Authenticity. It’s a word that holds weight, especially in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of perfection and unrealistic expectations. And guess what? Being your true self is not always easy.

In fact, there are many behaviors that may be holding you back from being completely authentic. These actions can cloud your genuine self, muddying the waters of who you really are.

But don’t worry – shedding these behaviors is doable. And once you do, you’ll be on your way to embracing your true self.

So, let’s dive into these behaviors you need to say goodbye to if you want to be a truly authentic person. Let’s get real, shall we?

1) Trying to please everyone

Welcome to the authenticity killer number one: people-pleasing.

We’ve all been there. The need to be liked, to fit in, to avoid conflict – it can be overwhelming. But in the process, we often end up losing ourselves.

Being authentic means standing up for what you believe in, even if it might cause disagreement. It means staying true to your values and not letting others dictate your actions or decisions.

Authenticity requires us to stop trying to be everyone’s cup of tea because, let’s face it – that’s impossible. Instead, focus on being true to yourself. It might not always be easy, but it’s the only way to live a life that is genuinely yours.

So, if you want to be a truly authentic person, it’s time to say goodbye to trying to please everyone. Remember, the ones who matter won’t mind, and the ones who mind don’t matter.

2) Wearing masks

Confession time. I used to be a master mask-wearer. I had a different persona for every occasion – the perfect employee, the life of the party, the diligent student. I thought these masks were helping me to fit in and be accepted.

But here’s what I learned: hiding behind these masks was exhausting and unfulfilling. I was so busy trying to be who I thought others wanted me to be, that I lost sight of who I truly was.

Being authentic means dropping these masks and allowing your true self to shine through. It means embracing your quirks, your passions, and your beliefs, even if they don’t align with those around you.

So, my advice to you? Be brave, be bold, and be you. It’s liberating to live life without masks, and it’s the only way to truly embrace authenticity.

3) Avoiding vulnerability

Contrary to popular belief, vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, renowned psychologist and author Brené Brown has extensively studied vulnerability and found it to be a cornerstone of authentic living.

Vulnerability involves exposing our true selves – our fears, our failures, our hopes, and our dreams. It can be uncomfortable and even scary, but it’s also where genuine connection and growth happens.

Being authentic requires the courage to be vulnerable. It’s about owning your story and embracing your imperfections. So if you want to live authentically, say goodbye to avoiding vulnerability and start embracing your beautifully imperfect self.

4) Ignoring your intuition

Your intuition is that little voice inside of you that nudges you towards or away from certain situations. It’s your gut feeling, your inner guide.

Ignoring this voice can lead you down paths that aren’t truly aligned with who you are. You may find yourself in situations that don’t feel right, or making decisions that go against your values.

Being authentic means tuning into your intuition and allowing it to guide your decisions. It involves trusting yourself and understanding that you know what’s best for you.

So, if you’re striving to be more authentic, start listening to that inner voice. It’s there for a reason. Follow it, and it will lead you towards a life that is truly yours.

5) Comparing yourself to others

We live in a world where we’re constantly bombarded with images of seemingly perfect lives. Social media feeds full of flawless selfies, dream vacations, and success stories can easily make us feel like we’re falling behind.

Caught in this comparison trap, we might start to change ourselves, to fit into what we perceive as the ideal. But, here’s the thing: authenticity isn’t about being perfect or living up to someone else’s standards. It’s about being true to who you are.

So, if you want to be more authentic, it’s time to stop comparing yourself to others. Remember, everyone is on their own journey. Focus on your own path and celebrate your unique qualities and achievements.

6) Hiding your past

Each one of us has a past. It’s made up of moments of joy, moments of pain, victories, failures, lessons learned, and experiences that have shaped us into who we are today.

Many of us have parts of our past that we’d rather forget. We might feel ashamed or embarrassed, and we try to hide these parts from others. But our past is a part of us.

Being authentic means embracing your past, not running from it. It’s about acknowledging where you’ve come from and how it’s shaped you. Our pasts are filled with lessons that can help us grow and become better versions of ourselves.

So, if you want to live authentically, stop hiding your past. Embrace it. It’s made you into the unique and beautiful person you are today.

7) Suppressing emotions

I used to believe that showing emotions was a sign of weakness. I kept my feelings bottled up, putting on a brave face, even when I was hurting inside. But over time, I realized that this was holding me back from being my true self.

Our emotions are a part of us. They’re what make us human. Suppressing them means denying a part of ourselves.

Being authentic means acknowledging and expressing your feelings, whether they’re of joy or sorrow, love or anger. It’s about allowing yourself to feel and showing others that it’s okay to do the same.

So, if you want to be truly authentic, let go of the need to suppress your emotions. Feel them, express them, embrace them. They’re a part of who you are.

8) Living by others’ expectations

We all grow up with certain expectations set by our families, our communities, even society as a whole. These expectations can often shape our actions, our decisions, and the way we live our lives.

The danger comes when we start living solely by these expectations without questioning whether they align with our true selves. We might end up in a career we hate, or in a relationship that doesn’t fulfill us, simply because it’s what’s expected.

Being authentic means breaking free from these expectations and forging your own path. It’s about living life on your terms, according to your own values and aspirations.

So, if you’re striving to be more authentic, it’s time to let go of living by others’ expectations. Your life is your own. Live it authentically.

9) Not loving yourself

At the core of authenticity is self-love. It’s about accepting and appreciating yourself for who you are, flaws and all. It’s about treating yourself with kindness and respect, just as you would treat someone you love.

Without self-love, authenticity is impossible. You cannot be true to yourself if you don’t love and value the person you are.

So, if you want to be truly authentic, start with loving yourself. It’s the most important step on this journey towards authenticity. Embrace who you are, every part of you. You are enough, just as you are.

Final thoughts: Embrace your authenticity

Human beings are complex and beautifully unique. Each one of us carries a distinct blend of experiences, values, and perspectives that define who we are.

Being authentic isn’t about being perfect or fitting into a mold. It’s about embracing your individuality and living in alignment with your true self.

Remember, authenticity is a journey, not a destination. As you navigate this journey, remember to be kind to yourself. Celebrate your progress, learn from your missteps, and continue to strive for authenticity.

Renowned author and speaker, Brené Brown, once said, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.”

So, embrace who you are. Love yourself. Be authentic. After all, there’s only one you in this world. And that’s your superpower.