Being authentic as being happy. But when am I authentic?

Written by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD, Authenticity Consulting, LLC. Copyright 1997-2008.
Every man builds his world in his own image. He has the power to choose, but no power to escape the necessity of choice.
- Ayn Rand, philosopher
The concept of authenticity has received a significant amount of attention recently as people search for meaning and happiness, particularly in their work lives. How one chooses to try to live more authentically depends on their own perspective on authenticity. Like many other popular concepts, different people have different views about authenticity and many people feel very strongly about their own views. Some people might assert that an individual is being authentic if they are being completely honest and participating in the here-and-now, eg, an honest conversation with a friend, completely focused on cleaning out the garage, etc. There are others who assert that authenticity involves many other features, including, eg, always being centered with themselves and others, living in a completely integrated fashion with their own values and principles, always feeling complete meaning or sense of purpose in their lives, etc.

The concepts of "authenticity" and "meaning" can seem almost the same. However, the major philosophical movement called existentialism has studied authenticity for centuries and helps us understand more abut what authenticity is, along with its relationship to the concept of meaning. Existentialists assert that if an individual is not living authentically in their lives, then they lose meaning and can fall into chronic anxiety, boredom and despair. People might pursue "quick fixes" to avoid the responsibility of living authentically, eg, quick fixes such as anesthetizing themselves with alcohol or drugs, living in fantasies, etc. Others might even assert that it's inauthentic to pursue any approach (programs, books, etc.) that promises to help people transcend (escape?) the responsibilities -- and sometimes drudgery -- of day-to-day living.

Regardless of others' perspectives on authenticity, it's important for people in management to live and work as authentically as possible -- a goal that is usually often difficult to achieve, particularly in large organizations. As mentioned above, how one chooses to live a more authentic life depends on their perspective. A person might choose to appreciate more their own current approach to life, or meditate on a regular basis, or journal (write down) their thoughts, or engage in regular retreats, or sign up for a more complete program, etc.

http://managementhelp.org/prsn_wll/authentc.htm

When am I authentic? What behavior is authentic? Does being authentic equal being exposed? Can you be authentic still protecting your privacy? Is being anonymous same as not being authentic?