Authenticity, or at least talking about it, is a hot topic. But what does that mean? And how do you actually do it? Well, I can’t actually answer that for you—that’d be inauthentic for both of us. Still, I have a few insights and questions that might help you stand in your own authentic self.
Insight #1 – Trust Deeply.
You were created for a purpose and a time such as this. You may not even know what that purpose is, or you might be in the midst of resisting it, but trust deeply that you are here on planet Earth for a reason. For me, that’s always been teaching. I used to line up my stuffed animals in 4th grade and teach them in order to learn my spelling words.
I believe many people have an inner knowing of their purpose but it’s been pressed down and hidden. Typically, it keeps showing up in little ways. It keeps trying to peek through. When you get that spark of recognition, trust it.
In addition to trusting deeply in your purpose, trust deeply in your uniqueness. My guess is that you, like me, admire people who have the courage to stand out and be themselves. We rarely admire those that imitate others. In short, trust who you are and that thing you can’t shake, that thing you can’t not do.
Insight #2 – Behave Boldly.
Nothing will leave you feeling more inauthentic than pulling back from your truest self. Nothing will leave a bigger crater in your self-esteem than going halfway when you know you could’ve gone all in.
One of my favorite quotes is from the movie We Bought a Zoo is, “Sometimes all you really need is 20 seconds of insane courage.” Goethe too declared, boldness has power. So, let me ask you:
- Where or how could you be bold today?
- Do you need to have a tough conversation?
- Do you need to invest in advertising?
- Hire some help?
Chances are, you have a pretty good idea of a bold step to take (it’s that nagging task you keep setting aside to get to when you have more time, money, energy, courage, clarity, or whatever else you rationalize).
Whatever you need to do, do it. And when you do, follow through with boldness too. It’s just as important, perhaps more so, that we make a decision right as it is that we make the right decision (you might want to read this paragraph again – it’s really important).
Tip #3 – Give Generously.
If behaving boldly were the science of taking action, then giving generously would be the art of taking action. Some call it flow. Some call it being in the spirit. Others simply call it what I was meant to do all along.
So what, exactly, are you to be giving? Yourself and your gifts, your time and your attention, your money, your view of the world—in short, everything that makes you, you.
Why?
Because what the world needs more of is you. How do I know? Because if the world didn’t need you, you wouldn’t be here. If you can’t believe that for yourself, trust me and let me believe it until you discover it’s true for yourself.
When you trust deeply in who you were created to be, when you behave boldly based on that knowledge, however slight or intense at the time, and when you give generously out of who you are and all that you’ve received, then you will find that peace that passes all understanding. You’ll find it precisely because you will be the embodiment of the purpose for which you were created. You’ll find it because you are it.
Note:
Sean McCool is an award-winning writer, published author, speaker, and life coach to the world’s greatest clients. He specializes in working with entrepreneurs who have the audacity to believe they can daily walk with wisdom, wealth, and courage in every area of life. You can learn more about Sean at SeanMcCool.com.
We are thrilled to have Sean on this week’s #MasterYourStory podcast. Sean, thank you for spending some time with us. We look forward to having you back soon.