AUTHENTICITY IS OVERRATED - and that's a good thing, maybe

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

We’ve all heard the advice: “Just be yourself.” But which self are you talking about - the self that’s shy in large groups or the self that lights up one-on-one? The self that thrives in creative chaos or the self who needs methodical planning? The idea of authenticity can be comforting - until it becomes a straightjacket stopping you from exploring new facets of who you might become.

I’m Victoria - over the last few weeks, we’ve looked at being seen, the stories we tell ourselves and why we feel stuck. This week, let’s question a concept that’s often treated as an absolute good: authenticity. Is it possible that clinging to a certain version of “my authentic self” is actually locking you in place?

The 1,500 words below serve as a teaser for the deeper exploration I share in Frames of Mind: The Unfinished Conversations. If what you read here makes you wonder whether your so-called “authentic self” is out of date, I invite you to subscribe for the 2,500-word deep dive that explores how brand photography, neuroscience, and personal growth all weave into this conversation.

Sign up for Frames of Mind: The Unfinished Conversations here

When Being "Authentic" Keeps you Small

Authenticity is often championed as the gold standard - stay true to yourself and never change for anyone. But ask yourself: which self are you staying true to? The you from five years ago? The you formed by a set of childhood beliefs? Sometimes, “I’m just being myself” is code for “I refuse to adapt or see another path.”

Consider the brand photography example: some clients claim they want to show the “real me” but end up repeating an old image they’ve grown comfortable with - one that might not reflect how they’ve evolved. If you find yourself using authenticity to justify the status quo, you might be missing the chance to grow into a richer, more expansive version of who you can be.

Through the Lens: Capturing Multiple "You's"

As a brand photographer, I often hear clients say, “Please capture the real me,” as if there’s a single snapshot that defines them for all time. But the truth is, we’re multifaceted. Some days, you’re reserved and contemplative; other days, you’re bold and fiery. Neither is fake. Both are you.

When we do a photo session, it’s about showcasing those variations - maybe one set of images highlights your reflective side, while another set shows your dynamic presence in a collaborative setting. Which one is “authentic?" Perhaps both. The myth of a singular real self can stifle your brand because it denies you the fluidity to adapt to new contexts or messages.

Takeaway:
If you’re worried a fresh brand voice or style might seem “inauthentic,” consider the possibility that you have multiple layers. Evolving might actually be the most genuine thing you can do.

Philosophical Angles: Growth vs. Authenticity

From a philosophical standpoint, thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre emphasise that we aren’t locked into a fixed essence. We create ourselves through our choices. If you define your essence as “I’m quiet and behind the scenes,” you may never explore a leadership opportunity that demands you speak up. Authentic? Possibly. But it could also be inertia disguised as authenticity.

There’s no moral high ground in never changing because you’re “just being you.” Sometimes, genuine authenticity means admitting you’ve outgrown older definitions of self and letting yourself evolve. The brand you started with five years ago might have been perfect for you then - but does it still match your current direction, skills or vision?

If you’re feeling misaligned with your personal brand and need clarity, my Brand Identity Accelerator is designed to help you refine your positioning, messaging and brand visuals - so that everything you put out reflects exactly where you’re headed. Click to book now.

Brainwaves: Resisting Identity Shifts

Your brain likes predictability. Once you label yourself - “I’m an introvert,” “I’m the quirky creative,” “I’m the serious professional” - you reinforce neural pathways that make that label feel comfortable. Any attempt to shift beyond it can trigger internal alarms, because it disrupts the neural patterns you’ve built.

But thanks to neuroplasticity, you can shape new patterns. If you decide to step into a bolder brand identity or become more outspoken in your field, your brain may initially fight you with thoughts like “This isn’t really me.” Over time, consistent actions that align with your new direction can rewire those doubts. Eventually, your new level of expression becomes as natural as your old persona once was.

