Are You Capitalizing on Authenticity or Just Being Yourself?

Being authentic seems to be the latest trend. Are you following the trend or truly growing the courage to be yourself?

If you follow any of the social medial platforms you have heard many social media influencers talk about being authentic.

I have been in meetings with media agencies and clients where they talk about the need to be authentic. They say “this is where it’s at now, make sure you are scheduling at least a few a authentic posts a week”.

Yes, some of the authentic content you have seen on social media is curated. It is created for the purpose of capitalizing on a growing trend.

That trend…Authenticity.

So what does it mean to be authentic?

If you look up the dictionary definition is says it means being genuine.

If you ask me…and I guess you didn’t but I will tell you anyway!

Being authentic means being your true self. This seems like a simple, straightforward, clear definition.

Now actually being your true self means you choose a higher level of awareness, you embrace your uniqueness, you learn to judge yourself less and less and most of all you care less and less about what other people think of you.

Now that does not seem so simple, does it?

My experience of growing to be more of my true self has felt like being on a high speed roller coaster ride.

Some days it is really difficult for me to live in this world and feel so different. I feel the weight of the world on me, I feel sad and left out and alone.

Some days I am fully in acceptance and gratitude for who I am, and I feel free to be me without needing to apologize to anyone.

To be authentic requires that you accept all the parts of you, even the ones that are not socially accepted or praised.

And if you are wondering how does authenticity play out in business?

In my experience of witnessing clients being authentic and inauthentic in their business, I have gathered evidence that shows being authentic fosters trust.

When the people you do business with trust you, your ability to grow and scale your business requires less effort.

Another perk of being authentic in your business is you have the power to say NO to opportunities that may seem very lucrative on the surface but you just know they are not for you.

I have personally experienced being able to walk away from opportunities that I knew were not for me, and I can tell you that was the greatest rush of true power I have ever felt.

Once you choose a journey of self discovery, you will find that it is not always rainbows and sunshine and that’s ok.

There are great rewards to knowing who you are, being true to yourself, and being authentic. You will see these rewards in all areas of your life, in your relationships, in your business, and in your mental, emotional and physical health.

It is a worthy journey, so don’t get discouraged when your roller coaster ride feels like it is spinning out of control.

Focus on the rewards and allow for the moments of pain, sadness and frustration to be just that…moments that shall pass.

What have you found to be the most powerful tool in growing into your authentic self?

Share your insights in the comment section below. If this blog resonates with you, please share it below on any of your social platforms.

Wishing you love, joy and peace,

Sandra Francisco