Don’t Worry About What Others Think. Be Authentically You!

Authenticity seems to be a growing aspect of businesses in this age of social media. Our feeds are constantly filled with images of unrealistic perfection, but there is an increasing attraction to the accounts that highlight the beauty of being your true self. While you may laugh at the unfiltered videos of small business owners or disgruntled employees, you have to realize the levels of authenticity may vary with each business. Authenticity can also come with a price when done in poor taste. So how do you showcase your true self in the most appropriate way for your business or workplace? Even more importantly, why should you even bother? Being authentic doesn’t require you to make a big show of your lifestyle or feelings. However, being true to who you are can lead to new levels of empowerment as an employee and as a business owner. “In our research, we’ve talked to a lot of employees who feel like they’re concealing a ‘stigma,’ and in many of those cases we’ve seen that there’s a real cost to hiding,” according to Michelle “Mikki” Hebl, Ph.D., Martha, and Henry Malcolm Lovett Professor of Psychology and Professor of Management, Studies have shown that when people feel they cannot be the authentic version of themselves, they feel immoral and frequently find themselves depressed with poor work performance. The first step in revealing your true self is actually knowing who you are. Many of us spend so much time on these thoughtfully curated characters of ourselves that we forget how to step out of character. Start training yourself to interact at work in a way that isn’t overly processed for other people’s consumption. Don’t overthink. Know what you bring to the table – “your knowledge, expertise, professionalism, and charm, [then] toss that personality in there,” as Brian Bryant shared. After you have acknowledged who you truly are, find the passion in what you do. Often, it is easier to be who you really are when you find joy in your work. This is especially true for those who own a business. When you are passionate about your products or service, it becomes easier to transfer that passion into being true to yourself. Lastly, it is essential to realize that being authentic does not mean that the world, your customers, coworkers, or even your boss deserves unlimited access to you. Be comfortable enough in who you are and how much you show the world by simply creating boundaries that you are comfortable with. Be confident in who you are and what you know. Do not be afraid to share your thoughts and perspectives on the topic. “Do not [feel the need] to assimilate to what others think [of] you,” recommends Laurice Walker. Being authentic is about you and your story. As the author, you decide how much of the story is told and who gets to experience it.