Your Authentic Self – Part 1

Why you need to discover and live your authentic self.

Has anyone ever told you “Just be yourself!” to be successful? Have you found it confusing? What, exactly, is ‘being yourself’? And how does it help you in your personal life and in business? Isn’t it better to project an ideal image than a potentially imperfect authentic one? 

So many of us go through life putting on a fake image. We create a persona as a type of barrier, or as a coping mechanism, or as a result of external pressures and expectations. The world says this or that is the perfect way to do something and we strive for perfection, or for what we think everyone else wants to see, instead of being authentic to who we are. 

But have you ever thought about the fact that it might be holding you back? Think about your own reaction to people you perceive as fake. You can see right through it, and it’s off-putting. Would you support a business you know is fake? Well, it is precisely this lack of recognition for your authentic self that may be the reason for your lack of fulfilment. 

What Is Your Authentic Self? 

But what is your authentic self? Perhaps you’re reading this and thinking “But I am my authentic self”. But consider taking a moment to think about it – are you living your life 100% the way you want? Are your thoughts, actions, dreams, and the way you express yourself all genuine? Do they come from your inner self, or are they influenced by the outside world?

We are all influenced by other people and by the world around us in one way or another, but my challenge to you is to really think about your most genuine iteration, your truest self. Who you are on the inside? Who you were when you were a child, free from social constraints? When no one is around, when no one can hear your thoughts, and in a perfect world, who would you be? 

Why Is It So Important to Know Your Authentic Self?

So much of your satisfaction and overall success and happiness hinges on being true to yourself. Every moment you spend not living your life according to your authentic self, you are missing out on your incredible potential. In life and in business.

There are no downsides to being who you truly are! The minute you start living true to yourself, you will start seeing and feeling the benefits.

• Enriched personal relationships

Being true to your authentic self can only mean more successful personal relationships, because you are allowing the people in your life to know you more intimately, to know the real you. You are no longer putting on an act, or presenting a shadow of your real self. When you feel proud and confident to display your true self to people, that only makes you more endearing, more real, and more trustworthy. 

• Clear professional paths

The most successful entrepreneurs are not afraid to express their authentic selves and their real dreams, as crazy as they are. They work harder, better, more focused, and more determined than anyone else, because their vision is clear and unobstructed. 

They’re also more trusted by customers. People are attracted to other people like them – people who share the same values, the same opinions, and have a similar path in life. People they perceive as real, and genuine. That’s the kind of person and the kind of company they want to support. Every time you hesitate about starting on this journey, just think – that could be you!

What Happens When You’re Not Being Your Authentic Self?

 Let’s say you’ve lived your whole life projecting a certain image of yourself. It’s difficult to tear it down, and it’s your comfort zone. Is it really that bad if you stick to this image, instead of being your authentic self? Isn’t it better to give people what they want? What do you have to lose? Well, a lot. 

• Loss of trust

Some people live their whole lives putting on a fake image that is socially acceptable or appealing. However, sooner or later, that inauthenticity catches up with them. People can see right through an image that is put on. You’re just another boring business telling them what they want to hear. That doesn’t set you apart. Would you trust someone who is being fake? Would you put your faith and your money in their hands? Probably not. And if you don’t believe in who you are pretending you are, why would anyone else?

• Loss of opportunity to connect with your Tribe

Your ‘folks’ are out there somewhere and when you give yourself permission to be you, only then can they find you and form a connection. For example, your authentic self might be slightly chaotic and full of creative energy that you’ve been told to suppress all your life. When you allow it to ‘shine through’ others out there who are like you, see this energy and are drawn to it. You may think you are disorganised and too spontaneous and have been told to take life seriously and be more organised. Let it go! When you do, those like you, identify with you (and your struggles to tick all those tasks on your list off) and valuable connection happens! When you are you, you give others the permission to be themselves. That is powerful stuff!! See what I mean?

See you soon with Part 2….