Being Authentic

The challenge for authenticity is complex. Indeed, it would be simplistic to always interpret it as the free expression of who we are or being direct and transparent, sometimes even risking compromising relationships with others. Our very identity is constantly evolving, shaped by the experiences we have and the people we meet

Unfortunately, one can struggle with authenticity today for many reasons.

First of all, the continuous changes to which we are exposed change us radically, and therefore our own identity evolves.

Of course, it’s important to have a clear and stable sense of who you are, like a compass that helps guide you through the complex choices you make and towards your goals. But often a too-rigid sense of ourselves prevents us from progressing towards new opportunities, it becomes an anchor that keeps us trapped in old habits.

Secondly, the growing diversity in the workplace brings us into contact with people with different cultures and expectations of how to behave, and, to be effective and understand each other, we must necessarily adapt and therefore become less authentic, and more flexible.

Furthermore, our identities are constantly being shown in today’s world of social media and permanent connectivity. How we present ourselves has become an important aspect at stake and exposes us to the risk of showing contrasts or contradictions that are there for all to see.

Certainly, however, the possibility of wearing a mask is to be excluded, simply because it does not work (others will not believe it and sooner or later we will be discovered) but it is also unhealthy for ourselves. Inauthentic living and working is tiring, inspires no one to action, and holds us back from reaching our full potential.

Being authentic has to do on the one hand with presence and participation, and on the other with trust in one’s own organism that feels, perceives, intuits, and regulates itself. Who is authentic lives, is passionate, risks, loves, gets angry, grieves; he is willing to penetrate everything he hears, including painful passages, out of trust in his own internal reality.

Authentic people are aware, spontaneous, and genuine. They are not afraid to show their flaws, their vulnerabilities, simply because they are aware that we all have them, we are all weak, vulnerable, and imperfect.

The essence of being authentic is to live one’s life according to one’s own values and goals rather than those of other people, to conform to one’s personality, values, and spirit without worrying about the pressures that lead us to act otherwise.

As a result, we are perceived by others as genuine and are willing to accept the consequences of being true to our beliefs and what we believe is right.

In conclusion, we can say that to live a life in an authentic way it is necessary that the choices and actions are the mirror of one’s ideas and beliefs, putting aside everything that feels like it does not belong to one’s way of being, overcoming the standards imposed by the company.

Comments are really appreciated!