In a world drenched in technology and glued to social media, scripted “reality” shows, and endless hyper-addictive apps, it’s easy for a person to lose sight of themselves.

When we aren’t focusing our attention on being in the here and now, we can fail to develop our sense of selves and forget to live with purpose. If we forget ourselves, it is impossible to live as a unique, genuine human being and if we aren’t doing that, what is the point in anything?

Sometimes it takes holding yourself up to a magnifying glass and taking a long hard look at your own actions and intentions in order to remain genuine. There is nothing wrong with it and, in fact, it’s beneficial for your own social health.

By examining yourself with intention, you can begin to see what it is you’re reflecting back out to the world and, if there’s something in that reflection you don’t admire, you can take the steps to change it. This will not only keep you true to yourself and your own set of values, but it will attract other genuine people into your close circle as well.

Here are 8 ways to know if you are living your life as the genuine gem that you are.

1. Don’t tailor your personality for others

One of the greatest joys of living as a genuine person is that you are comfortable being yourself no matter who you’re with. If you find yourself constantly holding back in certain people’s presence, then you aren’t giving them the benefit of the full scope of who you are.

Conversely, if your friends are genuine they won’t expect or even want you to tailor your personality to suit their ego. Real friends can handle and prefer the truth, even in all of its grittiness.

2. Show respect for everyone, even your enemies

A big part of living genuinely is allowing others to do the same. Recognize that not everyone is like you nor are they meant to be and, here’s the key, choose to care about them anyway.

Variety is the spice of life, and that applies to beliefs and opinions as well. Respect other’s life choices and thought processes. You don’t have to adopt them, but you can be open to hearing them out and you never know, they just might be the fertilizer your soul needs to kickstart your own personal growth.

3. Help people whenever you can

If you are a genuine person, you want to lift up those around you in whatever way that you can. Whether that be lending them a willing ear when they need someone to listen to them, or lending them a hand when they’re moving.

Helping people is the best way to show them that they matter to you, and it will leave your spirits feeling light and happy.

4. Stay true to your word

You can’t live genuinely and be a flake at the same time. If you say that you are going to show up for someone, make sure that you actually do. You don’t just have to “show up” for friends, either. You can show up for your community by volunteering your time, energy, and intelligence to furthering its goals. Not only will it be appreciated, but it will also help solidify your own beliefs and sense of integrity.

5. Speak meaningfully

A genuine person doesn’t pay lipservice to others or seek to be a people-pleaser. Rather, just as they respect everyone else’s right to voice their own opinions, they afford themselves the same right. They do this by saying what they mean while still being considerate of those around them.

This doesn’t mean that you will argue with a person just for the sake of argument. It does mean, however, that when you have a difference in opinion, you will feel comfortable giving voice to it with honesty while remaining kind and respectful.

6. Take responsibility

A genuine person recognizes that everyone makes mistakes sometimes, including themselves. They won’t shirk responsibility when the time comes to be held accountable. Instead, they will own their mistakes and work to correct them.

One of the fastest ways to discern if someone is ingenuine is to observe whether or not they will try to pass the blame to someone else if an issue arises.

7. Uphold your morals and stick to the high ground

Integrity and moral fiber are a package deal when it comes to being genuine. A genuine person will naturally develop a strong set of morals and stick to them in every situation simply because it’s the right thing to do. This doesn’t mean that they would or should shame others who don’t share in their values, but they also won’t partake in anything that defiles them.

You may be friends with some people who are insensitive to life’s modern prejudices, for instance. If you’re in a group of people who are acting rudely, discriminating, or even harassing others, it’s perfectly okay to speak up and let them know why you don’t appreciate their actions.

Hopefully, they will listen to you and learn to see things differently. If not, though, you can rest easy knowing that you are staying true to yourself and upholding your own sense of integrity.

8. Don’t do things in search of praise

A genuine person will radiate love and kindness at all times, not just when it earns them some kudos. They will help out when no one is looking because they neither need nor want the praise of other people. They just want to do something that will benefit another and take joy in that simple act alone.

Being genuine isn’t about forming strong opinions on how other people should act. It’s about looking at and taking responsibility for your own actions and adjusting them as needed to live according to your own values. Two people can be different and still be totally genuine, but it’s only through taking the time to self-reflect on their own beliefs, morals, and life choices that they can achieve it.

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Source: Powerful Mind