6 Practical Steps to Live a More Authentic Life

Introduction

Living authentically is becoming a rare but valuable trait in a society where social demands and digital perfection rule every moment. Being true to yourself and acting in a way that is consistent with your values promotes stronger bonds and improved mental health. Anyone who wants to live a fulfilled life should strive for authenticity as a recent study has shown a connection between it and psychological well-being. This article explores 6 practical steps to embrace authenticity and improve mental health.

Understanding Authenticity

Being authentic is living following your inner values, beliefs, and feelings. It’s about accepting your individuality and letting go of social façades. According to studies, leading a genuine life boosts self-esteem, reduces psychological suffering, and increases life satisfaction in general (Wood et al., 2008).

Conversely, living inauthentically might result in long-term stress and a sense of isolation. Many people find it difficult to be real because they are afraid of being judged or rejected. The first step to living an authentic life is acknowledging these obstacles.

6 Practical Steps for an Authentic Life

1. Reflect on Your Core Values

Understanding your values is foundational to authentic living. Core values serve as a personal compass, guiding decisions and actions.

How to Identify Your Values:

• List ten things you value most (e.g., honesty, family, creativity).
• Reflect on times when you felt deeply fulfilled—what values were at play?
• Rank your top three values and evaluate if your current life aligns with them.

Research suggests that individuals who act in alignment with their values experience less emotional distress and greater well-being (Schwartz & Sortheix, 2018).

2. Practice Self-Awareness

Self-awareness involves recognizing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It’s essential for identifying what feels true to you versus what feels externally imposed.

Tips to Cultivate Self-Awareness:

• Spend 10 minutes daily journaling about your thoughts and feelings.
• Regularly check in with yourself: “Does this decision reflect my true self?”
• Seek feedback from trusted friends or a therapist.

Self-awareness can help uncover areas where you might be conforming to societal expectations rather than embracing your authentic self.

3. Set Boundaries

Authenticity often requires saying no to people or situations that conflict with your values. Setting boundaries protects your mental health and allows you to focus on what truly matters.

Steps to Establish Boundaries:

• Identify situations where you feel drained or inauthentic.
• Communicate your limits clearly and assertively.
• Stick to your boundaries, even if it feels uncomfortable initially.

According to research, boundary-setting correlates with reduced stress and increased self-respect, critical components of mental health (Kabat-Zinn, 2013).

4. Embrace Vulnerability

Authenticity demands vulnerability. Being open about your emotions and experiences fosters deeper connections and self-acceptance. However, it requires courage to share your true self with others.

How to Practice Vulnerability:

• Share your feelings with a trusted friend or partner.
• Acknowledge and process emotions like fear or shame instead of suppressing them.
• Accept imperfections as a natural part of being human.

Dr Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability shows that it is essential for meaningful relationships and personal growth (Brown, 2015).

5. Align Your Actions with Your Beliefs

Living authentically means ensuring your daily actions reflect your values. When your actions contradict your inner beliefs, it can lead to cognitive dissonance and mental discomfort.

Practical Tips:

• Reassess commitments that feel misaligned with your values.
• Prioritise activities that resonate with your personal beliefs.
• Avoid situations where you feel pressured to act inauthentically.

Authentic actions strengthen self-esteem and foster inner peace.

6. Seek Professional Support

Sometimes, the journey to authenticity requires external guidance. A therapist can help uncover deeper barriers to authentic living, such as unresolved trauma or low self-esteem.

Therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are effective in addressing distorted self-perceptions and building authenticity. According to a study, therapy improved individuals’ ability to make authentic choices by increasing self-awareness and emotional regulation (Huppert, 2019).

Conclusion

Living an authentic life requires vulnerability, courage, and self-reflection; it is not a one-time choice. You can have greater mental health and stronger relationships with people if you follow these 6 steps: determining your values, developing self-awareness, establishing boundaries, accepting vulnerability, aligning your actions with your beliefs, and seeking support.

Being authentic is leading a life that accurately reflects who you are, not striving for perfection. Keep in mind that every tiny step you take towards authenticity will lead to improved mental health as you embark on this journey.

References

Brown, B. (2015). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Avery.

Huppert, F. A. (2019). The role of positive psychology in enhancing authenticity and well-being. Journal of Positive Psychology, 14(3), 1-10.

Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness. Mindfulness Journal, 7(2), 14-20.

Schwartz, S. H., & Sortheix, F. M. (2018). Values and well-being: The mediating role of authenticity. Social Indicators Research, 138(1), 325-345.

Wood, A. M., Linley, P. A., Maltby, J., Baliousis, M., & Joseph, S. (2008). The authentic personality: A theoretical and empirical conceptualization and the development of the Authenticity Scale. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 55(3), 385–399.