The Difficulty of Being Genuine
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You might not be as genuine as you think
It can be difficult to be genuine. We live in a world that values surface-level interactions and first impressions. We are constantly meeting new people and trying to make a good impression. This can lead to us putting up a persona that is not truly reflective of who we are.
Professionals, in particular, might find it difficult to show their true colors at work. In order to be successful, it is important to be liked and respected by your colleagues. As a result, we often hold back parts of ourselves that we think might not be well-received.
There are many reasons why people put up a front instead of being their true selves. Let’s explore some of those reasons and how to overcome them.
“Only the truth of who you are, if realized, will set you free.”
— Eckhart Tolle
Why It Is Difficult To Be Genuine
People are attracted to authenticity because it is rare. In a world full of filters and photoshop, it is refreshing to see somebody who is comfortable in their own skin.
Genuine people also tend to be more confident, which can be magnetic. If you are confident in who you are, it shows, and people will be drawn to that.
Being genuine also makes it easier to build trust. When somebody knows that they can trust you to be honest with them, they are more likely to confide in you and open up to you. Trust is an essential ingredient in any strong relationship.
Finally, being genuine allows you to live your life more fully. When you’re not worried about putting up a façade, you’re free to focus on the things that matter most to you.
You can also be more present in your relationships and your interactions with others. Instead of worrying about what other people think of you, you can relax and be yourself. All of this leads to a happier and more fulfilling life.
Being genuine is one of the most important things you can do for your relationships, your career, and your overall well-being. Here are a few ways for you to consider being more genuine moving forward.
“To find yourself, think for yourself.”
— Socrates
3 Ways to Be More Genuine
When you are your authentic self, you are more likely to attract people who appreciate you for who you are. You will also feel more fulfilled because you are not living a version of yourself that is watered down or fake.
Here are three tips that might help:
1) Get to know yourself first
In order to be genuine with others, you need to know who you are. Take some time for introspection and figure out what your core values and beliefs are.
- What makes you happy?
- What do you stand for?
- What do you not stand for?
Once you have a good understanding of your own identity, it will be easier for you to share it with others.
2) Be honest with your intentions
When interacting with others, always stay true to your intention. If your goal is simply to make a good impression, then that’s okay. But don’t pretend to be something you’re not just for the sake of impressing someone else.
3) Practice makes perfect
The more you practice being genuine, the easier it will become. Start small by sharing something personal with a close friend or family member. Once you get comfortable with that, branch out and try being more open with acquaintances and even strangers. The key is to just keep practicing until it becomes second nature.
Conclusion
The next time you find yourself potentially not being genuine with someone, take a step back and ask yourself why. Is it because you’re afraid of being rejected if they see the real you? If you genuinely want to get to know them better, chances are they want to get to know the real you too.
