and feelings without judgement.

Authentic people practice this naturally. They don’t let their minds wander to what might have been or what could be. They remain in the present, appreciating what is happening right now.

But being present doesn’t mean ignoring the past or future. Rather, it’s about not letting them take over our thoughts to the point that they detract from our current experiences.

If you want to be more authentic, practice mindfulness. Be present in each moment, and you’ll find that you’re not only more authentic but also more content with your life as it is.

5) They practice humility

Authentic individuals understand that they’re not perfect—and they don’t pretend to be. They acknowledge their flaws and are open to learning and growing.

This trait aligns with the Buddhist teachings on humility and egolessness. It’s about recognizing that we’re all equal, that no one is better than anyone else.

In my own journey towards living a more authentic life, I’ve found that practicing humility has allowed me to connect more deeply with others and with myself.

In fact, I delve deeper into this in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. I discuss the importance of humility in Buddhism, and how it can help us lead a more fulfilling, authentic life.

Authenticity isn’t about being the best; it’s about being real, humble, and open to growth.

6) They accept change

Change is an inevitable part of life. Authentic people understand this and embrace change rather than resist it.

In Buddhism, this aligns with the concept of impermanence, the idea that everything is constantly changing and nothing is permanent. It’s a fundamental aspect of our existence.

Authentic people are not scared of change. Instead, they see it as an opportunity for growth. They understand that to evolve as a person, they must be willing to adapt and change.

The practice of mindfulness also aids in accepting change. By being present in each moment, we learn to appreciate things as they are now, knowing they won’t always be this way.

Being authentic means embracing change, not fearing it. It’s about understanding that life is transient and that we must evolve with it.

7) They express their feelings openly

Being authentic also means being honest about your emotions. Authentic people don’t hide their feelings; they express them openly and honestly.

This doesn’t mean they’re ruled by their emotions. Instead, they recognize their feelings, understand them, and communicate them in a healthy manner.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist teacher, once said, “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”

This quote encapsulates the importance of acknowledging our feelings, but not letting them control us. It’s about finding balance and expressing our emotions in a constructive way.

If you want to live authentically, don’t suppress your feelings. Acknowledge them, express them, and let them guide you towards your truth.

8) They are okay with discomfort

Here’s something that might surprise you: authentic people are comfortable with being uncomfortable.

In seeking authenticity, we often encounter situations that take us out of our comfort zone. But instead of shying away from these moments, authentic individuals embrace them. They understand that discomfort often precedes growth.

This is where mindfulness comes in. Mindfulness teaches us to sit with our discomfort and observe it without judgment. It’s about accepting and experiencing our feelings as they are, not as we wish they were.

If you’re striving for authenticity, don’t avoid discomfort. Embrace it. It’s in these challenging moments that you’ll find opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Conclusion

Becoming an authentic person isn’t about following a set of rules. It’s about being true to yourself, embracing your flaws, and living in accordance with your values. It’s about being present, accepting change, expressing your feelings honestly, and being okay with discomfort.

Being authentic takes courage, humility, and a lot of self-awareness. But the rewards are worth it. Authenticity leads to deeper connections with others, a greater sense of fulfilment, and a more meaningful life.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to live authentically and in harmony with Buddhist teachings, I invite you to check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. In it, I delve deeper into these concepts and provide practical tips for living an authentic life.

Authenticity isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. So here’s to embracing the journey and living a life that’s truly yours.