Authenticity – The Most Enduring Path to Happiness

Too often, we go through this world trying to please others, mostly because we want to be liked.

However, in pleasing others, are we being authentic? And even more, does it make us happy?

How do you define authenticity? Do you think you’re authentic? How do you judge whether or not others are being authentic?

The answer to these questions lies in how and why we change.

Too often, authenticity is interpreted to mean that we can't change. But change is at the core of not only authenticity, but happiness as well.

• When we change for others, we think, “If I change for you, then you’ll like me and I’ll be happy.”
• When we ask others to change for us, we think, “If you change for me, then I’ll be happy.”

Either way, we’ve only accomplished one thing: We have acknowledged that our source of happiness lies outside of us.

Basically, we’ve given away our power to be happy. Even worse, what if we don’t like the change that was made, and we end up miserable instead?

So, what’s the most enduring path to happiness?

Authenticity.

When we are authentic, we recognize that we alone are the source of our happiness. We take pride in our skills and talents, and we live true to our values. Only you know what’s best for you. Only you can define what makes you happy.

What do we need to do to live more authentically?

First, work on self-awareness. Understand who you are.

• What are your values? Are your day-to-day behaviors in alignment with them?
• What are your talents and skills? What do you most like to do? What are you really good at?
• What do you most want to bring into the world? How can you contribute in a way that only you can?

Then change what you need to change in your life to live more in alignment with who you are.

 
A true indicator of authentic change is your feelings.

• How do you feel about the change?
• Does it make you happy or relieved?
• Do you feel more “you”?
• Most importantly, can you sustain the change?

Chances are, if you answered “yes” to these questions, then you’re on the right track to being authentic.

Join me on social media to let me know what you can do to be more authentic today.

© 2017, Susan McCuistion