Living an authentic life is a pursuit that is unique to each individual.
It involves being true to oneself, holding fast to personal values and principles, and not being swayed easily by societal pressures or trends.
According to psychology, those who are committed to authenticity tend to display certain behaviors that reflect their commitment. Conversely, there are also behaviors that are rarely seen in such individuals.
This article explores 8 such behaviors that are seldom exhibited by people who are dedicated to living an authentic life.
This is not to say that they are never displayed, but they are less common in those who prioritize authenticity in their daily lives.
1) People-pleasing
Authenticity isn’t merely pleasing everyone; it centers on being true to yourself.
Individuals striving for an authentic life tend to avoid the trap of people-pleasing.
They recognize the importance of maintaining their individuality and refusing to sacrifice their values or beliefs for the sake of others’ approval.
Being a people-pleaser leads to self-doubt and dissatisfaction. Constantly trying to meet everyone else’s expectations makes it easy to lose sight of who you really are and what you truly want.
Authentic individuals don’t allow the opinions of others to dictate their actions or decisions. Their primary focus lies in staying true to themselves rather than fitting into societal norms or expectations.
For those committed to living an authentic life, paying attention to this aspect holds great significance. Your authenticity ultimately serves you, not others. And that is something worth embracing.
2) Constantly seeking validation
It’s human nature to seek affirmation, to feel valued and accepted. However, relying too heavily on others for validation can detract from authenticity.
When individuals become overly focused on seeking approval from peers, they may lose sight of their own beliefs.
They might find themselves agreeing with popular opinions and going along with the crowd, even when it doesn’t align with their values.
Embracing a more authentic life reveals that true validation comes from within. It involves being comfortable in one’s own skin and trusting one’s judgment.
People who live authentically understand this concept well.
They don’t seek constant reassurance from others because they’re confident in their own worth.
Their value isn’t tied to external approval but arises from a strong sense of self-belief.
3) Fearing failure
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas Edison.
This quote encapsulates the mindset of resilience, illustrating how Edison regarded each setback not as a failure but as a stepping stone toward his goal.
Individuals committed to living authentically embody this perspective. They don’t see failure as something to fear or avoid, they embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
By refusing to let the fear of failure hold them back, they recognize that mistakes are a natural part of life and essential for personal development.
This mindset empowers them to take risks and venture outside their comfort zones, further enriching their authenticity.
The journey to authenticity necessitates embracing both successes and failures. Through these experiences, we truly discover who we are, gaining insights that shape our identities and illuminate our paths.
4) Suppressing emotions
Authentic individuals embrace their feelings, allowing themselves to experience a full spectrum of emotions, both positive and negative.
Suppressing emotions is a habit many of us fall into as a coping mechanism. We may hide our true feelings to avoid conflict, protect others, or shield ourselves from judgment or rejection.
Living authentically involves acknowledging and expressing our genuine emotions. It’s completely valid to feel sad, angry, or scared. These feelings are integral to who we are and deserve respect, not concealment.
By openly expressing and managing our emotions, we enhance our authenticity and promote better mental health.
So, the next time you find yourself wanting to suppress your feelings, keep in mind: it’s perfectly okay to let them show. Authenticity is rooted in being real, not in striving for perfection.
5) Living in the past or future
To live authentically is to be fully present—to show up for yourself, here and now. Those who value authenticity understand that life isn’t found in replaying past regrets or obsessing over what’s yet to come.
It’s easy to get caught up in past regrets or future anxieties, yet when we’re stuck in these mindsets, we’re not truly living.
As Buddha observed, “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
Authentic people embrace this wisdom, knowing the past is unchangeable and the future remains beyond our control.
What truly matters is how we choose to act right now. By grounding themselves in each present second, they live in a way that feels real, meaningful, and genuinely theirs.
6) Comparing themselves to others
In a world of social media highlight reels, many fall into the comparison trap. Here’s the thing: authentic individuals rarely measure themselves against others.
The words of Theodore Roosevelt ring true: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
This perspective highlights how easily comparison can leave us feeling inadequate, as if we’re falling behind or missing the mark.
The reality is that each of us is on a unique path, shaped by our own experiences and challenges.
Those who embrace authenticity see this clearly. They know their worth isn’t defined by others.
Instead, they focus on personal growth and progress, celebrating each victory, no matter how small, and learning from setbacks.
Living authentically means embracing who you are right now. Don’t let comparison take away your joy or diminish your authenticity. Your journey is uniquely yours—and that’s what makes it extraordinary.
7) Being overly competitive
Competition is a part of life. It’s present in our schools, our workplaces, and even in our leisure activities. However, those dedicated to living authentically seldom exhibit overly competitive behavior.
In 1978, psychologist Alfie Kohn published a book titled “No Contest: The Case Against Competition”.
In it, he argued that competition isn’t as beneficial as we’re led to believe. In fact, it can hinder creativity, cooperation, and overall well-being.
Individuals who pursue authenticity approach life with a different mindset.
Their aim isn’t to surpass others but to become the best version of themselves, prioritizing personal growth and continuous improvement over rivalry.
Valuing cooperation and collaboration, they recognize that success isn’t a zero-sum game.
Rather than getting caught up in competition, they focus on their own development, fostering a mindset that encourages mutual support and shared achievements.
8) Neglecting self-care
Self-care is a vital aspect of living authentically, involving the recognition of our needs and the commitment to nurture ourselves physically and mentally.
It goes beyond indulgence; self-care creates a sustainable foundation for overall well-being.
Individuals who prioritize authenticity see self-care as essential for expressing their true selves.
This involves maintaining a balanced diet, participating in regular physical activity, ensuring adequate rest, and engaging in activities that bring joy.
If you’re aiming for authenticity, remember to make self-care a priority.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to express your authentic self and contribute meaningfully to the world around you.
Embracing authenticity: A journey, not a destination
The journey to authenticity is deeply personal, focusing on self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-expression. It involves uncovering your true self and living in alignment with that truth.
Like any journey, challenges will arise, tempting you to hide your true self or conform to societal expectations. Authenticity isn’t a destination but a continuous path of growth.
It begins with self-acceptance—acknowledging your strengths, weaknesses, passions, fears, successes, and failures. Embrace all that you are and recognize that you are enough as you are.
As you pursue authenticity, be gentle with yourself. Celebrate your progress, learn from mistakes, and strive for growth. Above all, stay true to yourself, for therein lies true happiness.
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