"Authenticity" is the buzzword of 2025, but what does it truly mean? Is it just a trendy hashtag, or does it go deeper? Let’s break it down.
To be authentic, you need to navigate your emotional intelligence and distinguish the thoughts that reflect your truth from the ones that are flat-out lies. Here’s the kicker: studies show that 80% of our daily thoughts are negative, biased, and untrue. Let that sink in. If your mind is swirling with negativity the majority of your waking hours, how can you truly know who you are?
Why Comparison Kills Authenticity
We’re wired to compare—it’s human nature. We compare restaurant reviews, products, outfits, even parenting styles. And while comparison can help us make decisions (hello, Yelp), comparing ourselves to others is a losing game. Why?
Because you didn’t come to be them—you came to be YOU. Comparing yourself to someone else is like a bird comparing itself to a squirrel. Sure, they both enjoy the bird feeder, but they’re fundamentally different. (Yes, this is inspired by my bird buddy Christmas gift—definitely in my #birdera. If you follow me on IG, you know all about this!)
When we compare, we fuel negative thoughts—insecurities, jealousy, inferiority. Even if you “win” the comparison game, you’re benchmarking yourself against someone you never came to be.
Here’s a better strategy: replace comparison with admiration. When you admire someone, you shift into a mindset of possibility. Admiration ignites positive thoughts: If they can do it, so can I. Instead of asking, “Why not me?” you start asking, “How can I?”
So, What Is Authenticity?
Authenticity is knowing—and owning—who you truly are: your values, your gifts, your passions, and your purpose. But it’s also about knowing who you’re not and being okay with it.
True authenticity means embracing your faults and imperfections. It’s not about pretending to have it all together—it’s about owning the messy, complicated parts of yourself and showing up anyway. Because when you align with your authentic self, amazing things happen. You become more tenacious, kind, motivated, empathetic, and fulfilled because you’re at peace with who you are.
Tips to Ignite Your Authenticity:
Audit your inner dialogue. Ask yourself: is this thought true, or is it just noise? Practice replacing negative thoughts with facts and affirmations.
Replace comparison with admiration. Next time you feel that comparison itch, flip it. Instead of feeling inferior, find inspiration. Admire their journey while staying focused on your own.
Know your “not list.” Take a moment to identify what you’re not—the roles, traits, or values that simply don’t resonate with you. Own it. You didn’t come to be everything; you came to be YOU.
Own your imperfections. Authenticity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. Recognize your faults, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
Lean into your values. Your values are your compass. If something feels off, it’s probably because you’re not aligned with them. Pause, realign, and move forward.
Authenticity isn’t about being flawless. It’s about being unapologetically YOU and showing up as who you came to be. And trust me—there’s no one better at being you than YOU.
Keep shining, friends. Be who YOU came to be.
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