This post will give 5 ways to quickly feel more authentically you this year.
This year, let’s focus on feeling more authentically you by taking deliberate steps to reconnect with your core values and desires. By using self-reflection, you can practice personal growth and feel more authentically you with just a few extra steps in your usual routine.
In a world that constantly celebrates hustle and productivity, it can be difficult to justify rest. However, embracing moments of rest is vital for mental and emotional health, and it’s essential for feeling more authentic and like yourself. Rest isn’t just about sleep; it’s about giving yourself permission to take breaks; to not be constantly on the go.
When you take the time to recharge, you allow space for creativity, reflection, and alignment with your true values. Rest gives you the energy to live authentically, as it prevents burnout and fosters a sense of well-being.
I suppose what I’m trying to say here is to make sure you’re giving yourself time to rest. You need it, whether you think you do or not.
Now, I’ll stop badgering – let’s get into the post.
Here are 10 practical ways to help you feel more authentic and true to yourself.
1. Practice Self-Reflection Regularly to Feel Authentically You
How often do you stop and think about yourself? Not in a I-deserve-better kind of way, but in a more how-can-I-improve way. Taking the time to pause and reflect on your thoughts, actions, and goals is one of the most effective ways to connect with your authentic self.
Set aside a few minutes each day or week for journaling or meditative reflection. Ask yourself questions like, “What do I value most?” and “Am I living in alignment with my true desires?”
By becoming aware of your inner world, you’ll gain clarity on your path toward living authentically.
Try asking yourself any of the following 20 questions, and write about your answers. Think hard, and be honest with yourself.
- Am I selfish? If so, in what ways?
- In what ways am I not selfish?
- How can I work to become less selfish while still being true to myself?
- Am I good at practicing forgiveness, or do I hold grudges?
- Do I show compassion to people?
- What was the last selfless act I did?
- How could I help those around me more?
- Do I spend too much time on my phone, endlessly scrolling?
- Do I care more about what others think of me than who I actually am?
- How can I be a better person in everyday life?
- In what ways can I practice empathy more?
- How can I practice forgiveness more? Is there someone I need to forgive?
- How do I treat myself, and why?
- What are my core values in life? Why?
- What do I want from this life? Who do I want to be?
- In what ways can I practice gratitude more?
- What can I learn from my past?
- Are the people I surround myself with good?
- Do I take other people’s emotions and feelings into account?
- Do I take myself seriously? Why or why not? If not, how can I change this?
2. Embrace Your Unique Qualities
In a world that often celebrates conformity, it can be difficult to fully embrace what makes you unique. But your individuality is what makes you authentically you. Celebrate your quirks, whether it’s your sense of humor, your hobbies, your looks, or the way you view the world.
For me, this is my biggest challenge.
I often compare myself to others and wish I looked like them. My look isn’t bad, really, but I look different than other women who are called “perfect”.
For example, my skin isn’t a beautiful golden-tan, it’s pale and covered in freckles. My hair isn’t blonde, nor is it dark and thick – it’s a strawberry shade of light brown and it’s thin. My jaw isn’t angled down to a pointy chin, it’s more square. And my eyes are hooded. My chest is small. My pale skin let’s the veins in my hands and feet show through a bright blue. I’m thin, lacking large curves and “love handles”, leading to people calling me a 2×4.
The point is, I could go on and on, but I don’t need to. These traits don’t make me ugly, they make me unique. They help me stand out, and my red hair paired with my pale, freckled covered skin and green eyes are a rarity that a lot of people wish for. I may not have large curves or a big bust, but I have an hourglass body shape that many people don’t come by naturally. And, I have muscles, I have endurance – I’m athletic; I’m a runner; I’m fit.
I am perfectly fine just how I am – just how God made me. And so are you.
What makes you different? What makes you stand out?
Stop comparing yourself to others and start appreciating your own journey. Embracing your true self will help you feel more grounded and confident.
3. Set Boundaries That Align with Your Values and be Authentically You
Setting healthy boundaries is a powerful way to protect your emotional energy and prioritize your well-being. Think about the relationships and commitments that drain you and consider how you can establish limits to protect your time and energy.
This is one of the most important steps toward living authentically, as it helps you avoid compromising your true self for the sake of others’ expectations.
I used to struggle with setting boundaries, especially when it came to family and close friends. It’s important to learn to do this though, because by not, you become a hollow, unhappy people-pleaser. You need to be able to formulate your own opinions and thoughts, otherwise, who are you?
4. Surround Yourself with Supportive People
The people you surround yourself with can have a significant impact on how you feel about yourself. Cultivate relationships with those who uplift and inspire you to be your authentic self. Seek out friendships with people who encourage you to embrace your uniqueness and provide support when you need it most. Let go of toxic relationships that only make you feel less than who you truly are.
Read that one again.
Let go of toxic relationships that only make you feel less than who you truly are.
I used to have a “friend” for a few years – we’ll call her FF for Fake-Friend – and my-oh-my, she was a toxic one to be around. She would always compare us, and would discuss all the ways we were different and she was better. She’d explain how she had bigger thighs than me and a larger chest, how people liked her (fake) blonde hair, and how she just couldn’t keep people off of her.
In the beginning, I was perfectly happy for my FF, but after a while, her personality drug me down. I started to see how she would try and drag me down at times about myself, all while talking herself up. I realized she was selfish and never conceded to her toxic behavior. She was jealous anytime I succeeded.
The people you surround yourself with matter so much. Choose/make friend groups that support you and genuinely care about you. You’ll notice the difference.
5. Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a major barrier to authenticity. It can prevent you from taking risks or expressing yourself freely, as you fear judgment or failure. This year, challenge yourself to embrace imperfection and view mistakes as learning experiences.
Authenticity isn’t about being flawless—it’s about embracing your true self, flaws and all.
