The pull between who you are and who you think you're supposed to be.

You learned early in your life to adapt. A strong-willed teacher, a school bully, or an overbearing relative trained you to tuck parts of yourself away to feel safer. By the time you entered the workplace, adjusting to expectations was automatic. In a tense review you swallow your real view, nod through a decision you do not believe in, and later replay the day wondering why you stayed quiet.

Authenticity is not a one-time discovery. It's a practice you build in small, everyday choices. In her book The Power of Vulnerability, Brené Brown puts it, authenticity is "the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are." Practice means effort, repetition, and patience.

What does that practice look like at work. Start with clarity about what matters to you and how you respond under pressure. Then act with honesty and intention. Authenticity is a combination of self-awareness, transparency, consistency, and courage. It is guided by values, not impulse. It is not saying everything you think. It is choosing words and actions that reflect what you truly believe, even when it's uncomfortable.

Notice the cost of avoiding it. The days you are least proud of are often the ones when you were less than honest about what you thought or felt. Instead of judging yourself, get curious. What were you afraid of. What were you protecting. What did you assume would happen if you spoke plainly. That reflection turns discomfort into useful feedback.

Then build courage with small, repeatable steps. Share a thoughtful perspective, admit uncertainty, or express a concern respectfully. Over time, repetition lowers the fear, you hold back less, and your best thinking and most meaningful contributions show up. Pair it with how you engage others. Listen carefully, make space for different viewpoints, and use "I" statements to own your perspective. Mutual openness grows trust and reduces the energy you spend managing impressions.

Progress is not perfection. Some days, context still pushes you toward performing. The work is recognizing when you weren't authentic, learning from it, and trying again tomorrow. You will feel less drained, more consistent, and more effective as your words and actions align with who you are.

What is one moment this week where you will practice authenticity on purpose, even if your voice shakes?

If this resonates, share with your network to help others practice authenticity without the performance.