How Important is Authenticity to You?

Do you ever feel gross after an interaction with someone? And you can’t quite put your finger on why?

It COULD be because the person was less authentic than you prefer.

At least if authenticity is particularly important to you.

Authenticity is one of my primary values. At least when it comes to my own authenticity & the authenticity of others. I appreciate "real" people.

When it comes to breakfast sandwiches, however, authenticity is clearly less important to me because I ordered this one yesterday.

I'm not sure if anything other than the bagel was real. Also, I'm not sure what a fake bagel would be. 🤔 Does such a thing exist?

Similar to inauthentic interactions...Did I feel gross afterward?

A little bit.

Did I enjoy the sandwich enough to want to order it again?

Nah.

I likely won't unless I'm in the same situation again...Unless I fail to throw something of substance in my bag & my stomach starts eating itself while I'm at a coffee shop near my son's camp...working while I await pickup time.

It was especially ironic because I ordered it immediately after meeting with a client who values authenticity above anything else...which made me question..."When, specifically, is authenticity important to ME?"

How about for you? Is authenticity important to YOU? If so, how & when?

Is it important for you to be your authentic self?

If yes...Always? Or in specific environments & with certain people?

Is it equally important that others be their true selves as well?

Who does "others" include?

Your closest friends? Your co-workers? Your family?

When do you accept inauthenticity? And to what degree?

Merriam-Webster defines authenticity this way...

• not false or imitation; real, actual

• true to one's own personality, spirit, or character

• worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact

• conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features

• made or done the same way as an original

I define as real, genuine.

But that's irrelevant.

How do YOU define it?

Is it showing up in your personal & professional life the way you truly desire?

If you're feeling gross & can't quite put your finger on why, let me know. It's easier to see from afar, & I can help. Contact me here!

In the meantime, I recommend authentic people AND sandwiches.