The Quiet Strength of Authenticity: Why It’s Okay to Change Your Mind

Authenticity is often framed as a rigid, unwavering commitment to who you are. We hear phrases like "stay true to yourself" and "never change for anyone," as if our identity is a fixed destination rather than an evolving journey. But in reality, one of the most authentic things we can do is allow ourselves to grow, learn, and—perhaps most importantly—change our minds, not many of us are what we wanted to be when we were in kindergarten.

The Fear of Changing Course

Society tends to celebrate consistency, sometimes to a fault. We feel pressure to follow through on past choices even when they no longer serve us. Whether it’s a career path, a relationship, a long-held belief, or even personal goals, we might hesitate to pivot because we worry it makes us seem indecisive, unreliable, or even inauthentic.

But true authenticity isn’t about staying the same; it’s about staying honest. If something no longer aligns with your values, priorities, or lived experiences, it is not a betrayal of yourself to adjust course—it’s a declaration of self-awareness and growth. Similarly, when relationships no longer serve your well-being, it's essential to set boundaries or create distance to protect your mental and emotional health. This act of self-care ensures that your connections remain supportive and aligned with your authentic self.

The Nuance of Authenticity

Authenticity is often misunderstood as being stubbornly consistent with past versions of ourselves. But in truth, it’s about deep alignment with who we are in the present moment. It’s about acknowledging the full complexity of our experiences and allowing ourselves the freedom to change when new information or new perspectives emerge.

Think of authenticity like a river, not a rock. A river doesn’t betray itself when it shifts course—it responds to its environment, adapts, and continues flowing. Likewise, you are not less authentic if you decide to take a different path than the one you initially set out on.

Giving Yourself Permission to Evolve

So how do we embrace this more fluid and self-compassionate version of authenticity? Here are a few ways:

1. Recognize that change is growth. Instead of seeing a shift in perspective as a contradiction, view it as a sign of learning and self-expansion.
2. Let go of the fear of judgment. People may question your choices, but their opinions should never hold more weight than your own truth.
3. Check in with yourself regularly. Ask, “Does this still feel right for me?” If the answer is no, give yourself permission to make a different choice.
4. Be transparent about your evolution. Changing your mind doesn’t mean you were wrong before—it just means you’ve learned something new. Own your growth and share it when you’re ready.

The Authenticity of an Open Mind

The ability to change your mind is not a weakness—it’s a strength. It shows that you are actively engaging with life, reflecting on your experiences, and allowing yourself to become more aligned with your truth. The most authentic people are not those who refuse to evolve, but those who embrace the natural, messy, beautiful evolution of being human.

So the next time you feel yourself shifting, remember: you’re not losing authenticity—you’re deepening it.