Have you ever wondered if you are living as authentically as you could be? Or better yet, have you ever wondered what that even means? If so, you are not alone.
To live authentically, you must know exactly who you are at a very deep level and honor that self-knowledge. You must know what you require to be whole, healthy and happy and what you can then offer to others personally and professionally.
Simply put,
The secret to living authentically means you must know your truth, needs & offer.
The word authentic is defined as ‘not false or imitation: real; true to one’s own personality or character’ and synonyms are ‘genuine; being actually and exactly what is claimed.’
So, how do you actually accomplish that?
The following are 3 powerful keys to living authentically.
BUILD A STRONG PERSONAL FOUNDATION
Having a strong personal foundation is comprised of many elements. However, I believe the most important element is to live by your own personal code of ethics. There are some things every person must know about their own personal character. Minimally, you must know what you can and cannot do and what you will and will not do. You must know your non-negotiables.
For example:
- You cannot be a woman who claims to value integrity, honesty, and truth and yet arrogantly engage in behaviors that are reckless and deceitful, (like engaging in a secret extra marital affair.)
Then, on the opposite end of the spectrum,
- You cannot exhibit a false sense of humility by playing small and muting your brilliance to make others feel comfortable in your presence (like keeping silent in important meetings when you know you have better answers and solutions but instead allow others to lead.)
Both scenarios ostensibly indicate a person living inauthentically, building on a weakened personal foundation.
ESTABLISH CLEAR AND SOLID BOUNDARIES
Your boundaries are born from knowing your personal needs and requirements. Your boundaries dictate how you require others to treat you, as well as what you require of yourself in the way you treat others. Some people view boundaries as a negative. In actuality, they are quite positive. People in your personal and professional life will always know what to expect from you, clearly understanding that you require reciprocity.
Clear and solid boundaries are a gift from you to others. They are a part of what you offer. If you require being treated with honor and respect, the expectation is you will do the same to others, no matter who they are: children, junior colleagues, the barista at Starbucks, your housecleaner. Your boundaries are how you dignify yourself and other human beings.
If you have weak boundaries, you are not living authentically.
ELIMINATE TOLERATIONS
Any way in which you are unhappy in your life likely centers around something or several things you are currently tolerating.
Tolerations are massive energy drains that leave you emotionally, mentally and physically exhausted. You can never be the best of who you are when your energy is depleted. Tolerations diminish your brilliance and disconnect you from the things that energize and empower you.
Most people have anywhere from 50 to 200 things they are tolerating, i.e., work dissatisfaction, money stress, toxic personal or professional relationships, living in an area you don’t enjoy, clothes that don’t fit, a car that needs to be washed, etc. The list could go on and on and the things can be large or small and seemingly insignificant. But everything adds up and takes it toll.
The things you are tolerating will suck the life out of you, leaving you to feel stuck, frustrated and unhappy.
You will never live a truly authentic life when you are tolerating things that disconnect you from your joy, passion, and brilliance.
If you are managing too many tolerations, you are not living as authentically as you could be.
Do you want to live a more authentic life, but don’t know where to start? I can help!
In a powerful and transformational 90-minute intensive coaching session with me, I can help you create an action plan designed to help you take the next best steps toward living authentically and moving your life forward. Interested? Email me confidentially at [email protected] or InMail me on LinkedIn.
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