It’s far easier to mimic others than be our true authentic self.

Roles are like masks we can conveniently put on and take off like clothes. Costumes.

“Who would I like to be today?”

“Who would I like to emulate today?”

It’s the risk of ridicule and judgement that inhibits our authenticity.

If we mimic others by meeting what we think are other people’s expectations of our behaviour, dress code and expressions. Our risk is reduced. What’s more we can drop the act as opposed to having an aspect we value about ourselves devalued by other’s rejection of it.

It is seeking external validation that undermines our self worth.

Arguably seeking out those that hold similar values is another way of reducing the risk of prejudice, ridicule and rejection. The challenge is finding consensus among peers on any given set of values.

Conflict and tension arises because individual values need to be compromised in order to reach consensus and agreement.

The ideal environment to encourage authenticity is accepting individuality. Not asking for compliance to a static set of views and values that are difficult to amend. Instead welcoming and accepting differences and diversity.

This is an environment where different perspectives can thrive and a whole new collective understanding can flourish.

It’s possible to embrace change without being threatened.

Are we able to meet this challenge?

Do we have the courage required to be that vulnerable? That unique?