How to be more Authentic

While the word may feel trite, keep reading. It's not what you think it is.

We previously covered what authenticity is and what it’s not, let’s talk about some action steps you can take to be more authentic.

Action step #1: Get to know yourself

The first step to being more authentic is to get to know yourself. Take some time to reflect on who you are, what you like, and what you value. Write it down if you need to. This will help you be more true to yourself and make choices that align with your values.

Action step #2: Embrace who you are

Once you know who you are, embrace that person. Don’t try to be someone you’re not just to fit in or impress others. The people who matter will love you for who you are. This means being true to your values, your beliefs, and your personality. It also means not being afraid to show your flaws and imperfections.

Action step #3: Be honest

Being honest is a key aspect of authenticity. This means being honest with yourself and with others. Don’t pretend to be something you’re not just to make others happy. Be honest about your feelings, your opinions, and your experiences. This doesn’t mean being brutally honest and hurting others, but it does mean being true to yourself while still being respectful of others.

Action step #4: Make mistakes

Being real AF means accepting that you’re not perfect. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s ok. Learn from them and move on. Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes or try to hide them. Embrace them as a learning opportunity and use them to grow and improve.

Action step #5: Choose to be your best

Even though you’re not perfect, you can still choose to be your best. This means making the most of your strengths and working on your weaknesses. It also means being kind to yourself and celebrating your successes. Don’t compare yourself to others or try to be someone you’re not. Instead, focus on being the best version of yourself.

Action step #6: Practice self-compassion

Being authentic can be hard, especially when you’re surrounded by people who are all trying to be someone they’re not. That’s why it’s important to practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself and recognize that being real AF is a journey, not a destination. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and to be imperfect.

Action step #7: Surround yourself with authentic people

Surrounding yourself with authentic people can make it easier to be real AF. When you’re around people who are true to themselves, it gives you permission to be true to yourself as well. Look for friends, coworkers, and mentors who value authenticity and who are willing to be honest and vulnerable with you.

Action step #8: Let go of the need for approval

One of the biggest barriers to authenticity is the need for approval. We all want to be liked and accepted, but when we prioritize the opinions of others over our own values and beliefs, we lose sight of who we truly are. Let go of the need for approval and focus on being true to yourself. The people who matter will love you for who you are.

In conclusion, being authentic is about being true to yourself while still being respectful of others. It’s about knowing who you are, embracing who you are, and choosing to be the best version of who you are. It’s not about being perfect or pretending everything is always happy and perfect. Being real AF means making mistakes, being honest, and embracing your imperfections. So, go out there and be yourself, because the world needs more authenticity, and more Happy AF people.

The next article will cover what the F in Happy AF stands for. Mrs. Gehm, my high school English teacher, would be proud of me for the fifty cent word I’m about to use and introduce to you, so stay tuned!