When we say that a strength is authentic, we mean…

• When people are using their strengths, they feel like they are being the “real me,” not the person that someone else wants them to be, but the person who they really are
  
  
• Authenticity refers to being true to yourself and following your own directions and preferences in life; it’s about being honest with yourself and accepting yourself for who you are
  
  
• Using strengths enables people to be authentic because they are acting in a way that is right for them, something which is an integral part of human nature and a core influence on our well-being and fulfilment
  
  
• Part of this authenticity is that strengths are identifiable across many different situations in the same people