Living a fake life is exhausting. Trust me, I’ve been there. You’re constantly on edge, trying to be someone you’re not. And for what? The approval of others?

Guess what? There’s a better way. A way to live that is genuine, real and so much more fulfilling.

This is about embracing authenticity, about being truly you. And I’ve got 8 tips that will help you do exactly that.

So, if you’re tired of the pretense, stick around. Because real life, your real life, starts here.

1) Embrace your imperfections

Nobody’s perfect. And guess what? That’s totally okay.

In a world where social media often presents an airbrushed, picture-perfect version of life, it can be really tough to accept our own flaws and shortcomings. But in reality, these imperfections are what make us human.

Living authentically means not just accepting these imperfections, but actually embracing them. They’re part of who you are, and they make you unique.

Remember, it’s our differences that make us interesting, not our sameness. So next time you find yourself trying to cover up a flaw or mistake, try acknowledging it instead. You might be surprised at the sense of relief and liberation that comes from no longer having to pretend.

The journey towards authenticity starts with self-acceptance. So let’s start by accepting, and even loving, our imperfect selves. After all, we’re only human.

2) Listen to your gut

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made decisions based on what I thought I “should” do, instead of what I really wanted to do. And more often than not, I ended up regretting those decisions.

Take the time I accepted a job offer because it seemed like the logical next step in my career. It paid well and had a fancy title, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t right for me. I didn’t enjoy the work, and the corporate culture was a terrible fit for my personality.

My gut had been telling me not to accept the offer, but I ignored it because on paper, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. But instead of bringing me happiness and fulfillment, that job brought me nothing but stress and unhappiness.

Living authentically means trusting your gut instincts. They’re often more accurate than we give them credit for. So the next time you have a big decision to make, take a moment to check in with your gut. It might just steer you in the right direction.

3) Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is all about being fully present in the moment. It means not worrying about the past or future, but simply experiencing what’s happening right now.

A study published in the Journal of Research in Personality discovered that individuals who practice mindfulness experience a higher level of authenticity. They’re more in tune with their feelings and emotions and are therefore more likely to act in a way that aligns with their true selves.

It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to sit quietly, focus on your breath, and really tune into your senses. Not only can this help you feel more grounded and centered, but it can also help you connect with your authentic self.

4) Speak your truth

Being authentic is all about being honest, especially with yourself. It’s about having the courage to express your thoughts and feelings openly and honestly, even when it’s uncomfortable or difficult.

This doesn’t mean being rude or inconsiderate. It’s about expressing your truth with kindness and respect. It means standing up for what you believe in, even if it’s unpopular.

Speaking your truth can be liberating. It allows you to live in alignment with your values and beliefs, which is an essential part of living authentically. So don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard. Your opinions matter and sharing them is a vital step towards living a more authentic life.

5) Let go of the need for approval

One of the hardest things about living authentically is letting go of the need for approval. It’s human nature to want to be liked and accepted by others, but sometimes, this desire can lead us to compromise our own values and beliefs.

It’s not easy, I know. We all want to fit in, to feel part of a community. But at what cost? Living authentically means prioritizing your own happiness and well-being over the opinions of others.

Remember, you are enough, just as you are. You don’t need to change yourself to fit someone else’s idea of who you should be. Letting go of the need for approval can be incredibly freeing and is a crucial step towards living an authentic life.

6) Surround yourself with genuine people

There was a time in my life when I found myself surrounded by people who were more interested in the image they projected than who they really were. It was draining, trying to keep up appearances, and it made me question my own authenticity.

I realized that to start living authentically, I needed to surround myself with genuine people. People who valued authenticity as much as I did. People who were not afraid to be themselves and encouraged me to do the same.

It wasn’t an overnight change, but slowly, I started cultivating relationships with people who inspired me, supported me, and made me feel comfortable being my true self. And I’ve never looked back since.

The company you keep can greatly influence your own authenticity. So, choose wisely. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be your best and most authentic self.

7) Practice self-compassion

Living authentically doesn’t mean you won’t make mistakes. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When you’re living authentically, you’re likely to make more mistakes because you’re taking risks, stepping out of your comfort zone, and trying new things.

And that’s where self-compassion comes in. It’s about recognizing that it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s about treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d extend to a good friend.

Practicing self-compassion can help soften the blow of mistakes and failures, making it easier to pick yourself up and move forward. And moving forward, even after a setback, is a key part of living an authentic life. So be kind to yourself. You deserve it.

8) Prioritize self-discovery

At the heart of living authentically is a deep understanding of who you are. Your values, your passions, your strengths, your weaknesses. And that understanding comes from a commitment to ongoing self-discovery.

This is not a one-time process. As you grow and evolve, so too will your understanding of yourself. So make time for self-reflection. Explore new interests and passions. Challenge yourself. Step out of your comfort zone.

This commitment to continual self-discovery will keep you connected to your authentic self, helping you to live a life that is truly aligned with who you are.

Embrace the journey

Living authentically isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s a journey that requires self-discovery, honesty, and a whole lot of courage.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being real, being you. It’s about letting go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embracing who you truly are.

The journey towards authenticity can be challenging and at times, uncomfortable. But it’s also incredibly rewarding. Because on the other side of that discomfort is a life that is richer, more fulfilling, and ultimately, more aligned with who you truly are.

So take the first step. Start today. Embrace these 8 ways to live authentically.

Because at the end of the day, the only person you should ever strive to be is yourself. And you are enough, just as you are.