Authenticity can sometimes feel like a battle. You’re squaring off with expectations, societal pressures, and the ever-present fear of judgment.

But here’s the thing. To truly be yourself, you have to let go of a few things.

It’s time to say goodbye to outdated norms and unnecessary pressures that are keeping you from embracing your true self.

In this article titled “If being authentic feels hard, try saying goodbye to these 9 societal pressures”, I’m going to share with you the things that might be holding you back from authenticity.

So, buckle up. Let’s tackle this head-on and find our way back to who we truly are.

1) Perfectionism

Perfectionism is a societal pressure that has been ingrained in most of us since childhood. It’s the all-or-nothing mentality that if we can’t do something perfectly, we shouldn’t do it at all.

This thought process is not only damaging to our mental health, but it also hampers our ability to be authentic. Because, let’s face it, nobody’s perfect.

When we try to portray an image of perfection, we’re not being true to ourselves. We’re hiding our flaws and mistakes, which are a part of who we are.

Letting go of the need to be perfect can be liberating. It allows us to embrace our mistakes, learn from them and move forward.

Remember, authenticity isn’t about perfection. It’s about being real and honest with ourselves and others. So, the next time you feel pressured to be perfect, remind yourself that it’s okay to be imperfect. That’s what makes you, you.

2) The need to always be busy

I’ve always been one of those people who felt the need to fill every moment of every day with something productive. The societal pressure to constantly be busy had me convinced that if I wasn’t doing something, I was wasting time.

But here’s the kicker. This constant busyness didn’t give me the space to pause, reflect, or simply be myself.

I remember a time when I was juggling a full-time job, a side hustle, and trying to maintain a social life. I was exhausted, stressed, and disconnected from myself.

It took me hitting a wall of burnout to realize that this pressure to be perpetually busy wasn’t serving me well. It was keeping me from being authentic.

I’ve since learned that it’s okay to slow down. To take time for myself. To just be. And in doing so, I’ve found that I’m not only more authentic but also happier and more fulfilled.

If you find yourself trapped in the cycle of endless busyness, take a moment to step back. Ask yourself if you’re being true to who you are, or if you’re just trying to keep up with societal expectations.

3) The desire to conform

Societal pressure often comes with an unspoken rule – fit in or be ostracized. The desire to conform can be so strong that it becomes second nature to suppress our true selves.

This isn’t surprising when you consider that humans are inherently social creatures. According to anthropologists, our survival as a species has depended on our ability to form social groups and work together. This has led to a deep-seated need to belong and fit in.

However, while conforming might have been beneficial from a survival perspective, it can stifle our individuality in today’s world.

Being authentic means resisting the urge to conform for the sake of fitting in. It involves expressing your unique ideas, values, and personality, even if they don’t align with those around you.

Remember, being different doesn’t make you odd, it makes you authentic. So don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd. It’s your uniqueness that makes you truly you.

4) The fear of judgment

Fear of judgment is a powerful societal pressure that can stop us from being authentic. We worry about how others perceive us, what they’ll think if we step out of line, or if they’ll reject us for being different.

This fear can often hold us back from pursuing our passions, expressing our true feelings, or simply being ourselves. It can make us hide our true selves and put on a mask to fit into society’s expectations.

But here’s the thing. Everyone has their own opinions and judgments, and we can’t control that. What we can control is our reaction to it.

When we let go of the fear of judgment, we give ourselves the freedom to be who we really are. We open up to authentic experiences, genuine relationships, and a life lived on our own terms.

So the next time you find yourself fearing judgment, remember that it’s your life. You have the right to live it in a way that feels true to you.

5) The pressure to always be happy

In today’s social media-driven world, there’s a constant pressure to always appear happy and content. Scroll through any social media feed, and you’ll see picture-perfect lives filled with endless joy.

This societal pressure to always be happy can make us feel inadequate if we’re experiencing negative emotions. It can make us feel like we need to hide our true feelings and put on a happy facade.

