Read this post if you struggle with being true to yourself under pressure.
These days it's harder to be genuine than walk over a carpet of brimstones. But have you ever wondered why it's so difficult for you to be authentic and genuine in every situation (and I mean EVERY) you find yourself in?
Ironically, people who become one-percenters are those who have embraced their story and are not ashamed to let the rest of the world see them for who they truly are.
Transparency is an undisputable quality if you aim to be a great leader.
In this post, I'll share with you everything I think you should know about being authentic.
But before I do, let's look into some of the reasons I believe people (might be you) find it hard to be their true selves.
Reasons Why Being Authentic Is Ridiculously Hard
1. Fear of being Judged/Ridiculed
Did you know that more people are afraid of public speaking than death?
I would not go as far as to dispute the research because I know exactly how terrifying public speaking can be. Your voice comes out weird, your breathing accelerates and you pray for the slightest distraction to happen so you don't have to keep going.
If you've ever been in a situation where you had to speak to a group of people (mostly strangers) while holding a mic on stage for the first time, then you know what I'm talking about.
Where does this fear come from?
It comes from not wanting people to see us for who we truly are.
2. The Desire To Be More Than We Appear To Be
Another reason I've found that most people (myself included) find it difficult to be their true selves is wanting to be more than people see us.
Let's face it. No one wants to be judged by their appearance. And if we did have to, we'd want to look our best.
The fear of not looking good enough is also a subconscious trigger for not being true to ourselves.
3. Fear of Letting Strangers See Us For Who We Are
What's that one thing you can't let people know you love?
The thought of saying it in public terrifies you even though you know how much that thing means to you.
Keeping it boxed up for all time seems like the safer thing to do but why is that?
It's your life. It's your thing. If people don't get it, it's because it wasn't theirs to get.
Yet, the thought of showing people what we like and don't like sends shivers down our spines and we cover it up by… well, covering it up.
These are just a few of the many reasons that I've discovered. But regardless of whatever your reasons are, you deserve to know that being authentic and transparent has some amazing benefits.
Benefits Of Being Authentic and Transparent
1. Builds Your Confidence
There's a definition of confidence that I like to use and it goes like this:
Confidence is simply knowing that you're enough.
"Faults" and all. You are who you are and no one can create another you.
Being able to see yourself as more than enough gives you the leverage to act without worrying about insecurities.
2. Gives You A Clear Conscience
I don't know about you but whenever I find myself in a situation where I pretend to be capable of things I'm not, my mind doesn't settle.
Have you ever been in a situation where your friends ask you to do something tricky and because you didn't want to look like a novice, you proudly say: "This small thing?"
Then after a cacophony of cheers and adulation, you realize that you have to do the thing. Only this time, you can't ask for help because you've placed yourself as the "expert" already.
Being transparent allows you to say "No" without feeling compelled to please anyone because that's just who you are and if you do have to do it, you could try and ask for help where you need it without faking competence and feeling an overwhelming sense of discomfort and guilt as you fumble over it.
3. Allows You To Live With A Clear Path And Purpose
Rather than going about your daily activities pretending to be someone else based on the conversation or atmosphere, having complete transparency allows you to work on your strengths and maybe even your weaknesses in public.
That way you can unapologetically work on your strengths 20 hours a day, instead of 2 hours a day when you're alone or in hiding.
There are many benefits to being true to yourself not just when you're alone at 2A.M in bed, but also in public. Start living with intention because you only get one chance at life.
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