Genuine people are often rare to find.
But when one is encountered, it can be a deeply rewarding experience. Genuine people have an aura of authenticity about them that radiates outward and it’s this very authenticity that makes them so special.
If you’re looking to cultivate genuine traits within yourself, then read on. Here are 14 key traits that truly authentic people possess:
1) They practice honesty in their thoughts and feelings
Authentic individuals possess the bravery to introspect and show candor in any situation. They never shy away from expressing compassion, appreciation, and clemency in their lives.
Moreover, they possess the fortitude to reflect and candidly express themselves with sincerity and compassion. No matter the circumstance, they are unafraid to exhibit love, appreciation, and mercy.
You may be thinking – isn’t this an everyday trait that everyone has?
Yes, it is.
But the difference with genuine people is that they strive to practice this consistently and don’t put on a facade.
They speak their truth without fear of judgment.
2) They focus on the present rather than the past or the future
Life is full of highs and lows. We all know that.
The thing is, people who keep it real don’t let the bad overshadow the good.
Instead, they use the obstacles they face as an opportunity to learn and grow.
As if that’s not enough, truly genuine people don’t live in the past. They don’t let their ego get in the way of discussions.
And they don’t obsess over the future, either.
They understand that some things can’t be predicted. As long as they try their best in the present moment, everything will work out eventually.
With that comes my next point:
3) They are non-judgmental
Genuine people don’t judge other people or compare themselves to others.
They know that it’s important to be authentic and respect others’ differences. They also don’t base their plans or actions on negative external factors like jealousy or competitiveness.
Instead, they focus on their personal development and strive to create joy and happiness within.
They let others be themselves without judging, knowing that meaningful relationships hold more value than material possessions.
4) They acknowledge their mistakes and accept responsibility
People who are genuinely honest have the bravery to acknowledge their errors, take ownership of their actions, and gain knowledge from them.
They recognize that a mistake is an opportunity to shine and remain open to challenging their views on who they are.
Plus, rather than blaming others, they take the initiative to fix their mistakes. allowing themselves to grow in every aspect of life.
That’s how solid their self-esteem is.
They’re comfortable enough in their own skin to confront their insecurities head-on and take full responsibility for their actions.
5) Genuine people learn from their mistakes
Truly authentic people recognize that mistakes are essential to their growth, using them as a springboard to get better.
Now, that’s what you call a growth mindset!
Acknowledging one’s flaws and learning from them is the gateway to self-acceptance. For them, transitions aren’t signs of weakness and vulnerability but a journey’s natural part.
That’s why they know that life is a continuous process of evolution and use mistakes as an opportunity to make superior future decisions.
Now, because of this —
6) They always strive to become better versions of themselves
Passionate individuals are always on the journey of betterment, investing in their growth by challenging their comfort zones, setting new goals, and taking action on them. They refuse to settle for mediocrity and are constantly pushing themselves to new heights.
From exploring physical health to mental well-being, they never stop striving for progress.
You can tell they have a strong sense of purpose and inner peace, which enables them to make decisions without buckling under external pressures.
Simply put, authentic individuals understand their values and beliefs.
This makes them sophisticated human beings always striving to become the finest version of themselves.
7) They give generously to others in need
I suppose you could say that genuine people embody compassion and kindness.
They instinctively give to those who need it most without expecting anything back.
Whether it’s providing a shoulder to cry on, lending an ear to listen, or donating money and resources, they always go out of their way to lend a helping hand.
And when it comes to material things, they don’t hold back either.
They understand that sharing and giving without expecting anything in return makes life more fulfilling.
Put simply, authentic individuals are generous givers who brighten someone’s day with a simple gesture.
Their sincerity and kindness radiate in every action.
8) They value integrity
Living a life of integrity is what we all strive for. Authentic individuals, however, always do the right thing.
Regardless of the situation or outcome, they stand by their word and remain true to themselves while respecting others.
Integrity is what keeps them grounded, allowing them to show respect without sacrificing their own values.
In essence, genuine people live life on their terms and make sure their actions align with their beliefs.
It’s not about what others think or want, but it’s about being honest and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.
That’s how much they value integrity.
9) They show compassion toward others
I know what you’re thinking.
This one’s quite similar to the point above.
Believe me, a compassionate heart can work wonders, surprising you with the difference it can make.
Authentic individuals have an innate sense of kindness and understanding toward fellow human beings.
Instead of judgment and comparison, they strive to show compassion and understanding toward everyone. They forgive and understand, even when wronged.
And let’s not forget their empathy either; they don’t just sympathize with others but genuinely feel for them as well.
A compassionate heart is what makes genuine people so uniquely amazing.
10) Listen to others carefully and understand where they are coming from
Truly genuine folks hold a precious quality: the ability to listen carefully and empathize with others.
Really understanding the other’s perspective and point of view enables you to find sound arguments respectfully, even if they differ from your own. This showcases open-mindedness, crucial in today’s world.
Genuine people don’t just listen.
Rather, they actively engage with an open mind and try to relate to what the other person’s saying.
They actively engage and try to relate to the speaker’s thoughts. This kind of listening not only displays respect but also leads to a better understanding of the opposing viewpoint.
11) Have a positive outlook on life
In all of life’s dealings, genuine people have a positive outlook.
Rather than dwelling on the negative and being pessimists, they actively choose to think positively.
It gets better: they’re more likely to focus on the potential of an idea or outcome, rather than harping about its shortcomings.
This kind of approach allows the habits of genuine people to become infectious, as it often leads others in their circle to be more optimistic and hopeful.
12) They remain humble
Consider this fact: there is a thin line between confidence and arrogance.
Genuine individuals know that humility keeps them grounded in their beliefs. They understand that this behavior enables openness to learning from mistakes and embracing self-accountability.
They are unlikely to be boastful about their achievements and instead remain humble in the face of success.
Humility also stops them from being judgmental towards others as they accept different perspectives without a fuss.
It’s no wonder why genuine individuals are more relatable!
13) In any situation, they can find the silver lining
I know, every silver lining in an unpleasant situation isn’t always visible right away.
But authentic people understand that amidst hardships, there’s something positive to be found.
They have a knack for seeing the bright side of life when things get them down.
This allows them to accept the loss and move forward without feeling defeated.
They don’t harbor resentment; they simply move on.
14) Their sense of humor helps lighten up any situation
You’ll be glad to know that genuine people possess a sense of humor that diffuses any serious situation.
They find humor in almost anything and leverage it without being offensive. Plus, their lightness of spirit and quick wit foster deep connections, making them delightfully easy to befriend.
With that said, they live life to the fullest, embracing all its joys and even finding something worthwhile in situations that are otherwise distressing.
They always trust their gut and make the best out of any given situation.
Final thoughts: You do you
These traits of genuine people truly showcase the difference between authenticity and fakeness.
Becoming genuine requires dedication and hard work, but it’s a choice.
Be kind to yourself if you think you lack some of these traits, self-care matters too.
But always aspire to be true to your own character. It’ll be your greatest asset in life.
After all, life’s too short to pretend to be something you’re not.