60+ Characteristics of an Authentic Person (With Examples)

Have you ever met someone who simply felt ‘real‘? They are comfortable in their own skin, they say what they mean, and their actions match their words. These individuals are often called authentic.

Let’s dive into the world of authentic individuals and explore their key characteristics. Prepare to be inspired because authenticity isn’t just for the lucky few—it’s something we can all strive for!

Emotional Skills and Self-Awareness

1. Honest

An authentic person expresses their true feelings and thoughts without any pretense. They understand that honesty is the cornerstone of all relationships and the key to self-acceptance.

Tip: Being honest doesn't mean being brutal. It's all about speaking your truth in a considerate and respectful manner.

2. Self-aware

People who are self-aware have a clear perception of their strengths, weaknesses, and emotions. They understand where they excel and where they might struggle. This level of understanding helps them make better decisions and form healthier relationships.

Trivia: Self-awareness is divided into two types: internal self-awareness (how we see our own values, passions, and reactions) and external self-awareness (understanding how others see us).

3. Mindful of Their Actions

Authentic people always think before they act. They ensure their actions align with their core values and principles.

Example: When making decisions, they consider their values and ethics first, rather than simply going with the flow or doing what is convenient.

4. Understands and Manage Their Emotions Well

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage one’s emotions. Authentic people are skilled in this area. They are able to identify their feelings, understand why they are feeling a certain way, and handle their emotions in a healthy, constructive manner.

Tip: Improving your emotional intelligence can start with simple actions like recognizing and naming your feelings, practicing mindfulness, and responding instead of reacting.

5. Accepts Themselves as They Are

Authentic individuals accept themselves as they are, with all their strengths and weaknesses. They recognize their imperfections and view them not as flaws but as part of their unique identity.

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”

– Thich Nhat Hanh

6. Maintains Balance in Their Life

Maintaining balance in life is crucial for authentic people. They ensure that all areas of their life – such as work, family, personal growth, and relaxation – are given adequate attention, thereby achieving a holistic sense of well-being.

Practical Example: They might adopt strategies like time management, setting boundaries, and prioritizing tasks to maintain a work-life balance.

7. Maintains Optimism

Maintaining a positive outlook even in the face of adversity refers to resilient optimism. Authentic individuals possess this trait, helping them navigate through tough times.

Fact: According to research, optimism can have numerous health benefits, including increased life span, lower rates of depression, and better immune system function.

8. Has Emotional Strength

Authentic people exhibit mental toughness, meaning they possess the emotional strength and sharp mind to handle difficulties and stressful situations.

Tip: Building mental toughness can start with practicing resilience, maintaining a positive attitude, developing emotional intelligence, and establishing good habits.

9. Strives for Inner Peace

Inner peace is a major aspiration for authentic people. They continually strive to maintain tranquility within themselves, despite external circumstances.

Tip: Practices like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga can aid in achieving and maintaining inner peace.

Related: How to Find Inner Peace

Interpersonal Relationships and Communication

10. Share Openly

Authentic individuals are transparent. They express their thoughts and feelings openly, fostering trust and honesty in their relationships.

Example: When upset, they would communicate their feelings honestly and constructively rather than keeping them bottled up.

11. Shows Empathy

Authentic people are able to put themselves in others’ shoes, understand their feelings, and respond with compassion and understanding.

Trivia: According to a study, empathy can be divided into two types - affective empathy (the feelings we get in response to others' emotions) and cognitive empathy (our ability to identify and understand other peoples' emotions).

12. Treats Everyone With Respect

Respect for others is a non-negotiable trait in an authentic person. They treat everyone they interact with – regardless of their status, race, religion, or beliefs – with equal respect and dignity.

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.”

– Laurence Sterne

13. Forms Genuine Relationships

Authentic individuals build authentic relationships. They seek depth and meaningful connections rather than superficial interactions.

Practical Example: They invest time in getting to know people on a deeper level and are willing to share their own experiences and vulnerabilities.

14. Trustworthy

Authentic people are reliable and dependable. Friends, family, and colleagues feel comfortable confiding in them, knowing their secrets will be safe.

Tip: Trustworthiness can be built over time through consistent honesty, integrity, and reliability.

15. Is Fully Present

Authentic people are attentive. They give their undivided attention to the person they are interacting with, making them feel valued and heard.

Fact: Being fully present and attentive can improve relationships and increase understanding and empathy.

16. Practices Active Listening

Active listening is a skill that authentic individuals excel in. They pay full attention, show empathy, and respond thoughtfully during conversations, ensuring the other person feels heard and understood.

