5 Ways to Discover Your Authentic Self and Live Unapologetically
In a world filled with expectations and societal pressures, finding and staying true to your authentic self can seem like an uphill battle. Yet, embracing authenticity is key to living a fulfilled and meaningful life. Here’s how you can peel back the layers of ‘shoulds’ and embrace the person you are meant to be.
- Make Choices That Reflect Your True Self
Decide Based on Who You Want to Become
Begin by evaluating your decisions. Are they aligned with your personal values and the future you envision for yourself? Start making choices that reflect who you truly want to become, not what others expect of you. This first step is crucial in paving the way toward genuine self-expression.
2. Embrace the Freedom to Be Disliked
Accept That Not Everyone Will Approve, and That’s Okay
One of the hardest truths about living authentically is accepting that not everyone will like or approve of your true self — and that’s perfectly okay. The freedom to be disliked is liberating and allows you to pursue what truly matters to you without being weighed down by others’ opinions.
3. Practice Vulnerability
Let Others See the Real You
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Allow yourself to be open and vulnerable by letting others see and hear the real you. Embrace feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than a reason to retreat into your shell. This practice builds deeper, more meaningful connections and fosters personal growth.
4. Show Compassion to Your Past Self
Forgive and Understand Your Past Choices
Often, we are our own harshest critics. It’s important to practice compassion and non-judgment towards your past self. Recognize that you were doing the best you could with the knowledge and resources available to you at the time. This understanding can heal and free you from lingering regrets or self-doubt.
5. Learn to Love Yourself
Embrace Self-Love as a Journey, Not a Destination
Finally, the journey to finding your authentic self is also a journey of learning to love yourself. Self-love is an ongoing process that flourishes with care and attention. Celebrate your strengths, accept your weaknesses, and treat yourself with the kindness you would offer to someone you love deeply.
Discovering and embracing your authentic self isn’t about changing who you are; it’s about shedding the external expectations that divert you from who you were always meant to be. Each of the steps above brings you closer to living a life that is truly your own — unapologetic and genuine.
Are you ready to embark on a journey of authenticity? Start today by choosing one area to apply these practices.
Lisa Pircher-Reid, an ex-FinTech AI Thought Leader turned mother of two, podcaster, author, and tech co-founder, discovered her dream life through the journey to authenticity. If you’re ready to embark on this transformative path and start living your best and most authentic life, subscribe to her newsletter now
