Some of my very favorite people I surround myself with and learn from are those who have made sincere efforts in their personal growth journey to embrace their true self - to be authentic.

What does authenticity really mean, though, and how can we embark on the path to achieving it?

Authenticity, at its core, encompasses trustworthiness, honesty and being genuine. It is about being true to oneself, not pretending to be someone you aren't, and avoiding insincerity.

To develop and maintain authenticity, there are 6 STRATEGIES to consider in your journey to a more authentic self:

1. Explore your values: Values serve as guiding principles that bring meaning to your life. Reflect on moments when you felt truly alive and identify the values that were present during those experiences. By aligning your actions with your values, you can live a more authentic life.

2. Define and embrace your strengths: Tap into your strengths and leverage them in your life and work. Identify the tasks that align with your talents and find ways to maximize their use. By focusing on what you excel at and enjoy, you can create more space for your authentic self to shine.

3. Practice mindfulness: Engage in regular self-reflection through journaling or other mindful practices. By dedicating time to understand yourself better, you can boost your self-esteem and gain deeper insights into your authentic self. I typically recommend getting into a habit of journaling for just 2-3 minutes every night, focusing on 3 things - one thing you are grateful for today, one thing you could have done better today and one (achievable) goal for tomorrow.

4. Acknowledge extrinsic vs. intrinsic motivation: Recognize the drivers behind your goals and aspirations. Understand whether they are influenced by extrinsic or intrinsic factors. As I have mentioned in past blogs, intrinsic motivation, as opposed to extrinsic motivation, is far more sustainable. By establishing meaningful goals that align with your purpose, you can live a more authentic life.

5. Build your social support system: Surround yourself with individuals who accept and appreciate you for who you are. Cultivate relationships with friends, family members, or professionals who provide a safe space to express your authentic self. Having a strong support system enhances overall well-being.

6. Be intentional about taking actions towards authenticity: Authenticity is a practice that requires consistent effort. Engage in daily habits that align with your values and create an environment that will allow you to be your true self.

Living authentically may be challenging due to ingrained habits, the fast-paced nature of life, and the fear of being different or not accepted by others. However, if you are intentional about your journey to authenticity, I can promise you the result will be an incredible improvement to your life.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson so wisely stated,

"Being yourself in a world that constantly tries to make you someone else is the greatest accomplishment."

I challenge you to walk yourself through the above 6 strategies and show up in the world as the genuine and remarkable individual you are.

In pursuit of our authentic selves,

 Erin