Practical Example: They show they're actively listening by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and providing appropriate responses.

17. Understanding

Understanding oneself and others is fundamental to authenticity. Authentic individuals strive to gain a deeper understanding of their own thoughts and emotions and also take the time to understand others.

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.”

– Dale Carnegie

18. Considerate

Authentic people express their thoughts honestly, but they do so with consideration for others’ feelings. They understand that their words can impact others and strive to communicate in a thoughtful, compassionate manner.

Tip: Consideration for others' feelings can be practiced by thinking before speaking, using empathetic language, and acknowledging others' perspectives.

19. Nurture Relationships

Authentic individuals put in the time and effort to maintain their relationships, not because they feel obligated to, but because they genuinely care for the people in their life.

Example: They might regularly check in on a friend, invest time in understanding their partner's needs, or help a coworker with a challenging task.

Personal Growth and Learning

20. Continually Reflects

Authentic individuals engage in regular reflection. They take time to look back on their experiences and learn from them, using these insights to grow and improve.

“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.”

– John Dewey

21. Growth-Oriented

An authentic person is not satisfied with stagnation but always seek to improve themselves and expand their knowledge and skills. This continuous desire for growth stems from their genuine curiosity and the ambition to become the best version of themselves.

Example: They might set personal goals, seek feedback, and engage in lifelong learning to promote their growth.

22. A Lifelong Learner

Lifelong learning is a hallmark of an authentic person. They remain open to new knowledge, skills, and experiences, continually adding to their understanding of the world.

Fact: Lifelong learning has numerous benefits, including improving self-esteem, increasing employability, and enhancing quality of life.

23. Innately Curious

Authentic people naturally love to learn, explore, and discover. They’re always asking questions, seeking new experiences, and trying to understand the world around them.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

– Albert Einstein

This emphasizes that an authentic person should never cease to be curious or question their surroundings, as this innate desire to learn and understand is the very essence of authenticity.

24. Willing to Learn From Mistakes

Rather than seeing mistakes as failures, authentic individuals view them as opportunities for learning and growth. They understand that mistakes are a natural part of life and can provide valuable lessons.

Tip: Cultivating a growth mindset can help you see mistakes as opportunities for learning rather than failures.

Integrity and Values

25. Consistent

Authentic people behave the same way over time, no matter what situation they find themselves in. This consistency makes them reliable and trustworthy, which are key elements of authenticity.

Example: If they commit to doing something, they follow through, showing that their words are not empty promises.

26. Principled

Integrity is at the core of an authentic person’s character. They are guided by a strong moral compass and make decisions that align with their principles, even when no one is watching.

27. Personally Responsible

Authentic individuals take responsibility for their actions. They understand that their choices have consequences, and they own up to their mistakes.

Fact: Taking personal responsibility fosters trust and respect in interpersonal relationships.

28. Protects Their Personal Values

An authentic person stands strong in safeguarding their personal values. They hold firm to what they believe in, even when faced with pressure or opposition. They also don’t compromise their principles for temporary gains or popularity.

Tip: Knowing your core values and revisiting them regularly can help you stay true to them in all situations.

29. Genuine in Their Actions

In an authentic individual, their intentions mirror their actions. They act in ways that reflect their genuine desires and goals, ensuring transparency and integrity in their actions.

Tip: Taking time to reflect on your intentions before acting can help ensure that your actions align with your true desires and values.

Adaptability and Acceptance

30. Open-minded

An authentic person is open to different ideas, perspectives, and experiences. They do not shut down others’ views, but instead, they listen and consider them.

Fact: Open-mindedness is not just a personality trait but it's also linked to cognitive abilities. According to a study, people who are open-minded have better problem-solving skills and are more creative.

31. Exhibits Humility

Authentic individuals readily admit their mistakes and do not pretend to be perfect. This humility makes them approachable and trustworthy.

Fact: According to research, humility is associated with various positive outcomes like increased self-control, better decision-making, and improved relationships.

32. Adaptable to Different Cultures

Authentic people are culturally adaptable. They respect and accept different cultures and can adjust their behavior accordingly.

Trivia: Cultural adaptability is a crucial skill in today's globalized world and can improve relationships, enhance understanding, and increase success in multicultural environments.

33. Embrace Uncertainty

Authentic individuals are comfortable facing the unknown. They embrace uncertainty as a part of life and adapt to changes with resilience and positivity.

