The Challenging Process of Being True To Your Self
"To thine own self be true."
- William Shakespeare
In a world that constantly dictates how we should act and who we should be, it's tough to stay true to ourselves and be authentic. Many of us just want to be true to ourselves. Still, the fear of negative reactions and social media backlash holds us back.
According to psychologist Svend Brinkman, societal expectations demand endless happiness and unwavering composure. But this obsession with positive psychology has its own “dark side”. It compels us to hide our true emotions to avoid appearing anything but favorable to others.
Let's face it, no one can be positive all the time, despite what society says. Saying we're "fine" all the time only harms our well-being, preventing us from being true to ourselves.
Acknowledging our emotions is essential. It helps us uncover the underlying issues causing those feelings, and by addressing these problems, we can find the right solutions. Conversely, burying our emotions isolates us and deprives us of self-support.
Feelings are meant to be felt; they don't always require action. They prompt us to start problem-solving, leading us toward the life we truly desire.
Scientific Abstract of True Self
Psychological research has long studied the difference between traits within and outside of ourselves. Recently, there's been a surge of interest in a more specific division. People identify certain traits as part of their true selves, representing their core identity. Notably, studies reveal that the true self is associated with positivity and morality, transcending cultural and observer tendencies. We delve into possible explanations for these findings and their psychological implications.
Humanism
The ideas of authenticity from Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, leading psychologists of the humanist movement, have had a significant impact.
Rogers defined an authentic person as someone who openly acknowledges and acts upon their emotions and internal states, emphasizing that lack of authenticity can hinder personal growth. On the other hand, Maslow considers authenticity a crucial psychological need for self-actualization, where one’s self-concept aligns with their actions and experiences.
Incongruence between self-concept and life experience leads to inauthenticity and maladjustment. While empirical evidence for these ideas is limited, they have influenced modern definitions of authenticity, which are currently being tested.
Self-determination Theory
Self-determination theory is key to understanding authenticity.
According to Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan, humans have three psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. When these needs are met, it leads to internalizing goals, which is crucial for authenticity.
Autonomy and competence, in particular, play a significant role in fostering authenticity. Although there is limited empirical evidence supporting these claims, a study showed positive correlations between need satisfaction and authenticity, along with self-esteem and emotional well-being.
10 Traits of Authentic People
Spotting authenticity in others can be challenging because people have a knack for projecting a false image. But here are a few signs that make a person authentic:
- Self-awareness: They understand themselves deeply, including their strengths and limitations.
- Honesty: They are truthful with themselves and others, expressing their thoughts and feelings openly.
- Integrity: They prioritize moral values and stay true to themselves, even in challenging situations.
- Consistency: They align their words, actions, and behavior with their identity and principles.
- Vulnerability: They are comfortable sharing their true selves and feelings with others.
- Creativity:They express themselves in unique and unconventional ways, embracing their individuality.
- Empathy:They understand and connect with others' emotions and perspectives.
- Courage:They exhibit bravery, taking risks to remain authentic despite judgment or failure.
- Humility:They focus on being genuine rather than impressing others, celebrating their true selves.
- Self-acceptance: They embrace their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, fostering personal growth.
How to Be an Authentic Person
Embracing authenticity and living a real life is within everyone's reach, but it often requires effort and dedication. Here are some practical tips for cultivating and enhancing your authenticity:
- Reflect on your values: Take the time to explore and understand your core values. What truly matters to you? Identifying and aligning your actions with these values will help you stay true to yourself.
- Practice self-awareness: Develop a deep understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and motivations. Being aware of your authentic self enables you to make conscious choices that reflect who you are.
- Embrace vulnerability: Authenticity often involves being open and vulnerable. Allow yourself to be genuine, even in the face of potential judgment or rejection. Authentic connections and experiences can flourish when you let your guard down.
- Honor your uniqueness: Celebrate your individuality and embrace what makes you different. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on expressing your authentic self without fear of judgment.
- Be honest with yourself and others: Practice honesty in your interactions, both with yourself and those around you. Speak your truth kindly and respectfully to foster trust and deeper connections.
- Trust your intuition: Your intuition can guide you towards choices that align with your authentic self, helping you make decisions that feel right for you.
- Practice self-acceptance: Embrace all aspects of yourself, including your strengths and imperfections. Embracing self-acceptance allows you to show authenticity without pretense.
- Surround yourself with supportive individuals: Seek out relationships and communities that value authenticity and encourage your personal growth. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can inspire and uplift your authentic journey.
- Humility:They focus on being genuine rather than impressing others, celebrating their true selves.
- Self-acceptance: They embrace their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks, fostering personal growth.
Final Thoughts
In the words of William Shakespeare, "This above all: to thine own self be true." These timeless words from Hamlet offer valuable guidance in a world filled with numerous distractions. Staying true to oneself is a powerful method of nurturing self-esteem, self-respect, and overall well-being. Although it may appear as simple advice, listening to our authentic selves can present significant challenges that require patience, attention, and continuous practice.
REFERENCES:
- How to Be True to Yourself
- How to Be True to Yourself and Live the Life You Want
- 10 Characteristics of Authentic People (With Examples)
- How to Be an Authentic Person: Importance of Authenticity
- How to Be True to Yourself: 4 Tips for Finding Your True Self
- The True Self: A Psychological Concept Distinct From the Self
- The Benefits of Being Yourself: An Examination of Authenticity, Uniqueness, and Well-Being