National Authenticity Day is observed on 16 August each year in the United States, celebrating the power of being genuinely yourself in every aspect of life. Founded in 2021 by b Authentic Inc., the day encourages people to drop the performance, embrace their real selves, and recognise authenticity as a strength rather than a vulnerability.

What is National Authenticity Day?

National Authenticity Day is an annual celebration of genuine, honest self-expression. At its heart, authenticity means showing up as your true self rather than performing a version of yourself that you think others want to see. The day recognises that authenticity is not just a personal value but a practical and powerful force in relationships, workplaces, and communities.

The observance encourages people to reflect on the moments when they feel most genuinely themselves, to celebrate those who model authentic living, and to consider where in their lives they might be holding back their true selves out of habit, fear, or social pressure.

When is National Authenticity Day?

National Authenticity Day falls on 16 August every year. It was created in June 2021 by b Authentic Inc., the company founded by Erin Hatzikostas in 2018.

Why it Matters

Authenticity matters because the pressure to present a polished, idealised version of ourselves is enormous. Social media, professional culture, and social norms often reward conformity and penalise difference. The result is that many people spend significant energy managing the gap between who they really are and who they feel they need to appear to be.

Research consistently shows that authenticity is linked to greater wellbeing, stronger relationships, and more effective leadership. When people feel free to be themselves, they are more creative, more engaged, and more satisfied with their lives and work. National Authenticity Day draws attention to these benefits and makes the case for a world where people can show up fully and genuinely.

The timing of the day’s creation is also significant. Erin Hatzikostas developed the concept partly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which millions of people working from home let go of formal habits and showed more of their real lives on video calls. Many found this unexpected exposure of the personal to be refreshing rather than embarrassing, pointing to a hunger for greater authenticity in professional life.

History of National Authenticity Day

National Authenticity Day was created by Erin Hatzikostas, who founded b Authentic Inc. in 2018 after spending years in corporate leadership roles. During her career, Erin noticed how frequently people, including herself, suppressed their real personalities, opinions, and experiences in order to fit a professional mould. After leaving the corporate world, she built a business around helping individuals and organisations embrace authenticity as a competitive advantage.

In June 2021, she established National Authenticity Day on 16 August as a way to create a focal point for the authenticity movement and to encourage people everywhere to reflect on how they show up in the world.

How to Get Involved

• Reflect on your authenticity: Think about where in your life you feel most like yourself, and where you might be holding back. What would change if you were more honest?
• Have an authentic conversation: Share something real with a colleague, friend, or family member that you would usually keep to yourself.
• Celebrate authentic people: Recognise someone in your life who consistently shows up as genuinely themselves. Tell them why you value that quality.
• Share on social media: Post something real and unpolished today. Behind-the-scenes moments, honest reflections, and genuine stories are all welcome.
• Use the hashtags: Join the conversation with #NationalAuthenticityDay and #BeAuthentic.

Noteworthy Facts

• The word “authentic” comes from the Greek “authentikos,” meaning original, genuine, or principal.
• Studies in organisational psychology have found that employees who feel they can bring their authentic selves to work report higher job satisfaction and are more likely to remain with their employer.
• Research in social psychology suggests that authenticity is positively associated with subjective wellbeing, life satisfaction, and positive emotions.
• The concept of authenticity has a long history in philosophy, with existentialist thinkers such as Sartre and Heidegger placing great weight on the idea of living in accordance with one’s true self rather than conforming to social expectations.
• In leadership research, “authentic leadership” has emerged as a significant framework, linking leaders’ self-awareness and genuine expression to greater trust and performance in their teams.

Hashtags

#NationalAuthenticityDay | #BeAuthentic | #AuthenticityDay | #AuthenticSelf | #AugustAwarenessDays