Being your Authentic Self

It isn’t always easy to live authentically. At times, being true to what you know is right means that you go against the crowd. It may mean being unconventional, opening yourself up for the possibility of others hurting you and taking the harder road. Or it may mean you have to be vulnerable and show up without the roles you have been playing. Although it may feel hard and certainly uncomfortable at times, it is also vastly rewarding.

When you live authentically, you don't have to worry about what you said (or didn’t say), how you acted, or whether you did the right thing. Living authentically means you can trust yourself and your motivations implicitly.

But for most, we have been living our lives based on what we think others want from us, instead of what truly makes us happy. We have been sacrificing our own desires, dreams and beliefs in the hopes of fitting in and avoiding conflict. But in doing so, we are suppressing our authentic selves and denying ourselves the opportunity to truly thrive.

Here are five tips to living your authentic self to relieve stress:

1. Setting clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. It starts with prioritising your needs and being assertive in communicating them to others. Saying “no" when you need to can be difficult, but it’s necessary for avoiding overwhelm and burnout. Creating boundaries around your time and energy allows you to focus on what truly matters to you and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remember, self[1]care is not selfish, it’s essential for your overall wellbeing.
2. Cultivating meaningful relationships is essential for personal growth and overall wellbeing. By surrounding ourselves with positivity, we create an environment that nurtures our mental and emotional health. It is through these connections that we can find support, inspiration and motivation to become the best version of ourselves.
3. Investing time and effort in building genuine relationships allows us to become more open with our emotions, to share our joys, sorrows and experiences with others who genuinely care. These relationships provide a sense of belonging and they can offer guidance and support during challenging times. Choosing to be in the company of individuals who uplift us and encourage us will help us stay focused on our goals.
4. Identifying your core values and priorities is essential for personal and professional growth. It allows you to live a more authentic life and make decisions that align with your true self. Take the time to reflect and consider what matters most to you: what the principles and beliefs guide your actions?
5. Once you have identified your core values, prioritise and align them with your goals. This will help you make choices and allocate your time and energy more effectively. Remember, your core values and priorities should be the foundation on which you build your life and make impactful decisions. So take the time to discover them and live a life that is true to yourself.

Gillian McMichael is a transformational coach, founder of Full Circle Global and author of Coming Home: A Guide to Being Your True Self. Visit: gillianmcmichael.com