How To Be Authentically You: Finding Your Unique Voice In Life And Work

Hello there!

Can we just pause for a moment and admit how tempting it can be—at home, in the office, or on Zoom calls with a dozen new faces—to slip into “chameleon mode”? Maybe you catch yourself morphing a little to fit the crowd, saying what you think folks want to hear, or just going with the flow to keep things smooth. (Been there, done that—more than I’d like to admit!)

But here’s the thing: what if the very thing you’re bending over backward to avoid—being fully, unapologetically yourself—is your true superpower? Let’s dive into what it truly means to be authentically you and how you can bring that sparkling, one-of-a-kind self to every part of your life.

What Does It Actually Mean To "Be Authentically You"?

Being authentic isn’t about baring your soul or giving a TED Talk on your hopes and fears at every staff meeting. It’s about knowing your inner compass: your values, strengths, quirks, and blind spots—and letting those shine through, even when it feels a bit risky.

Authentically you means aligning what happens on the inside with how you show up on the outside—whether you're chatting with a best friend or pitching a big idea to your boss. It’s living out the stuff you care about, voicing opinions that really matter to you, and letting others see more of the real, unpolished you—even if that means sometimes standing out.

As Brené Brown famously said, “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” I know, sometimes that can feel like standing on stage in your pajamas, but trust me, it's worth it.

Why Use Authenticity (and Not Just Save it for the Weekend)?

Okay, maybe you’re thinking, “Can’t I just clock in, do my job, and save my authenticity for personal time?” You could, but what if bringing the real you out, even just a little more, made everything—relationships, career, clarity—feel less like pushing a boulder uphill?

You use authenticity in your day-to-day by choosing honesty over harmony when something important is at stake. You ask for feedback (even if it’s scary!) because you care about growth. You share your real thoughts in meetings or conversations, even if they go against the grain, rather than just nodding along. Being authentic also means being brave enough to say “I don’t know,” “I need help,” or even “That’s not for me,” without apology.

Here’s the magic part: when you consistently act in line with your true self, people begin to trust you more, and you gain traction in surprising ways. In fact, if you’re pursuing executive coaching or any kind of leadership development, authenticity is what truly brings clarity to your goals—and helps you connect with others in powerful ways.

So, What Makes YOU Authentically YOU?

This is the fun (and sometimes terrifying) bit: discovering what’s underneath the surface. You are uniquely shaped by your life experiences, your interests (cat memes? Vintage maps? Handwritten to-do lists?), your beliefs, even your sense of humor. But a lot of us gloss over those bits to “fit in.”

Try a quick exercise: over the next 24 hours, jot down moments that feel most “like you.” When does your energy rise? When does your laughter feel real, your ideas flow, your guard drop just a notch? Are there certain people, places, or projects where you just light up? And can you spot any common threads?

Here’s a gentle challenge: Start letting those “most you” moments spill into other parts of your life. It doesn’t have to be an overnight overhaul—maybe just a small shift, like speaking up in a meeting or sharing a passion project you’d normally keep to yourself. Being self aware about when you’re drifting from your authentic self is the first step to dialing it back in.

Practices For Living (and Working!) Authentically

This isn’t just high-minded talk—there are so many simple, doable ways to practice authenticity:

Pause and Notice: Catch yourself in moments of “fitting in” or automatic responses. What are you saying yes to that doesn’t align?

Share Something Real: Whether it’s a genuine compliment or an opinion, put a piece of the real you out there. Start small.

Ask for Feedback: Let people you trust reflect back how they experience you. Sometimes, they’ll spot authentic strengths you didn’t realize you had!

Check Your Values: When faced with a decision, even a tiny one, ask: Does this line up with what I truly believe? Will it leave me feeling more like myself, or less?

Celebrate the Quirks: The stuff you think is “too much,” “too weird,” or “not enough”? Odds are, it's what people love most about you—and what sets you apart.

And remember—this isn’t about “fixing” yourself or crafting a perfect persona. It’s about peeling away the extra layers and letting the real you take the lead, even when it’s a little uncomfortable.

Ready To Stand Out Instead of Fit In?

Here’s what I know from years of coaching: you grow, your career flourishes, and your relationships get richer the more you allow your authentic voice to shape your path. Yes, it takes practice—but it also brings a deep

sense of clarity and attracts the right opportunities (and people!) your way.

To circle back to another timeless quote, Oscar Wilde put it simply: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

So—what would happen if, just for today, you gave yourself permission to be authentically you? Try it out, celebrate the wins (big and small!), and notice what changes.

Looking to keep this momentum going? Explore how a little guidance—from workshops to one-to-one coaching—might accelerate your growth and help you find even more ways to show up as yourself, at work and beyond.

I’m cheering you on. Let’s do this—together!