Example: In the face of a sudden job change, they would focus on the new opportunities it presents rather than dwelling on the uncertainty.

34. Accepts Change

An authentic person know that change is a part of life, and they adapt to it with grace, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and new experiences.

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”

– Alan Watts

Action and Initiative

35. Enthusiastic

Authentic individuals have a clear sense of what they believe in and pursue their passions with enthusiasm. Their energy and commitment often inspire others.

Example: If someone is passionate about environmental conservation, they might actively participate in clean-up drives, recycling programs, or advocacy work.

36. Proactive

A key characteristic of an authentic person is proactivity. They don’t just wait for things to happen; instead, they take the initiative to bring about change.

Fact: Proactivity can lead to improved job performance, career success, and personal satisfaction.

37. Assertive

Authentic individuals express their needs and wants confidently and respectfully, understanding the balance between assertiveness and empathy.

Tip: Improving assertiveness often involves practicing clear, direct communication and setting boundaries.

38. Sets Clear Priorities

Setting clear priorities based on personal values and goals is a common practice among authentic people. They understand the importance of focus and direction in achieving success.

Example: A person might prioritize spending time with family, pursuing a hobby, or advancing their career, depending on their individual values and goals.

39. Solution-Oriented

Authentic people focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Instead of getting stuck in negativity or complaints, they take action and think creatively to overcome challenges.

Fact: Being solution-oriented can improve resilience and promote a positive mindset.

Compassion and Respect for Others

40. Non-Judgmental

An authentic person refrains from making quick judgments about others and tries to understand their perspectives instead.

Example: When meeting someone with different views, they would listen to understand their perspective rather than quickly dismissing their ideas.

41. Help Others

Authentic individuals are often philanthropic, demonstrating acts of goodwill and a genuine desire to help others.

Example: They might donate to a local charity, volunteer their time for community service, or use their platform to raise awareness about important issues.

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

– Aesop

42. Stands Up for Others

Authentic people are often advocates, standing up for those who cannot do so for themselves. This advocacy shows their compassion and commitment to fairness.

Tip: Advocacy can start small, with actions like sharing information, signing petitions, or volunteering for a cause you care about.

43. Respects the Concept of Personal Space

An authentic person understands and values the physical and emotional boundaries of others. They don’t invade or disregard these boundaries; instead, they give others the room they need to feel comfortable and secure.

Example: If a friend is going through a hard time, they would offer support while respecting their need for solitude or time to process their feelings.

44. Respect All Living Beings

Authentic people understand and acknowledge the worth of all living beings, not just humans. They treat animals and the environment with respect.

Example: They might practice vegetarianism or veganism, support animal rights, or engage in sustainable living practices.

Wisdom and General Values

45. Credible

Credibility is essential for authentic individuals. They tell the truth and do not exaggerate facts for personal gain.

Example: When narrating an event, they stick to the facts and avoid adding unnecessary or exaggerated details.

46. Driven by Internal Goals

An authentic person set their own path based on what truly matters to them, not what others expect or deem important. Their motivation comes from within, driving them to pursue their passions and interests.

Fact: Research suggests that intrinsic motivation can lead to higher satisfaction and better performance.

47. Value Time

Authentic individuals value their time and use it wisely. They understand that time is a limited resource and strive to make the most of it.

Tip: Prioritizing tasks, setting goals, and minimizing distractions can help make the most of your time.

48. Realistic

Authentic people see the world realistically. They don’t sugar-coat challenges nor dwell overly on negatives. This balanced view helps them navigate life effectively.

Tip: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay grounded in reality and avoid getting swept up in overly positive or negative thinking.

49. Forms Their Own Opinions

An authentic person doesn’t merely accept popular opinion; they form their own. They take the time to analyze, reflect, and draw their own conclusions based on their experiences and values.

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”

– Dr. Benjamin Spock

50. Resilient

Resilience is a key characteristic of authentic people. They bounce back quickly from tough situations and learn from their experiences.

Example: If they lose their job, they would view it as an opportunity to explore new career paths instead of dwelling on the setback.

51. Loyal

Authentic individuals exhibit loyalty to their friends, family, and associates. They stick by them in good times and bad, showing genuine commitment and reliability.

Tip: Showing appreciation, support during tough times, and keeping your word can all build loyalty in relationships.

52. Unpretentious

Authentic people do not pretend to be more important, successful, or wealthy than they are. They are comfortable with themselves and their life as is.

Example: They won't buy expensive items just to impress others or exaggerate their achievements for validation.

