The best version of ourselves is the authentic one. It’s the version where who we are aligns with our values, temperament, and deeper motivations. Personality shows up in visible ways, how we speak, respond, and move through the world. Spirit runs underneath that. It’s quieter. It reflects what matters to us and why.

When we drift away from authenticity, communication suffers. Our interactions lose clarity. We may still speak, but we’re no longer fully present in what we’re saying. The harder part is understanding why we step away from authenticity in the first place.

Often, it begins with doubt. If someone believes their personality has little value, self-worth erodes. We like to think our rational mind is in charge of how we feel, but it usually works the other way around. Emotions, especially unresolved or negative ones, shape how clearly we can think and how honestly we can show up.

One common response is imitation. When we don’t trust who we are, we borrow from others. We mirror their tone, mannerisms, or confidence. This often happens without intention. It can help us feel connected in the moment, but over time it distances us from ourselves.

Authenticity isn’t about becoming louder or more polished. It’s about recognizing that who we already are has substance. The work isn’t to copy another personality, but to reclaim our own.

Brent M. Jones

Brent writes with quiet confidence and curiosity, exploring communication, reinvention, and what truly matters. His reflections invite readers to slow down, reconsider their stories, and reconnect with the values that guide them. Through books, essays, and his What Matters Substack Articles and Notes, he offers writing that doesn’t shout—but still speaks clearly.