Authentic Living: How to Stay True to Yourself

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get lost in the expectations of others. We’re constantly bombarded by societal pressures—whether it’s about success, career paths, or how we should live our personal lives. But what happens when we stop living according to others' standards and start embracing who we truly are? That’s where the magic of authentic living comes in.

The Weight of Societal Pressure

Like many of you, I often felt the invisible weight of societal expectations growing up. There was always pressure to follow the “right” path—whether it was pursuing a particular career, achieving specific milestones, or even presenting myself in a way that met others' standards. While I was constantly striving to meet these expectations, I noticed something profound: the more I tried to fit into a mold that wasn’t mine, the more disconnected I felt from myself. I wasn’t happy, and I certainly wasn’t living authentically.

Breaking Free from Expectations

It wasn’t until I began to question these pressures that I started to live more authentically. A crucial moment for me was when I didn’t clear the MPhil entrance exam for Clinical Psychology. At first, I felt like I had failed both myself and society's expectations. But in hindsight, this so-called "failure" opened doors I hadn't previously considered—like pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Child Guidance and Counselling. To my surprise, this new path felt more aligned with who I truly was, and I found immense fulfilment.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: breaking free from others' expectations allows you to discover passions, interests, and opportunities you may not have seen before. It’s about walking your own path, not the one society expects you to take.

How to Live Authentically

Here’s what I’ve learned about staying true to yourself, even when societal pressures pull you in different directions:

1. Know Your Values At the core of authentic living is understanding what truly matters to you. What do you value most? Is it personal freedom, creativity, connection, or something else? Once you define your core values, making decisions becomes easier. You stop bending to what others expect because you’re clear about what drives you.
2. Set Boundaries Living authentically also means setting boundaries with those who may try to steer you off course. Family, friends, and colleagues may mean well, but their advice doesn’t always align with your values. Politely say "no" to situations, relationships, or opportunities that don’t serve your authentic self.
3. Accept Imperfection A massive part of authentic living is accepting that you’re not perfect, and that’s okay. Society pushes perfectionism, but our imperfections are what make us unique. Let go of the need to "fit in" and start celebrating what makes you different.
4. Embrace Vulnerability Being authentic often means being vulnerable. You’re showing the world who you truly are—flaws, passions, dreams, and all. It takes courage, but the rewards are worth it. When you embrace vulnerability, you’ll attract people and opportunities that resonate with your true self.

Inspiring Stories of Authenticity

Two individuals who exemplify the power of living authentically are Mark Manson, the author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck*, and Roxie Nafousi, the self-development coach and author of Manifest. Both have chosen to follow unconventional paths, embracing authenticity and vulnerability to find success.

Mark Manson began his journey after experiencing numerous failures—he was lost, unsure of his future, and struggled in relationships. Instead of conforming to societal pressures for conventional success, he embraced his unique approach to self-improvement. Through brutal honesty and rejecting societal norms, Manson’s perspective has resonated with millions, inspiring others to live unapologetically and authentically.

Similarly, Roxie Nafousi’s story of overcoming personal struggles and discovering her true purpose has inspired many. After battling mental health issues, she turned inward and focused on self-development, using tools like manifestation and inner healing. By sharing her raw, authentic journey, Roxie has built a community that values honesty, vulnerability, and self-awareness over the pursuit of perfection.

Both Manson and Nafousi teach us that living authentically—free from societal constraints—opens doors to deeper fulfillment and success.

My Journey of Authenticity

For me, living authentically means embracing my passions for mental health, creativity, and nature. I’ve started a newsletter, Breaking Illusion, to share my insights on these topics and encourage others to live true to themselves. My personal journey of breaking free from external expectations has allowed me to align my life with the things that matter most to me. It’s been a process, but now that I’ve chosen authenticity over perfection, I feel more at peace and connected to my purpose.

Your Authentic Path

Living authentically isn’t always easy—it takes introspection, courage, and often going against societal norms. But the rewards of living a life that’s true to who you are far outweigh the comfort of fitting in. Ask yourself: Are you living a life that feels true to you, or are you living someone else’s version of success?

Start by identifying what truly matters to you, setting boundaries, and accepting that your journey will look different from others'. The more you embrace your authentic self, the more fulfillment you’ll find in both personal and professional life.

Let’s continue to break the illusion of perfection and celebrate our true selves!

Stay true,

stay authentic,

Shruti

Breaking Illusion