We all strive to stay true to ourselves, don’t we?

But let’s be honest. It’s not always an easy thing to do.

With the constant pressure to conform, to meet societal expectations or to simply fit in, maintaining authenticity can feel like an uphill battle.

You might even start questioning – am I really being true to myself?

You’re not alone, my friend. This is a universal struggle.

The good news?

There are people who’ve figured out how to consistently preserve their authenticity. And they follow certain habits that help them do so.

Today, I’m going to reveal these 8 habits of people who always stay true to themselves. Some may surprise you. Others may challenge you.

But remember, I’m just here to share some wisdom that might help you along the way.

So, are you ready to dive in? Let’s get started.

1) Embracing individuality

The first habit is all about embracing your individuality. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Easier said than done, right? I used to think so too.

About a decade ago, I landed my dream job at a renowned company. I was thrilled, but soon realized that my bright colored clothes and unconventional ideas didn’t quite fit the corporate mould.

I started dressing more conservatively, began echoing popular opinions, and started losing a bit of “me” every day. 

It took me a while to see that in trying to fit in, I was slowly erasing and letting go of my own identity. The day I decided to embrace my individuality again, was the day I felt true to myself.

And you know what? Others started respecting my unique perspective too.

2) Setting personal boundaries

This one’s a game-changer. 

Picture this: It’s 6:30 PM on a Friday and you have plans with friends. Just as you’re about to leave, your boss drops a pile of work on your desk for the weekend.

What do you do? Well, old me would’ve cancelled my plans and worked through the weekend. 

But one day, I decided enough was enough. I respectfully informed my boss that I had personal commitments and couldn’t work on weekends anymore.

Guess what? He understood! 

The best part: by setting boundaries, not only did I reclaim my personal time, but also earned respect for standing up for myself.

Remember, it’s important to balance professional obligations with personal needs.

3) Listening to their intuition

Many people who stay authentic have a strong habit of listening to their intuition. This internal compass is more powerful than we often give it credit for. 

Did you know?

According to a study, our gut feelings are a collection of all our past experiences, current knowledge and subconscious observations.

This means when your intuition nudges you, it’s not just a random feeling. It’s an informed suggestion from your brain, based on the data it has gathered over time. 

Quick tip: Paying attention to it can help you make decisions that align with your true self.

4) Practicing self-love

More often than not, we are our own harshest critics.

We self-criticize ourselves over the smallest mistakes, and constantly compare ourselves to others. But those who remain true to their core know the significant importance of self-love. 

They understand that we all are works in progress, that each of us is on a unique journey with our own set of challenges. 

And so, they cherish themselves just as they are – flaws, quirks, and all. They nurture their strengths, work on their weaknesses, and most importantly, they forgive themselves when they fail.

This kindness towards oneself is a powerful habit that allows them to be authentic and content in their own skin.

5) Valuing honesty

I’ve always been a firm believer in honesty. But there was a time when I found myself in a situation that truly tested this belief.

I was working on a project with a tight deadline. Due to unforeseen issues, I came to the conclusion that it would be impossible to meet the deadline. Instead of doing what most would do – making up excuses or blaming others – I decided to be honest. 

I informed my team about the situation, accepted my part in the delay, and offered solutions to rectify it. It was a difficult conversation, but I felt lighter afterwards because I had stuck to my values. 

Over time, I’ve learned that honesty doesn’t just mean speaking the truth. It also means being honest with ourselves about our feelings, our strengths and our weaknesses. This honesty paves the way for authenticity.

6) Embracing vulnerability

People who are committed to their identities aren’t afraid to embrace vulnerability. They acknowledge that showing vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to their strength. 

And here’s the deal: It takes a lot of courage to open up, to share your fears and insecurities, but doing so gives others a chance to see the real you.

This authenticity is liberating and often, it helps in building deeper connections with others.

7) Constantly learning and growing

I remember my first job out of college – I was eager, ambitious, and ready to take on the world.

But I was shocked that the world of work was very different from the world of textbooks. I made many mistakes, stumbled, and failed. 

But each time, I picked myself up, learned from my mistakes, and grew a little more. This commitment to constant learning and growth has helped me keep my authenticity. 

Because at the end of the day, embracing yourself for who you truly are is not about being perfect; it’s about striving to be the best version of yourself.

8) Living according to their values

This last one might be the most important-living according to one’s values.

Values are like our personal compass. They guide us in making decisions that align with who we are at our core. 

These people make conscious choices that reflect their values, even when it’s challenging or inconvenient.

Whether it’s standing up for what they believe in, or opting out of situations that conflict with their values, they remain steadfast in their commitment to live authentically.

Final thoughts

So there you have it – 8 habits of people who always stay true to themselves. 

Let me tell you: these habits aren’t always easy to practice but they’re worth striving for.

After all, there’s nothing more rewarding than living a life that’s authentic to who you truly are.