Why this Matters for your Brand Identity

In the realm of personal branding, the advice to “just be authentic” can be misleading if your concept of authenticity is linked to an outdated story. If, for instance, you built your brand on soft pastels and gentle copy because you believed you had to be comforting and unassuming, you might feel uneasy when your personal evolution drives you toward a more daring or edgy style.

Rather than clinging to “I have to stay consistent to who I was,” maybe it’s time to consider that your brand should evolve along with you. Authentic branding doesn’t mean never changing. It means expressing your core values honestly - values that might deepen or expand as you grow.

Branding Tip:
Periodically assess whether your visual identity, messaging and brand photography match the version of yourself you’re currently exploring. If there’s a gap, it might be time to let go of an old authenticity script and step into something new that feels more aligned.

I’m now booking limited photography sessions for entrepreneurs looking to evolve their brand visuals. This is exactly what you need, right now. Find out more here.

A Note on Comfort Zones

Why do we hide behind “that’s just who I am?" Because stepping into new territory is scary. If you identify as a behind-the-scenes type, openly marketing yourself or adopting a bolder brand might feel “fake” at first. But is it truly fake or is it simply unfamiliar? If your “why” pushes you to lead, create or expand your reach, you might have to adopt behaviours you never saw as part of “the real you.”

Key Question:
Are you refusing to adapt because it’s actually inauthentic or are you resisting because it’s uncomfortable?

Teaser: A Deeper Dive in This Week’s Newsletter

All of this is just a preview of what I cover in Week 4 of Frames of Mind: The Unfinished Conversations. In my full, 2,500-word newsletter, I explore:

• When Authenticity Becomes a Trap: ow “just be yourself” can keep you from exploring facets you never knew you had.

• More on how existentialist thinking and identity formation challenge the notion of a fixed, singular “real you.”

• The neuroscience behind resisting change and how to gently rewire your sense of self.

• How to let go of an old brand identity that no longer serves your deeper purpose or new direction.

• Reflection points to help you pinpoint if “authenticity” is your ally or just a comfort zone in disguise.

If this topic stirs something in you - maybe you sense you’re clinging to a persona for fear of stepping into an untested role - subscribe to the newsletter for the full story. Let’s unravel how evolving your sense of authenticity might actually be the key to unlocking a more powerful, purposeful brand and life.

Sign up for Frames of Mind: The Unfinished Conversations here

Unfinished Conversations

So, do you have to abandon the concept of authenticity altogether? Not necessarily. But we might need to redefine it. Instead of seeing authenticity as a static label, think of it as honest alignment with your current self - including new skills, ambitions or philosophies you’ve embraced along the way.

If you’re feeling a tug to change how you present yourself - through your brand photography, your messaging or even the offers you bring to the table - don’t let the fear of “seeming fake” block you. Sometimes, the real problem is that you’ve grown, but you’re afraid people won’t accept the updated version of you. If your evolution is coming from a place of genuine growth and curiosity, that’s arguably more authentic than staying in a box you’ve outgrown.

Remember: these are unfinished conversations because identity itself is unfinished. We don’t have a final version of who we are. So, if “authenticity” is holding you hostage to a past iteration, maybe it’s time to let it go. If you want the full discussion and practical steps on aligning your brand with an evolving self, the newsletter awaits you with open arms.

Until then, keep exploring - and remember, sometimes the best thing you can do for your authenticity is let yourself become someone new.

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

We love the idea of authenticity - until it asks us to change. Until we realise that “who I’ve always been” might not be who we actually are anymore.

If you feel like you’ve outgrown an old version of yourself - your brand, your business, your personal identity - it’s not a crisis. It’s proof you’re evolving. And the most authentic thing you can do? Let yourself expand into that new space.

So, let me ask you: hat’s one part of your identity or brand that no longer fits? And what would it feel like to step into something bigger?

Next week, we’re shifting gears and diving into success: how we define it, what we chase and what really makes us feel fulfilled. Because if your definition of success is outdated, no amount of “achieving” will make you feel satisfied.

Until then, let yourself change.
– Victoria