How often have you heard the line “Fake it until you make it”? It’s a very common phrase used to create confidence and to make others perceive you as something you’re not. A better version of you or something. And now don’t get me started on what “better” is.
And that is exactly my problem with this. Why would you want to hide who you truly are from others? Claims of being authentic are nice and all, but why do you need to tell others you are authentic. It’s the same as me telling you I am a blogger. You have eyes don’t you? You have a brain, and you can think for yourself. I don’t need to tell you anything about me being authentic. Likewise why would you need to tell others what you are about or cover up who you really are.
Being Authentic
I could go on endlessly about authenticity but that’s exactly what I want you to stop doing. I don’t want you to fake anything or boast with all kinds of claims about who you secretly want to be. Being yourself is much more powerful because you no longer need to spend energy in pretending to be someone else you can use every bit of energy you have to good use in being who you are!
Stop faking
Who are you, and what have you done with the real you? How long have you been pretending to be someone you’re not just so people would like you or believe you. Wait a second, in order for people to believe you you have to lie to them? That is what faking it means, no matter how you look at it, it’s nothing more than a big lie. A means to an end you might say in defence. A great way to build confidence if you don’t have any yourself, or to get out of a cycle you’re in. Just pretend it’s not there right?
Reality check
Pretending is not reality, pretending is not the truth. As long as you present you will never realize what’s inside of you waiting to come out. Be authentic but do not make claims about it. Just keep your mouth shut and be who you actually are, we all have eyes and a brain, we’ll know the truth when we see it. And if we don’t, that’s our problem, not yours. Be you.
Who are you?
Thanks for the encouragement to let it all out there. I have often wondered about the people who think that they can just put on authenticity – it’s not a coat that you can just put on and then throw off.
So, if people are being inauthentic, I think they’re really revealing their authentic self (someone who’s isn’t authentic).
Great post!
“if people are being inauthentic, I think they’re really revealing their authentic self”
You hit the nail on the head there Luke. Let is all out and just show the world who you truly are. No need to hide, if someone doesn’t like you for you that’s just their problem. It’s not like everybody in the whole world needs to like you now do they.
I really like the theme on your blog btw, looks great (and simple)!
this is a great post. i think the world would benefit from more people being themselves, and not worrying about expectations because everybody agrees on core things like integrity, and respect. those are enough in themselves combined with an authentic personality to see that you will be successful on any journey worthy of those qualities. I actually just wrote a post about this very same thing: http://bit.ly/c3zqxA
This is so true, and I believe it is a process we all have to go through. Only when we get comfortable in our own skin can we have the courage to pare down to what it truly important to us…
Thanks for posting this!
“Only when we get comfortable in our own skin can we have the courage to pare down to what it truly important to us”
*Doesn’t say a word, only nods in total agreement*
Most people thought that faking our way through would benefit us in the long run, but they are wrong. Eventually, the truth shall be revealed and we will be the one to suffer its sting.
By being true to ourselves, we can discover our unique gifts. :-)