Wellness With Her Club

Many creators today feel immense pressure to succeed, leading them to create and accept a pseudoself – a version of themselves that hides flaws and amplifies their best traits. However, this façade is often transparent to those who know us best, hindering our ability to reach our full potential. Embracing authenticity is essential for fostering creativity, and here are some best practices to cultivate this trait:

Practice self-awareness: Recognize and accept your true self, including weaknesses, struggles, and pitfalls. Understanding who you really are is the first step towards authenticity. In Ancient Greek philosophy, the injunction to “know thyself” was famously inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi and attributed to philosophers like Socrates and Plato. This idea emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and introspection in the pursuit of wisdom and self-improvement.

Question yourself: Evaluate your self-acceptance by asking honest questions. Whose approval do you seek? What do you dislike about yourself, and how can those shortcomings be turned into strengths? Self-diagnosis leads to self-discovery and authenticity.

In Buddhism, the practice of mindfulness and self-inquiry is central to achieving self-awareness and liberation from suffering. The concept of “right mindfulness” involves observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judgment, leading to greater insight into the nature of the self and reality.

Existentialist philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche also explored the theme of self-examination and self-acceptance. Sartre famously wrote about the concept of “bad faith,” which involves denying one’s freedom and responsibility by conforming to societal expectations. He argued that true authenticity comes from facing the existential truths of human existence and embracing one’s freedom to create meaning.

Shift from self-promotion to storytelling: Instead of shaping a personal brand solely for promotion, share your personal story. Authenticity lies in vulnerability and genuine connection with others. Brene Brown, a research professor and author known for her work on vulnerability and shame, often emphasizes the power of storytelling as a way to connect with others authentically. In her books and TED talks, she advocates for embracing vulnerability and sharing our stories as a means of building empathy and connection.

Avoid creating a digital alter ego: Resist the temptation to hide behind a curated online persona. Social media should be a platform for transparency, intimacy, and honesty, as advocated by Claire Diaz Ortiz, the social innovation director of Twitter, now ‘X’

Learn to laugh at yourself: Don’t take yourself too seriously. Embrace your imperfections and laugh at your mistakes. Others will appreciate your humility and authenticity, fostering stronger connections. For example, in Stoic philosophy, there’s an emphasis on self-awareness, acceptance of one’s flaws, and maintaining a sense of humor about life’s challenges. Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius often wrote about the importance of not taking oneself too seriously and maintaining a sense of perspective.

Build a support network: Surround yourself with honest individuals who keep you grounded and provide constructive feedback. Avoid flatterers who only tell you what you want to hear.

Be interested instead of interesting: Prioritize listening and empathy over self-promotion. Focus on others and their stories, fostering genuine connections and understanding.

Embracing authenticity is not only crucial for personal growth but also for fostering creativity. By being true to yourself, you inspire others to do the same, creating a culture of authenticity and trust. So, dear young creative, embrace your authentic self, and let your true essence shine bright.