53. Generous

Generosity is a defining characteristic of authentic individuals. They willingly share their resources, time, and aid, showing a genuine desire to help others.

Example: They might volunteer at a local charity, donate to causes they believe in, or lend a helping hand to a friend in need.

54. Humorous

Authentic people often have a great sense of humor. They can laugh at life and themselves, understanding that humor is a crucial aspect of everyday life.

Fact: Humor can reduce stress, improve mood, and promote social bonding.

55. Patient

An authentic person understands that good things take time and that rushing often leads to half-baked results. Their patience allows them to wait for the right opportunities, to grow at their own pace, and to deal with challenges in a calm and composed manner.

Tip: Practicing mindfulness and focusing on the journey rather than just the destination can foster patience.

56. Avoids Self-Comparison

Authentic individuals do not compare themselves with others. They recognize that each person’s journey is unique and focus on their own growth and development.

Fact: Constant comparison with others can lead to stress and lower self-esteem.

57. Apologize Genuinely

When authentic individuals make a mistake, they own up to it and offer sincere apologies. They understand the value of admitting their faults and making amends.

Example: If they accidentally hurt a friend's feelings, they won't hesitate to apologize genuinely and discuss how to avoid such situations in the future.

58. Appreciates Various Forms of Art

Appreciation for the arts is another sign of authenticity. They acknowledge the beauty and expression in various forms of art and often find inspiration and joy in artistic experiences.

Fact: Engaging with the arts can stimulate creativity and enhance overall well-being.

59. Hardworking

An authentic person embodies hard work. They understand that real success and personal growth come from consistent effort and perseverance. They aren’t afraid of challenges or putting in the time required to achieve their goals.

“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.”

– Vince Lombardi

60. Promotes Peace in Their Environment

An authentic person believe in living harmoniously with others and making their surroundings a place where everyone feels calm and safe. They steer clear of unnecessary conflict and strive to resolve any disagreements in a peaceful manner.

Example: They might mediate conflicts, engage in peaceful hobbies, or promote dialogue and understanding among diverse individuals.

61. Gracious in Their Interactions

Authentic individuals approach every conversation with kindness, respect, and a genuine interest in understanding others. Their graciousness reflects their humility and empathy, allowing them to create deeper connections.

“Graciousness is more than good manners. It is more than courtesy. It is the etiquette of the soul.”

– Thomas S. Monson

Creativity and Personal Expression

62. Openly Expresses Their Own Creativity

Authentic people express their creativity openly and are not restrained by societal norms. They dare to think out of the box and create unique works of art, solutions, or ideas.

Tip: Experiment with different artistic mediums, brainstorm without judgment, and engage with diverse cultures and perspectives to enhance creativity.

Respecting Individuality and Diversity

63. Respects Individuality

Authentic people value their own uniqueness and that of others, understanding that each person brings something special to the world. They encourage their friends to follow their dreams and passions rather than expecting them to conform to societal expectations.

“Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else.”

– Margaret Mead

64. Respects Other Cultures

Authentic individuals display cultural sensitivity. They respect and strive to understand cultures other than their own, fostering an inclusive and accepting mindset.

Fact: Cultural sensitivity can help reduce prejudices and biases, leading to healthier social interactions and community cohesiveness.

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility

65. Collaborative

Authentic people value the collective strength of a team and engage actively in group efforts. This stems from a deep understanding that everyone has something unique to offer.

Fact: Collaborative efforts often lead to better problem-solving and increased creativity.

66. Fosters Unity

Authentic people have a strong inclination toward fostering unity. They believe in the principle of togetherness and make efforts to promote unity in their communities and relationships.

Example: They might organize community events or start initiatives that bring people together and create a sense of belonging.

Maintaining Effective Boundaries

67. Establishes Healthy Boundaries

Authentic individuals are adept at setting healthy boundaries. They understand the importance of personal space and time, and they are not afraid to communicate their needs to others.

Tip: Practice saying "no" when something doesn't align with your values or energy levels. It's okay to prioritize your needs.

68. Knows Their Limits

Authentic people know their limits and can say no when something goes against their values or well-being. They understand that saying no is not a sign of weakness but a testament to self-respect.

Example: If asked to participate in an event that conflicts with their beliefs, they will kindly but firmly decline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Remember, authenticity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being genuine, understanding yourself, and respecting others.

We all have our own journey toward authenticity, and each step brings us closer to a more fulfilling, meaningful life. As you step out into your world, try to embody these characteristics.

Not only will you become a more authentic you, but you’ll also inspire authenticity in others!