What it takes to be authentic.

I'm really into the idea of authenticity being the quality that leads to success and the more I think about it the more I realise that there are no exceptions to this. If you're authentic you're successful in business, as a husband, father, sportsman, and in everything you put your mind to. If something comes from within you then I believe that you can't fail.
I guess being authentic means being genuine but there are a few qualities which I believe make someone authentic and I wanted to share as it's really important to me and my self-development at the moment.

Able to self-reflect.
However works for you, if you're able to acknowledge the bits that you do like about yourself and the bits you don't, you can work on them as necessary. Being able to say that you have a flaw or you're great at something means you can take that in your stride and work with all that you've been given. When ego gets in the way it stops you being able to work on yourself and your authenticity is lost.

Can focus on the long term.
This is really important that you are open to the belief that anything is possible no matter how far into the future you are. Some people are too afraid to think too far ahead and only focus on what's in their immediate future. This makes them closed minded and not able to fully take advantage of everything the world has to offer.

A nice person.
Quite logical really but if you're authentic you care about those around you, the environment, animals and you're generally of good character. Those that go out of their way to double cross people and cheat others aren't people that I would class as authentic.

A good listener.
This sits in being a nice person too but being a good listener means that you're open to learning about new possibilities and be taken in a new direction that you hadn't thought of. It also shows that you take a genuine interest in other people's lives and their beliefs and you're not threatened by differences of opinion, rather see them as an opportunity to learn.

Open and honest.
Being able to tell people what your intentions are and communicate well shows your true authentic self. If you're transparent about your beliefs and why you act in the way you do, people have no choice but to see you as the authentic being that you are.

Work well with others.
When you can accept what someone else can bring to the table and use that as a strength rather then be threatened by their skills, you know you're truly authentic.

Live for today.
While being able to look to the future is great, it's just as important to be able to value everything that you have in your world today and being able to show this appreciation to everyone else around you is the mark of real authenticity.

Being raw, real and open to change while caring about others are crucial to living an authentic life and I think many people miss the mark. What do you think, what makes you authentic?