In a world full of expectations, distractions, and pressure to “fit in,” living as your true, authentic self can feel like a radical act. But here’s the truth: the closer you live to your real self—the one behind the roles, the masks, and the noise—the more peace, confidence, and joy you’ll experience.
Authenticity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. It’s about aligning your daily choices with who you actually are—not who you think you’re supposed to be. Below are 5 simple, powerful practices that help me (and many others) reconnect with that deeper self.
Let’s dive in.
1. Don’t Say Yes Just to Please Others
People-pleasing might make you feel safe or accepted in the short term, but over time, it erodes your sense of self. Every time you say “yes” when you mean “no,” a little piece of your authenticity gets buried.
✅ Try This:
- Before agreeing to something, pause and ask yourself: “Do I really want to do this?”
- Practice saying no gently but firmly: “Thanks for thinking of me, but I’ll have to pass this time.”
- Remember: Saying no to others is often saying yes to yourself.
Living authentically begins by honoring your own needs—even when it feels uncomfortable.
2. Turn Off Your Phone When You’re With Loved Ones
Modern life is noisy. Notifications, messages, and constant scrolling pull us away from what truly matters. One of the most radical things you can do today is to be fully present—especially with the people you love.
✅ Try This:
- Set boundaries: put your phone on airplane mode or leave it in another room during meals or conversations.
- Let your loved ones know: “I want to be fully here with you.”
- Pay attention to how it feels—chances are, it’ll feel like real connection.
Presence is one of the greatest gifts you can give—and receive.
Sometimes, slowing down is the fastest way to return to yourself. I wrote more about that here.
3. Journal Your Thoughts Every Night
You can’t live authentically if you don’t know what’s really going on inside. Journaling is like a mirror for your inner world. It helps you notice what you’re feeling, what you’re avoiding, and what truly matters.
✅ Try This:
- Spend just 5–10 minutes writing before bed.
- Don’t edit. Just let the words flow.
- Start with prompts like:
“Today I felt…” or “Something that’s been on my mind is…”
You’ll be amazed at how clarity unfolds when you create space to listen to yourself.
Want to go deeper? Read about what journaling every day for a year taught me here.
4. Take 3 Deep Breaths When You’re Stressed
Your breath is one of the fastest ways to return to the present moment. It anchors you. Calms your nervous system. And reminds you: you are here, now.
✅ Try This:
- Whenever you feel stress rising, pause.
- Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6.
- Repeat three times.
This simple breathing ritual helps you respond—not react. And responding from calm awareness is a big step toward living more authentically.
5. Do Something You Love—No Reason Needed
You don’t need a productivity goal or a justification to enjoy something. Sometimes, the most soulful moments come from doing something just because it lights you up.
✅ Try This:
- Reconnect with something you loved as a child—drawing, dancing, playing music, being outside.
- Schedule 15 minutes this week just for that activity.
- Resist the urge to explain or justify it. Joy is reason enough.
Your authentic self is playful, curious, and alive. Let it breathe.
Living Authentically Is a Daily Practice
Living closer to your true self isn’t a one-time transformation. It’s a series of small choices—made daily, intentionally. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be honest. Honest about what you want, what you need, and what makes your soul feel alive.
So start small.
Say no when it matters.
Put the phone away.
Write down your thoughts.
Breathe deeply.
And do that one thing you love.
These aren’t just habits. They’re invitations—back to the real you.