But being authentic means acknowledging and accepting all our emotions, not just the positive ones. It’s okay to feel sad, angry, or frustrated. These emotions are a part of the human experience, and they’re as real and valid as happiness or joy.

So, don’t let societal pressures dictate your emotional state. It’s okay not to be okay sometimes. Embrace your feelings, because they make you human, and being human is being authentic.

6) The notion of the ‘ideal’ body

We live in a society that’s obsessed with physical appearance. Every day, we’re bombarded with images of ‘ideal’ bodies and faces, making us feel as if we don’t measure up.

This pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty can wreak havoc on our self-esteem and sense of worth. It can also prevent us from embracing and loving our true selves, imperfections and all.

But here’s what we need to remember: beauty is subjective. It’s not defined by society, but by our hearts. It’s about being comfortable in our own skin and loving ourselves as we are.

Authenticity is about accepting and loving your body, not because it meets societal standards, but because it’s uniquely yours. It carries you through life, enabling you to experience the world in your own beautiful way.

So let’s say goodbye to the pressure of the ‘ideal’ body and hello to body positivity and self-love. Because you are beautiful, just as you are.

7) The pressure to have it all figured out

A few years ago, I found myself feeling incredibly lost. I had a steady job, a loving family, and a comfortable life. By societal standards, I was successful. But inside, I felt like I was drowning in uncertainty.

Society often pressures us to have our lives completely planned out – the perfect career, the ideal family, the dream house. But life is rarely that straightforward.

This pressure to have it all figured out can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt if our lives don’t follow this ‘perfect’ plan.

But here’s the truth. It’s okay not to have it all figured out. It’s okay to change paths, to explore, to make mistakes. Life is a journey of discovery, not a destination with a fixed roadmap.

Authenticity is about embracing the unknown, following your own path, and trusting yourself. So let’s say goodbye to the pressure of having it all figured out and hello to embracing life’s uncertainties.

8) The need to always be in control

Society often equates control with strength and power. We’re taught that we need to control our emotions, our circumstances, and our futures.

This pressure to always be in control can lead us to suppress our feelings, resist change, and fear the unknown. It can prevent us from living authentically and embracing life’s unpredictability.

But the reality is, we can’t control everything. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and that’s what makes it interesting.

Being authentic means acknowledging that it’s okay to not have control over everything. It’s about embracing change, expressing emotions, and being open to new experiences.

So the next time you feel the pressure to always be in control, remember that it’s okay to let go sometimes. Life is a journey of discovery, and sometimes, the best discoveries are made when we relinquish control and just go with the flow.

9) The fear of being different

At the core of many societal pressures is the fear of being different. We’re often taught that difference equals deviation, which can result in ostracization or rejection.

But the truth is, our differences are what make us unique. They are what make us stand out from the crowd, what give us our individuality, and what make us authentic.

Embracing our differences instead of hiding them is a powerful act of self-love and authenticity. Your quirks, your passions, your viewpoints – these are not flaws to be hidden but facets to be celebrated.

So, fear not your uniqueness. Embrace your differences. Remember, in a world where everyone is trying to fit in, being different isn’t just okay—it’s beautiful.

Final thoughts: Embrace your authentic self

At the heart of our journey towards authenticity is the understanding that we are all beautifully unique. We each have our own individual quirks, passions, and experiences that shape who we are.

Psychologist and author Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Acceptance of self, in all our imperfections and uniqueness, is the first step towards authenticity.

Societal pressures can often cloud our perception of self, pushing us to conform, hide, or alter who we are to fit a certain mold. But remember that these pressures are external forces. They do not define you.

Your authenticity lies within you. It’s in your passions, your values, your dreams, and your journeys. It’s in your courage to stand out from the crowd, to embrace your differences, and to live your life on your own terms.

So as we bid goodbye to these societal pressures, let’s celebrate our individuality and embrace our authentic selves. Because in a world full of copies, there’s nothing more powerful than being unapologetically you.