Small Ways to Be Your Authentic Self
- Carmen Debono
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Authentic living requires us to embrace the reality of our freedom and be responsible for how we choose to live. In psychology, authenticity is more than merely trying to beourselves; it requires us to know and own who we are (Joseph, 2019).
Let's take a look at what being your authentic self looks like:
1.Authentic living involves aligning your actions with your true values, fostering greater
life satisfaction & personal fulfillment.
2.Embracing vulnerability & self-awareness are key elements in developing an
authentic life.
3.Practicing self-reflection & mindfulness helps identify & overcome barriers to living
authentically.
We can engage in several practices and activities to be our more authentic self while encouraging a balance between what is going on inwardly and what we express outward. Here are some thoughts:
Become more aware of what is happening in your body. Having a tense neck or shoulders may be linked to what is going on in your mind, feelings, thoughts, and
difficult decisions.
Listen to your inner voice rather than losing it in the noise of others’. Make it an
ongoing process to listen to your hopes, dreams, and fears.
Know yourself, what you are good at, what you are prepared to do, and what you are
not. Face up to the truths of who you are. Honesty is not always pleasant, but it has
the potential to free you.
Own yourself and your truths. Don’t let others push you into their way of thinking, but
also don’t stick to views when you are proved wrong or they no longer work for you.
Take responsibility for your choices.
Be yourself; be honest and transparent in your dealings. People like and are drawn to
those they perceive as sincere and genuine and distrust those who are not.
Joseph (2019) suggests asking yourself the following questions:
Do you feel free to make your own choices?
Do you feel free to express your own views and opinions?
Do you feel you can be yourself on a day-to-day basis?
If you answer “no” to any of the questions, reflect on one further question:
Could it be that you are not being true to who you are?
Retrieved 24.4.2026 https://positivepsychology.com/authentic-living/
