Authenticity

Written by Tony Aloise

Authenticity is living as your true self, not an image.

We all put on an image occasionally. Dress to impress. Stay calm. Don’t cry. Never let them see you sweat. These are beliefs we might have that tempt us toward image.

First impressions with others are particularly interesting. We might put on a façade because “we never get a second chance to make a first impression”. We make choices when we go to a job interview, go on a first date or meet a significant person. Are we then stuck with this image?

It takes energy to NOT be authentic. We don’t want to be embarrassed or hurt emotionally, and we sometimes try to hide ourselves…for any number of reasons, maybe ego. Eventually our true self shows up. We owe it to ourselves to be more accepting of ourselves.

We live authentically by uncovering our values, beliefs and needs and being true to them.  We get in touch with them through reflection, observation and experimentation. We live authentically by accepting ourselves with all of our imperfections…our uniqueness. We want them to be consistent in daily life and at work. When values are not consistent, or we live by limiting beliefs, there can be stress.

We are the product of our environment, experiences and roles. We grow, evolve and become different and hopefully better people over time. Our true self evolves too but probably not as much as we think.

Do you know your true self? Do you like who you are?