Being authentic is a highly valued trait in today's society. It is understandable that people will gravitate toward those that do not come across as phony or ingenuine. That is why it is particularly important to surround yourself with authentic people and to live up to that standard yourself. Read on as we discuss what it means to be authentic.
What Is Authenticity?
In today's increasingly wired world, it can be difficult to achieve true authenticity or to recognize it when you see it. It is more difficult to form strong and genuine connections when you are always behind a screen. Authentic people possess the ability to express their true emotions clearly and freely. These people are also willing to learn from their mistakes to make themselves better. Authentic people are accepting of others as they are and do not force people to change to fit their expectations.
The Impact of Social Media
The impact of social media on the deterioration of true authenticity cannot be overstated. It can be tempting to create an unrealistic portrayal of your life on social media, which might be part of the reason why there is a link between social media and depression. While there are many positives that have come out of the rise of social media, it is important to recognize its limitations in bringing people together. You can do your part by resisting the urge to portray an inaccurate version of yourself on social media. You also need to avoid the constant comparison game that goes on with social media. Instead, focus on being real with what you choose to share and allow yourself to be vulnerable.
How to Be Authentic
The first step in learning to be authentic is noticing when you are being inauthentic. Listen to that instinct that tells you that you are not being yourself and do something to correct the situation. You need to be willing to put your inauthenticity aside and let people learn about the real you. This means that you are going to need to not care what people think about you and instead value being the person that you are meant to be.
Being true to yourself means that you have the courage to define what is important to you and to live your life according to those standards. Once you have achieved this, you are well on your way to living an authentic life.