Become Your Authentic Self and Be Your Best Self

In a world where everyone seems to live their lives on social media it can feel like a challenge finding and becoming your authentic self. There is the added pressure of societal expectations, media influences, and comparing yourself to others. 

Being brave enough to show the world your magic and living your true authentic self will bring you a more fulfilling, joyful, and meaningful life. Unlocking your best self begins with self-discovery, self-acceptance, and continual growth. 

Here’s 8 simple steps to help you on your transformative journey to being you.

1. What Does It Mean to Be Authentic?

Authenticity is living in alignment with who you truly are at your core and not dancing to the beat of someone else's drum. It involves embracing your values, beliefs, feelings, and desires and ditching the mask that we at times find ourselves hiding behind. 

Being authentic also means recognizing your  vulnerabilities, flaws, and strengths, and allowing yourself to evolve and shine bright. Authentic people aren't afraid to be transparent, open-minded, and are comfortable in their own skin. 

Key Elements of Authenticity:

• Self-awareness: Knowing your values, strengths, and weaknesses.
• Consistency: Aligning your words and actions with your beliefs.
• Honesty: Being truthful with yourself and others.
• Courage: Willingness to be raw, vulnerable and face challenges without losing your sense of self.

2. Self-Discovery: Getting to Know Yourself At The Core of Your Being

Becoming your authentic self requires a deep dive into self-reflection and exploration. Start by asking yourself some key questions:

• What are my core values?
• What lights me up and brings me joy and fulfilment?
• When do I feel most like myself?
• What are my strengths?
• How can I make a positive impact in the world?
• What limiting beliefs or fears keep me stuck?

Take Practical Steps for Self-Discovery:

• Journaling: writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences on a daily basis brings clarify to your inner world.
• Meditation and Mindfulness: These practices help you connect to your thoughts and emotions without being self-critical, creating space for deeper self-awareness.

3. Not Seeking The Approval Of Others

One of the biggest obstacles to authenticity is the fear of rejection or judgment. To accept yourself for who you are and to know yourself better than anybody else is your secret weapon. It's tapping into your power and holding on to it that gives you the confidence, courage and bravery to show up in the world unapologetically. Learning to let go of the need for external validation is a crucial step in becoming your authentic self.

Tips for Letting Go of Approval-Seeking:

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say "no" when something conflicts with your values or well-being.
• Acceptance of Imperfection: Embrace your imperfections; they make you unique.
• Cultivate Self-Care: Be kind to yourself and show yourself some compassion.
• Get Support: Surround yourself with people who love, appreciate and accept you for who you are, not for who they want you to be.

4. Living in Alignment with Your Values and Beliefs

Living authentically means aligning with your core values and beliefs to help you make better informed decisions.

How to Align with Your Values:

• Evaluate Your Choices: Regularly assess whether your choices in relationships, career, and lifestyle reflect your values.
• Set Goals that Reflect Your Values: Create both short-term and long-term goals that allow you to live out your values.
• Make Decisions with Integrity: Even when faced with difficult decisions, prioritize what feels true to your values over what is convenient or expected.

5. Show Your Vulnerability

Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but it's your superpower that creates deeper, real and raw connections with others and supercharge your personal growth. When you allow yourself to be open about your feelings, fears, and insecurities, you create space for authentic relationships.

How to Embrace Vulnerability:

• Be Honest About Your Feelings: Share your true emotions with those you trust.
• Take Risks: Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if there’s a chance of failure.
• Learn from Rejection: Use setbacks and criticism as opportunities for growth instead of reasons to shut down.

6. Continuous Growth and Self-Improvement

Starting your journey to becoming your best self requires continual growth and evolution. Authenticity isn't about being static or fixed, it's about embracing the process of learning, adapting. Commit to self-improvement, but do so in a way that feels aligned with who you are, not out of pressure to be someone you're not.

How to Foster Personal Growth:

• Set Personal Development Goals: Focus on areas where you want to grow—whether it’s emotional resilience, communication, or creativity.
• Adopt a Growth Mindset: Believe that you can develop your abilities through dedication and effort.
• Practice Gratitude: Cultivate gratitude to appreciate your progress and remain grounded in the present.

7. Surround Yourself with Authentic People

The people you surround yourself with can either support or undermine your journey toward authenticity. Seek out relationships that are built on trust, openness, and mutual respect. Authentic people encourage your growth, celebrate your uniqueness, and challenge you to stay true to yourself. They don't judge you. Let go of trying to protect your self-image.

Ways to Build Authentic Relationships:

• Be Selective: Choose friends and partners who align with your values and appreciate your true self.
• Communicate Openly: Practice open, honest communication with those around you.
• Distance Yourself from Toxic Influences: Let go of relationships that pressure you to conform or compromise your values.

8. Be Brave, Be Confident, Be Fearless

Stand proud in your authenticity and when you walk into any room you find yourself in, avoid shrinking yourself to fit in. Your tribe will gravitate towards you and the right people you surround yourself with will accept you for who you are. Be brave and have the confidence to remove the mask and raise your vibration. Embrace being limitless and having freedom to live your life on your own terms.

Conclusion:

Becoming your authentic self and being your best self is not a one-time event, but a lifelong process. You’ll discover a deeper sense of fulfilment, happiness and joy in you life, so go head and shine bright!

Let's Have a Conversation:

Have there been moments when you felt pressure to be someone you're not? How did  you get through it?