Figure holding a light, it illuminates an opening between the haze into a doorway that is open to stars and the universe, the light from the figure spreads inwards to the field of stars, while the world that the figure stands in is hazy and grey

Thanks to Blair Martinez at Satori Way for this insightful guest post!

The pressure to conform is strong. It can be difficult to live authentically when all of our peers are doing the same thing, wearing the same clothes, eating at the same restaurants, or working in similar jobs.

But there are ways to find your own path and pursue your authentic self with conviction. This article will explore how you can do so in both personal and professional settings. We'll also talk about some of the challenges that come with living authentically and how to overcome them.

1. Why it's important to live authentically

When you live authentically, you're acknowledging who you are and the things that make you unique. When we live authentically, we're able to embrace our uniqueness without being afraid that other people will find out or judge us for it. When we wear what we want, do the things that interest us, and say how we feel without worrying about other people's reactions, we feel true to ourselves.

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”

- C.G. Jung

Living authentically means living your life the way you want it to be, not how you think other people expect it to be. For example, if you love fantasy stories and nerd culture, but your friends only talk about school or their jobs when they invite you out, then maybe it's time for you to seek out new friends who share similar interests! When we find others who match our authentic lifestyle, we feel more at ease and free-flowing - able to be ourselves.

3 people mid-air, jumping up together with smiles, acting silly as friends on street in winter — Photo by Zachary Nelson on Unsplash

2. How you can find your own path and pursue your authentic self with conviction

Everyone's path is different. There is no one-size-fits-all plan to find your own authentic self because it comes from within. The first step is to reflect on who you are at the core. What is important to you? Once you've figured out your personal values, take a look at where they align with your professional interests and social environment.

“To find yourself, think for yourself.”

- Socrates

There are some general tips that can help you on your way. Start with evaluating yourself and what you like to do.

Get to know yourself
Do the things that interest you
Embrace your uniqueness
Develop hobbies and interests
Remain true to yourself
Seek out new friends who share your interests

3. Ways that living authentically can be difficult

Because we live in a world of social pressures and expectations, there are some ways that it can be difficult to live authentically.

There is pressure from society and your peers to conform
You might end up feeling disconnected from those around you as you pursue your own path
It can be challenging to stay true to yourself and your passions
It can be challenging to find others who share similar interests and values
You may find it hard to stay true to yourself in some situations where it would be easier not to be
You may feel misunderstood if you're the only person going through a certain experience

“How desperately difficult it is, to be honest with oneself. It is much easier to be honest with other people. What is true is invisible to the eye. It is only with the heart that one can see clearly.”

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

It can be a tough task to live authentically. It's hard to put yourself out there, especially if you're not used to expressing your individuality. It can also take time to figure out what is best for you in order to live life. Focusing on progress, not perfection, is necessary when it comes to being authentic to yourself.

woman in long tshirt, sitting on chair, legs tucked up beneath her and holding her knees in hugging position, staring out large curtained window, couch behind her in room that feels empty — Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash

4. Some of the challenges that come with living authentically and how to overcome them

The best way to avoid these struggles is by practicing awareness of living authentically. Some of the challenges that come with living authentically and how to overcome them:

Isolation from peers, friends, and family
Restrictive lifestyle or vice versa
Feeling bad about your choices when other people disapprove or misunderstand you
Lack of patience and time to figure out the right way to live life

If you're feeling isolated from your peers, friends, and family due to your lifestyle choices, perhaps it's time you find people who share the same interests as you do! If this is a challenge that you face, then it may be good to meet up with like-minded people (i.e.: online or in-person).

“To be nobody but myself-in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make me somebody else - means to fight the hardest battle any human can fight, and never stop fighting.”

- E.E. Cummings

When you live authentically, it's important that you embrace your uniqueness and stay true to yourself no matter what other people think! If others disapprove of the choices you make, they don't have to understand it. Their opinion of you is not more valuable than what you think of yourself.

5. The importance of authenticity in both personal and professional settings

Achieving authenticity is one of the most challenging aspects of our personal and professional lives. We are often torn between who we are, who people want us to be, and what may be the best course for us in any given situation. You can find balance. You just have to be patient with yourself.

"To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end in life."

- Robert Louis Stevenson

Living authentically is a journey and it's not always easy. You might have to make sacrifices, remove people from your life who don't accept you as you are, be willing to take risks by being honest with others, or open yourself up to criticism in order for the real YOU to shine through.

Here are some ways that authenticity can play out in a career setting:

We feel more comfortable around others who share our interests and values
We're able to do our best work when we're not distracted by the pressure of conformity
When we act authentically, people trust us more
Authenticity helps us stand apart from the crowd

Living authentically will help provide an inner peace that can never be achieved otherwise. So what does authenticity mean to you? Need more tips to explore when living authentically? Laurie offers 1-on-1 coaching sessions helping individuals live more authentic lives in all areas of wellness. This aids in opening doors for you to achieve your full potential and feel fulfilled every day--connect with her here.

Author

Blair Martinez is an entrepreneur and writer specializing in topics of recovery, spirituality, and conscious living. She is the founder of Satori Way, a digital membership platform with courses & resources for recovery, mental health, and wellness.

Sources

Hill, Linda, et al. “The Authenticity Paradox.” Harvard Business Review, 27 Aug. 2021, https://hbr.org/2015/01/the-authenticity-paradox.

“What Is Self-Awareness and Why Is It Important? [+5 Ways to Increase It].” PositivePsychology.com, 29 Oct. 2021, https://positivepsychology.com/self-awareness-matters-how-you-can-be-more-self-aware/.

Read more about living authentically: Dare to Be Different and Being Authentic is F—-ing Hard