What Does It Mean To Be Authentic?

When’s the last time you got really honest with yourself?

This week, if you’ll indulge us, we’re getting a little philosophical — we’re sharing 5 of our favorite quotes about what it means to live an authentic life.

Living authentically means acting in alignment with your true self and your core values. It requires a lot of self-honesty, which can be challenging.

But when we face our strengths and weaknesses with self-compassion, we are able to be ourselves, find creative energy, and experience authentic joy.

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."

- Maya Angelou

Our first quote comes to us from the brilliant poet, actress, singer, dancer, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou.

Trying to be “normal” is a great way to disconnect from what truly makes you shine.

For some of us, not only can be a constant weight to assess ourselves from some imagined external perspective, but it can also distract us from our unique gifts.

Also… it's not very fun 😜

“It is easy for me to put on a show… but to express oneself honestly, not lying to oneself — that, my friend, is very hard to do.”

- Bruce Lee

This quote comes to us from Bruce Lee, a famous martial artist, actor, director, and philosopher.

Many of us have roles to play in the grand show of life — but it’s not all bad, of course.

We show up in certain places or relationships with different kinds of skills or intentions — to be a helpful colleague, to be a welcoming host, a patient parent, etc.

But sometimes, we can become trapped by these roles and forget to be honest with the person whose opinion of us matters quite a lot: ourselves. 

It’s sometimes hard to tell ourselves the truth, because if we are to hear it fully, we may need to grow and change in ways that feel authentic. 

So, if there’s something you’ve been hesitant to admit to yourself this week, we encourage you to gently explore it!

There might be something really worthwhile on the other side of it.

“Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity.”

- Brené Brown

Our third piece of wisdom comes to us from Brené Brown, a researcher, professor, and author who studies shame.

Ah, vulnerability.

It seems like a soft, squishy word… but it’s actually incredibly challenging, and requires a huge amount of courage. 

Vulnerability describes the state of being exposed to the possibility of harm or attack, encompassing both physical and emotional susceptibility and weaknesses. Not a comfortable place to hang out!

But, it is also core to living an authentic life.

Only when we are open, authentic, and share our true selves — even when it carries the risk of rejection or judgment — can we move towards things that give us greater peace, joy, and freedom.

It’s a superpower that many people are afraid of, but it also makes us strong.

“There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you.”

- Steve Maraboli

This quote comes to us from Steve Maraboli, an author, athlete, and veteran.

Have you ever had the experience of seeing someone out and about, rocking a cool but slightly weird outfit, living in their own world, and not seeming to care what others think?

It’s the best!

We want that for all of us, too. 

We hope this quote reminds you that being unapologetically yourself will bring you joy — and it will probably inspire other people, too.

“The greatest act of courage is to be and to own all of who you are — without apology, without excuses, without masks to cover the truth of who you are.”

- Debbie Ford

Our final quote comes to us from author and coach Debbie Ford.  

The last quote talked about the beauty of seeing people being authentically themselves, and how that can inspire us to do the same. 

We’d like to build on that idea and honor the courage it actually takes to show up as yourself, without a mask. 

Owning who you are is courageous because it requires accountability: to not make excuses for where you might fall short of your ideals or ambitions, and to live boldly in your truth anyway.

We hope this week inspired you to take a step towards being more honest with yourself — your strengths and weaknesses, your quirks, your true desires, and what makes you, you.

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P.S. If you could use help accomplishing your goals, busting through procrastination, or getting motivated — please join us at one of our live guided work sessions, or morning planning sessions! Our entire community is waiting for you.

Take care,

— Alexis and the focused space team