When I’m working on a video or writing an article, I’m constantly monitoring myself to make sure the work I’m putting out is as authentic as possible; when you step up to the podium and share your ideas with the world, there's often a temptation to sacrifice your authentic voice and what you truly want to say in favour of pandering to the perceived expectations of an invisible audience.

Many of us find ourselves easily influenced by the actions and choices of others. We often unwittingly become captives of the prevailing norms and trends of our era. This conformity frequently results in the creation of work that lacks the distinctive and authentic qualities that could have set it apart from the crowd.

It’s interesting to observe that the most successful creators are often those who skilfully nurture their distinctive style and perspective. When I look at the work of some of my favourite artists, I can immediately identify how their work stands out from everyone else because they manage to infuse it with a sense of authenticity. A great example of this is one of my favourite filmmakers, David Lynch.

Lynch’s surrealistic films exude an unmistakable 'Lynchian' quality. Yet, this unique essence doesn't manifest as a specific element of his work. Instead, it permeates the atmosphere as you immerse yourself in one of his cinematic creations. This undefinable allure, I believe, emerges from the director's unwavering fascination with delving deep into the subtle, subconscious realms of his own psyche, unearthing experiential fragments that engage the senses—auditory, visual, and emotional—before masterfully weaving them together to create a larger narrative tapestry. These fragments are at once universally human and authentically Lynch, bearing the indelible mark of his uncompromising authenticity—a monumental factor in his rise to legendary status and the cult following that surrounds him.

Authenticity is difficult

Numerous challenges hinder the path to authenticity in one's work. The first obstacle is the relentless external pressure to conform. This could be as simple as trying to imitate the style of your favourite creator, a temptation that arises naturally, especially when you're still navigating the early stages of your creative journey. While drawing inspiration from others isn't inherently problematic, it can eventually morph into a formidable roadblock, impeding the development of your own distinctive style and stunting your creative growth.

Another formidable external force at play is the systematic cultural bias, a relentless current that often resists embracing anything novel or unfamiliar until it attains a specific threshold of recognition. At which time, the visionary creator is showered with rewards. There’s often an invisible barrier your work needs to break through before it receives the praise it deserves.

There’s also an experience of fear that comes up when producing original work. The more authentic the work, the greater the fear seems to be. This is due to our conformist nature. We humans possess an overpowering instinct to adhere to the established boundaries drawn by our tribes. Venturing beyond these confines entails a rebellion against the prevailing norms, a challenge to our very psychological identity. Being authentic means standing out, revealing our inner nature, and exposing ourselves to the possibility of being judged or rejected. It takes courage to overcome this insecurity. However, in my experience, the more often you put your work out there the less the possibility of being judged affects you.

You need to accept the possibility that the work you put out will not receive the warm embrace you hoped for - and then proceed to do it anyway. Nowadays, when I’m working a project, I give very little thought as to what other people are going to think of it and instead focus on how I feel about it.

Avoid being a parrot

Let me make this clear: A substantial portion of our convictions, the words we share with others, are not born from originality. Instead, they are borrowed notions we've snatched from the external world, clung to fervently, and now mimic as our own opinions. Don't misunderstand, this process isn't inherently wrong; these notions might indeed hold truth and significance. However, a substantial chasm separates parroting borrowed ideas from forging our own realisations through contemplation and personal experience.

Many of the ideas I discuss and write about draw from what I've encountered through reading books and various online sources. Don't get me wrong; studying diverse ideas is incredibly valuable for personal growth and education. But there comes a moment when a relentless enthusiasm for second-hand ideas isn't enough to fuel creative work, and can be limiting if experiential understanding is the goal.

To embody genuine authenticity in our creative endeavours, we must liberate ourselves from the automatic temptation to parrot and instead embark on the journey of independent thought. It necessitates a deep, soul-searching exploration of the subjects that stir our curiosity—a contemplation that allows us to craft original approaches and ideas.

Coming up with original ideas may appear deceptively simple, yet almost no one does it. This can be attributed to a couple of factors. Firstly, we’ve never been taught to how do think independently, leaving many of us grappling in the dark. Secondly, because original thinking demands not only time but an unwavering commitment and a profound well of mental exertion. In an economic environment where we are incentivised to output creative work as often as possible, it’s not surprising that we find ourselves echoing rather than taking the time to deeply contemplate what we're saying.

Authenticity has meaning

I don’t know about you, but I often struggle with a lack of meaning, especially when it comes to work.

The truth is, much of the work we do is meaningless. We push the problem back rather than solving it. We say what has already been said. We create based on existing creations. The good news is that the more we’re able to be authentic in our approach to work, the more meaningful it becomes. As individuals, we may not wield vast power or limitless capabilities, but we possess an unparalleled treasure - our unique personal experiences, rich with potency and value. By summoning the courage to harness this individuality in our creations, we can’t help but to produce meaningful work, as meaning is inherent in truth.