Authenticity embraces self-awareness and self-acceptance while focusing on being honest and vulnerable. Authentic living would suggest that we are connected to who we really are, know what is most important to us and can express our opinions regarding our values.
Or, as Brene Brown describes...
Post-pandemic, anxiety (now more than ever before) has become increasingly evident and challenging to navigate. Anxiety manifests worry, irritability and difficulty concentrating to name a few characteristics. In this way, it can significantly impact a person's ability to be authentic by creating barriers and self-imposed limitations.
Anxiety can be a barrier to authenticity through:
- Fear of judgment: Anxiety often leads to a heightened fear of what others think or how we might be perceived. This fear can prevent us from expressing our true thoughts, feelings and opinions authentically because we worry about being judged and rejected.
- Overthinking and second-guessing: Anxiety can make us second-guess ourselves and our decisions. We may constantly analyze our words and actions, regretting something we've said or done. This can easily lead to inauthentic behavior as we try to conform to what we believe others expect of us.
- Suppressing emotions: People with anxiety might suppress their emotions to avoid feeling vulnerable. This self-protective impulse can lead to inauthenticity because we don't express our true feelings and are fundamentally disconnected from our authentic selves.
- Perfectionism: Perfectionism often goes hand in hand with anxiety. In such cases, we might set impossibly high standards for ourselves. This perfectionism can lead to inauthenticity as we strive to present a flawless image to others. Deeply rooted in fear, perfectionism is never reflection of our true selves.
- Avoidance behavior: People with anxiety may avoid situations or conversations that make them uncomfortable or increase their anxious feelings. This avoidance can prevent us from engaging in authentic interactions and expressing our own thoughts, opinions and feelings. When we shy away from opportunities to express our true selves, we are also becoming less authentic.
- Self-doubt: Self-doubt and low self-esteem are often common byproducts of anxiety, causing us to question our self-worth and abilities. This self-doubt can hinder our ability to assert ourselves authentically and contribute to a lack of self-confidence.
- People-pleasing: Anxiety can drive us to prioritize others' needs and opinions over our own. We focus on gaining acceptance and favor from those around us and place importance on ensuring the happiness of others. This can lead to inauthenticity because we are not expressing our true wants, desires and preferences.
- Difficulty setting boundaries: Anxiety can make it challenging for people to take their own perspectives into consideration. In this way, it becomes impossible to set and maintain healthy boundaries in relationships. This can result in us compromising our own values and needs, leading to inauthentic interactions and relationships.
Anxiety can greatly impact a person's ability to both desire and achieve authentic living. To overcome these challenges and allow authenticity to shine through, we must consider navigating anxiety by tackling each of these issues independently. Seek help, practice self-awareness and develop coping strategies to mitigate feelings of anxiety.
Most importantly, on the journey towards authenticity, remember to focus forward and be compassionate with yourself.
