Authenticity
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Stop trying to be someone you are not and embrace who you are.
3 people, independently
- Trust your gut and do what you like without seeking validation from others; let your personality emerge naturally.2
Stop acting or creating a character to make people like you.
People will like the character you created, not you.
one person who lived it
Stay true to yourself.
Others often judge out of jealousy.
2 people, independently
Allow yourself to be yourself to filter out toxic people and make room for those who are in your corner.
Living authentically filters out toxic people.
one person who lived it
Focus on being kind regularly rather than trying to be nice all the time.
It helps you appear more authentic.
one person who lived it
Change your inner self rather than just trying to change how others perceive you externally.
Trying to change only the outer appearance without changing the inner self creates a falsehood; changing the inner self allows it to show through to the outside.
one person who lived it
Be yourself and stop worrying about being perceived as 'cringe'.
Living authentically leads to a happier, life-loving existence compared to the emotional flatness of hiding who you are.
one person who lived it
Let go of who you thought you were supposed to be and take steps to find your voice again.
one person who lived it
Be unapologetically genuine about who you are, what you believe, and what you enjoy to gain inner confidence.
It brings inner confidence.
one person who lived it
2 more on this
Follow your own path and passions rather than trying to impress others, so you naturally attract people with similar interests.
one person who lived it
Aim for a 'Confident Self' that expresses opinions in a relaxed way, avoiding both people-pleasing and raw abrasiveness.
one person who lived it