Adrian Volenik
In today’s world, where duplicity often overshadows sincerity, it can be challenging to differentiate an authentic person from the crowd.
Imagine if you could instantly recognize genuine individuals using a simple, powerful checklist.
Well, in this article, I’ll unveil specific traits that signify an authentic person, helping you spot those rare, genuine souls amidst the sea of pretenders.
Buckle up!
1) Honesty
Honesty is the trait that arguably most people associate with authenticity. It’s because genuine people are straightforward and transparent in their interactions with others, and they don’t feel the need to pretend or put on a facade.
No one likes dealing with dishonest people, yet, they’re everywhere around us. From office politics and dating to social media, it seems like almost no one is trustworthy and truthful in their interactions.
For that reason, when you meet an honest and sincere person, get to meet them more. Be thankful they don’t hesitate to tell the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
And don’t forget to grab popcorn when they tear people you don’t like a new one.
2) Respect for others
Authentic people are generally respectful of others. They get that everyone is unique and therefore don’t attempt to impose their own values or beliefs onto others.
Because they are so respectful, you can expect them to be active listeners who don’t dismiss opinions just because they clash with theirs.
They give their full attention, seek understanding before responding, and don’t interrupt or ignore others’ thoughts and feelings. Are you the same?
Let’s move on as one of the reasons behind their respect is this next characteristic.
3) Empathy/Kindness
I think I’m a fairly considerate person. I’m a vegetarian, I pack my stuff as quickly as I can at the cashier and give turn signals in a country where people don’t even know where they’re located in their cars.
But seriously, we could all try to have more empathy toward others. We have to give more than the bare minimum, even though the bar is already set extremely low.
If we want to be more authentic, we need to demonstrate genuine empathy and compassion toward others over and over again. Not just when we feel like it.
Put yourself in other peoples’ (and animals’) shoes.
4) Vulnerability
There’s a correlation between empathy and vulnerability. To have compassion, we need to understand what other people feel.
When we are vulnerable, we are more attuned to the feelings of others. We can better understand and empathize with their experiences.
This breaks down barriers and creates an environment of trust and openness. Just like the following trait.
5) Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a good trait to have. Some authentic people are mindful, while others aren’t.
But I think, in general, genuine people are mindful in their daily lives. They pay attention to their thoughts, emotions, and actions, fostering a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.
On the other side, I’ve met authentic people that are true to themselves and are extremely beloved by others, but they weren’t mindful at all.
Because their authenticity came from their hearts, they didn’t have to think about it for one second in their entire lives. It’s fascinating, really.
6) Adaptability
Authentic individuals are open to change and are adaptable in different situations. That doesn’t mean they don’t remain true to their core self.
Not being rigid or overly attached to specific outcomes also allows them to navigate life’s uncertainties with grace and resilience.
Think about that for a minute. Do you have this quality?
7) Gratitude
For most of my life, I was coasting through life, never thinking about the current moment or having a sense of gratitude. I attribute that to my young age, I guess.
Now that I’m older and have a family, every day is #blessed for me. In an unreligious and unironic way, mind you.
Having a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the people and experiences in their lives is something authentic people preach and do. They walk the walk.
8) Resilience
Resilience is another trait I see in authentic people. Bouncing back from setbacks in life takes guts.
It’s also much easier when you acknowledge challenges and failures as a fact of life and not something that’s personal (unless it really is personal).
Resilience and strength are closely tied to maintaining a positive mindset, even in tough situations.
Genuine people focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, and they cultivate optimism and hope for the future.
Let’s all learn from that.
9) Value-driven
People that are value-driven have their actions and decisions guided by their core values. Authenticity and being value-driven are closely intertwined, as both involve living in alignment with core beliefs and principles.
Most authentic people I’ve met prioritize being true to themselves and ensuring that their actions and decisions reflect their deeply held beliefs. By staying true to their values, they maintain a sense of authenticity and integrity.
Could we ask for more from them?
10) Patience
I deeply value patient people. They are able to accept or tolerate delays, suffering, or crises without becoming irritated or anxious. How many of us can say the same?
Authentic people are patient with themselves and with others but without being passive. And let me tell you, there’s a big difference.
Being patient without being passive means a person has to understand the concept of active waiting. In other words, using the waiting time constructively, learning, and growing in the process.
I’m working on that myself. The first step was accepting that I couldn’t have everything immediately. I now also understand that good things often require (a lot of) time and effort.
This leads me to this next personality trait.
11) Responsibility
Responsibility is a core characteristic of authentic people because they understand their obligations, have the ability to make sound decisions, and are ready to accept the outcomes of their actions.
They own up to their mistakes and shortcomings without making excuses or blaming others. They’re also willing to apologize without delay and make amends when necessary.
It’s another trait I admire as I try to stay true to it myself.
12) Boundaries
And lastly, authentic people understand the importance of setting and respecting boundaries. They know where they end, and another person begins. Overstepping those boundaries is a big no-no.
And I’m not talking just about personal space. There are other boundaries like:
- Time boundaries (respect for other people’s time)
- Emotional boundaries (protecting oneself from being emotionally manipulated or abused)
- Material boundaries (physical possessions and space)
- Sexual boundaries (clear communication and mutual agreement)
- Digital boundaries (screen time limits and more)
Final thoughts
By understanding these signs, you’ll not only be able to surround yourself with genuine people but also work on incorporating these traits into your life.
If you want to be a more authentic person, you need to enhance your understanding of authenticity and enrich your relationships. Start by studying genuine peoples’ habits.
