I couldn’t grasp what it meant to be authentic for the longest time. According to the Cambridge dictionary, authenticity is ‚being what it is claimed to be. Genuine.‘ But if you think about it, it is not that obvious. Are we authentic just because we are not telling lies? Are we authentic when we express our opinion straight forward without any filter? 

I don’t think there is one universal definition of authentic. But instead, that authenticity is a quality that comes in different appearances. Just as two people can have the same jumper in a different colour, I believe that people can be authentic in their way. Authenticity is a big word, and we are neither 100% authentic nor 100% dishonest. We can be authentic in a work environment but deceitful of our personal life. We can be sure about our family goals but not see how we are stuck in the same miserable job that we should have quit a year ago. 

One of my favourite implications of authenticity is that it makes us unique and vice versa. When we discover that we can be successful with being ourselves rather than copying another individuals identity. That is how we get ahead in life and business. 

‚The Almanack of Naval Ravikant‘ (written by Eric Jorgenson) teaches us that you can express your authenticity through ‚specific knowledge‘. I see it as a kind of toolbox that you fill up by pursuing your passions and those things that come easy to you in life. You probably don’t realise yet that what comes to you naturally doesn’t necessarily come easy to others. This is the greatest strength in being you. And the great news is: it doesn’t end here; you can always learn more to fill up your toolbox with all kinds of shiny skills, passions, interests, curiosities, etcetera. As Ravikant puts it, ‚the most important skill for getting rich is becoming a perpetual learner‘. And I might add, a learner is the most authentic form one can be. 

Once you know what you are good at and what comes effortless, share it with others. Find your purpose by helping others master new skills. Teach, guide, and leverage your skills. Open a business. Create a course. Write a blog about it. Spread it to the world by means you feel comfortable. 

Finally, be patient. Authenticity does not come from one action. Invest time, create a habit and build on top of your fundaments. Consistency is often more impactful than once in a lifetime deed. Stay dynamic, and don’t rest on your accomplishments. Think long term. ‚Great people have great outcomes. You just have to be patient‘ (N. Ravikant).

Resources

Recommended reading: ‚The Almanack of Naval Ravikant‘, Eric Jorgenson. Amazon link