What Is Inauthentic Fatigue?
I know this one deeply, and I’m sure you’ve felt it too, even if you didn’t know what to call it. Here’s how it works: imagine you’ve just started a new job. You might have told them you could do something that, in reality, you’re not totally comfortable with. So, you spend a lot of time learning behind the scenes while you pretend that you’ve got it all under control.
That feeling of pretending, of not being fully authentic, can drain you. It’s exhausting to keep up appearances, and the weight of that “fakeness” can lead to emotional exhaustion.
My Experience with Inauthentic Fatigue
I’ve experienced inauthentic fatigue in my own practice. I’m a naturopath with a doctorate, but I don’t feel the need to be addressed as “doctor” or to speak in technical jargon with my patients. Early in my career, I felt a subtle pressure to adopt a more traditional “doctor” persona. But deep down, that wasn’t me.
I love connecting authentically with people, having real, down-to-earth conversations, and creating a relationship where my patients feel comfortable. Pretending to be someone I’m not just to fit into the mold of a “doctor” was exhausting.
Even now, as I’m sharing this with you from my backyard, not in a lab coat or business attire, I feel more myself. Some may think I should be more formal, but this is how I feel most aligned and energized.
Why Inauthentic Fatigue Drains Us
Inauthentic fatigue is especially draining because it requires constant mental effort to sustain. Whether we’re trying to meet others’ expectations or fit a specific role, we’re suppressing who we really are, which disconnects us from our true energy source. Over time, this ongoing “performance” leads to emotional depletion.
How to Address Inauthentic Fatigue
If inauthentic fatigue resonates with you, I encourage you to explore where you might be hiding parts of your true self. Start by asking yourself:
- Are there roles you’re performing that don’t feel true to you?
- Do you find yourself pretending to have skills or traits you’re still developing?
- Are you presenting yourself in ways that don’t feel authentic?
Embracing Authenticity for Renewed Energy
It can be uncomfortable at first to step away from roles or appearances that don’t feel genuine, but once you start, you’ll notice an incredible lift in your energy. Living authentically is powerful, and the more you do it, the less drained you’ll feel.
Stay tuned for part seven, where I’ll continue this journey toward helping you reclaim your energy and don’t forget to catch up on our previous blog and youtube video about super-pleaser fatigue!