Authenticity is a buzzword these days, but what does it really mean to be authentic? Being authentic is more than just “being yourself”—it’s a combination of self-awareness, honesty, and a dedication to personal growth. Authenticity can be seen in your actions, your words, and even your thoughts. If you’re wondering if you fit the bill, keep reading for the first 5 signs that you are truly an authentic person, inside and out!
1. You Don’t Compare Yourself To Others
In our social media-infused lives, it’s tempting to compare ourselves with others constantly. Whether it’s someone’s career, lifestyle, or appearance, these comparisons often steal our joy. But if you’re genuinely authentic, you understand that comparison is the thief of joy. You revel in your own journey and celebrate your unique traits and milestones. Instead of looking at how you measure up against someone else, you focus on your progress and areas for growth.
“The only person you should compare yourself to is who you were yesterday.”
2. You Speak Positively About Others
If you’re an authentic individual, negativity and gossip aren’t in your vocabulary. Authentic people are usually optimistic and uplifting, often using positive words to describe someone. Spreading positivity not only improves the atmosphere around you but also uplifts others and encourages a more optimistic view of life.
Quick Challenge: Take a moment to describe someone you admire using only positive words. How does that make you feel? Positive? Elated? Authenticity often comes bundled with positive vibes!
3. You’re Fueled By Internal Motivations
Authenticity shines brightest when you are driven by internal goals rather than external validations. You’re not in it for the likes, shares, or applause. Instead, you strive to be the best version of yourself. You find inspiration in positive quotes and are often propelled by a sense of personal mission.
“Authenticity starts in the heart.” – Brian D’Angelo
4. You Have A High Level of Self-Awareness
An authentic person understands themselves deeply. They are aware of their strengths, weaknesses, and even their quirks. Self-awareness is often achieved through self-reflection, and if you’re sentimental, you probably find yourself diving deep into your thoughts often. Wic Wellness covers the topic in detail, explaining 23 signs you might be a sentimental person. But whether you’re sentimental or not, having a high level of self-awareness is a clear indicator of authenticity.
Bonus Tip: If you’re having a hard time discovering your authentic self, consider practicing mindfulness. It can significantly improve your self-awareness.
5. You Practice Humility and Awareness
The world we live in often celebrates ego and arrogance, but authenticity thrives in humility. A humble individual is not someone who thinks less of themselves but someone who thinks of themselves less. And guess what, humility is a practice, not a destination. At Wic Wellness, we’ve discussed 27 attributes of a humble person. If you find yourself practicing these attributes, you are on the right track to authentic living.
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis
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6. You Prioritise Self-Care
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Authentic individuals recognise the importance of self-care and make it a priority, not an afterthought. They understand that to be of service to others, you must first be in a good state yourself. You don’t just preach self-care; you practice it, guided often by self-care quotes that inspire you to take those few essential moments for yourself.
“Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean me first, it means me too.”
7. You Are Kind and Compassionate
Kindness isn’t just an act; it’s a lifestyle for an authentic person. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, offering a listening ear, or simply sharing quotes about kindness to inspire others, your actions are usually infused with compassion and understanding. You’re not kind for the show of it but because you genuinely feel it deep within.
Pro Tip: Authentic kindness comes from a place of love and abundance, not from a place of obligation or scarcity.
8. You Understand the Importance of Mental Health
Being authentic means acknowledging that mental health is just as important as physical health. You don’t shy away from discussing the topic openly and often find strength in mental health quotes that resonate with your journey. Whether it’s practising mindfulness, attending therapy, or simply having an open conversation about mental health, you recognise its importance in achieving a balanced life.
“Mental health is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.”
9. You Value Relationships Over Status
Status symbols and social standing don’t impress an authentic person. Instead, you value genuine connections and meaningful relationships. You are more interested in the quality of interactions rather than the quantity of followers on social media platforms. This connects back to your internal motivations and the desire to lead a life that’s true to yourself, not one that’s constructed for the outward eye.
Reality Check: Do you remember the names of people who mean the most to you or the brand names of your luxury items? If it’s the former, you’re well on your path to authentic living!
10. You Practice Selflessness
Selflessness doesn’t mean you disregard yourself; it means you find joy in giving and sharing. The act of giving enriches your life and speaks volumes about your authenticity. We delve deep into this topic in our article about the importance of selflessness, exploring how this trait contributes to a balanced, fulfilling life.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
11. You Are Consistent in Words and Actions
Authenticity is not a one-off event; it’s a constant practice. You are consistent in your words, your actions, and your thoughts. People around you know what to expect because you’re reliable and true to your beliefs. Authenticity means you’re the same person on the inside as you are on the outside.
Final Thoughts: Authenticity is a journey, one that’s filled with constant learning and unlearning. It’s not about reaching a destination but embracing each step as you go along. If you found yourself nodding along with these signs, you’re likely an authentic person living a fulfilling life. But remember, authenticity is a lifelong journey.
To explore more in-depth insights into wellness and personal growth, check out the various collections and articles we offer at Wic Wellness. Remember, you’re always a work in progress, so continue to grow, learn, and most importantly, stay authentic!
Keep Being You, Authentically You!
That concludes our comprehensive guide to understanding the 11 signs that point to an authentic individual. Feel free to share, comment, or even contribute your thoughts and experiences on this transformative journey towards authenticity. We’d love to hear from you!
