I’ve always had a strong radar for people whose thoughts, words, and actions don’t align. Whenever I get that inner feeling and thought of “something is off with this person,” I know that the other person is either lying or not aware that they are not speaking or living their own truth. I used to call it my “social worker radar.” But you don’t need a degree in social work to notice inauthentic people – empathy and intuition are the real inner compass here.
While many people are not aware of their lack of authenticity, there are also those who strive to become more authentic and set out on the journey. These are the people who are willing to overcome obstacles like limiting beliefs and outside influences such as social media.
Do you belong to this group? Then in this blog post, you’ll learn what you can do to live more authentically.
What Is Authenticity?
At its core, authenticity describes the alignment between inner experience and outer expression. It means acting according to your values, speaking them out loud, and living them in everyday life. An authentic person says what they think and behaves in line with their beliefs. They don’t wear a mask just to please others or meet expectations.
Authentic behavior is not a role we play but an expression of what we truly feel and believe. However, being authentic doesn’t mean impulsively expressing every inner thought or emotion. Rather, it’s about cultivating inner harmony – finding a balance between being honest with ourselves and being considerate toward the world around us.
What Does It Mean to “Speak Your Truth”?
This isn’t about an objective truth that applies to everyone, but about our very personal perspective on the world. Each person carries experiences, conditioning, and beliefs that make their life unique.
This raises an important question:
Are we speaking our truth, or are we speaking our parents’ truth, merely acting as the mouthpiece of their beliefs?
No one is completely free from belief systems – those convictions we absorbed growing up, especially from our parents. In my opinion, one of our life’s tasks is to look at these beliefs and let go of the ones that don’t serve our highest good. Not all beliefs are bad or limiting 😉.
So what makes up our own truth? It is the combination of:
- What we have always known deep within (the wisdom of our higher self),
- The values we’ve developed throughout life (while discarding unhelpful ones inherited from our parents),
- Our individual experiences and consciously acquired knowledge.
When these aspects are in alignment with our actions, we are authentic – we are speaking and living our truth.
Just Be Yourself – What Holds Us Back From Being Authentic?
- Low Self-Worth
This is where you’ll find the people pleasers – those who want to make everyone happy and hide behind a mask. - Fear of Rejection
We worry that others won’t like us if we express our true thoughts. The longing for belonging can be so strong that we’d rather play a role than risk being vulnerable. - Comparison
“I want to be like…” Role models can be helpful, but they shouldn’t stop you from being yourself. Social media often makes this harder. On Instagram or TikTok, you see countless “perfect” people – or those who carefully stage themselves as “imperfect.” Authentic people don’t need to stage anything. They don’t seek validation from the outside. They are simply themselves. - Societal Expectations
From a young age, we’re taught how we “should” be: obedient, high-performing, well-adjusted. These patterns shape us so strongly that we sometimes forget to ask what we truly are. - Perfectionism
Many people believe they will only be loved or accepted if they’re flawless. This leads them to hide their weaknesses – and with that, their true selves. (Reminder: We are not our mistakes 😉.) - Lack of Self-Knowledge
A few weeks ago, I met someone who had no hobbies or interests. On his days off, he chose to work instead. But without time for yourself, you can’t truly get to know who you are. Another issue here is distraction. If you’re constantly filling your free time with activities or people, when do you actually make space for self-reflection?
How Can You Become More Authentic?
- Reflection Questions
- When I speak my truth, I fear that…
- I’m afraid I’ll be judged if I…
- What emotions arise when you think about speaking your truth? Can you feel them in your body?
- Get to Know Yourself Better
Take time regularly to listen inward. Journal your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. Write down the values you live by and reflect on which ones align with your actions. Are they truly yours – or ones you’ve adopted from others? - Acknowledge and Accept Your Emotions
Being authentic doesn’t mean always appearing strong or positive. It also means acknowledging sadness, fear, or uncertainty. Emotions are signposts leading us to our truth. - Set Boundaries
If you’re always trying to please others, you lose yourself. Living authentically means saying “no” clearly when something doesn’t align with your values – and saying “yes” consciously and wholeheartedly. - Courage to Be Vulnerable and Embrace Mistakes
Authenticity requires the courage to be seen – even with imperfections (don’t stage it!). It means giving others an honest glimpse of your humanity, without trying to control everything or impress someone. - Use Social Media Consciously
Ask yourself: Am I sharing this because it truly reflects my inner experience, or because I’m seeking validation? Online authenticity begins with honesty toward yourself. - Be a Role Model
When we live authentically, we inspire others to do the same. Authenticity is contagious – it creates trust, closeness, and genuine connection. - Practice Communication
Start with inner dialogue. Speak your thoughts out loud when you’re alone. Practice saying your truth, and gradually bring it into your interactions with others. - Spend Time in Nature
Nature doesn’t judge. It simply accepts. That’s why it can be so healing. In nature, everything is crooked, imperfect, ever-changing. Trees shed their leaves (like we shed hair), their bark wrinkles (like our skin), and yet everything belongs. Sit outside, observe, and absorb nature’s energy. - Self-Acceptance and Self-Love
- Affirmation: “I accept and love myself as I am.”
- Meditation and breathwork: Explore your inner world.
- Self-empowerment: Write down what you like about yourself.
- Strengthen your self-worth by looking at the roots of your self-doubt and facing your fears (therapy or coaching can be very helpful here).
- Examine Your Friendships
With whom can you be completely yourself? With whom do you feel the need to pretend?
Conclusion
Authenticity is not a destination we reach once and then check off the list. It’s an ongoing process – a mindset we can practice daily. It involves the willingness to grow and evolve. Our truth can change over time. What matters is that we listen to ourselves and honestly acknowledge where we stand right now.
Authenticity is the foundation of a fulfilling, aligned life. Being authentic means knowing your truth, speaking it, and embodying it through your actions – despite fears, expectations, and social pressures.
Authenticity reminds us that real connection is only possible when we are willing to show up as we are – not perfect, not polished, but human.
The path to authenticity is not easy, but it is absolutely worth it. Because it is liberating – freeing us from expectations, outside pressure, and pretense.
It’s worth it 😉