A Path to Being Authentic

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Mahatma Gandhi

To be authentic is to be your real self, to speak your truth, and to follow your values. When you are authentic, real love becomes possible, and you can build a life that is truly fulfilling. But being authentic can be difficult and involves risk. It is an ongoing process of discovery.

Accept yourself
Understand yourself
Treat all with respect (yes, u 2)
Honestly speak your truth
Explore your inner self
Notice feelings & thoughts
Think, learn, & grow
Inspire yourself with a value statement
Courageously be yourself

Strengthen your brain
Express your true self
Listen to your inner voice
Follow your vision

Accept Yourself

Realize if you are here, you are loved. When we love ourselves, we gain the ability to love others. Read “the Six Pillars of Self-esteem” by Nathaniel Branden and take steps to develop self-esteem. While most of us have things that we may want to improve, it first begins with accepting yourself as you are. Understand what we can control and listen to the Serenity Prayer.

Understand Yourself

To be your authentic self, you need to know and understand yourself. Download a self-assessment form at the Brand and Purpose Toolkit, and find links to tools to explore interests, personality, skills, strengths, personal qualities, values, and talents. Find clues to purpose in the free ebook How to Start a Fire and learn more to Discover U.

Treat all with Respect

Treat both others and yourself with respect. Develop character and know how to set healthy boundaries. Treat others as you would wish to be treated – with kindness and compassion.

Honestly Speak Your Truth

Be truthful with yourself and others. To be impeccable with your word is one of the Four Agreements. Know how to think rationally and communicate well. Speak up to share your thoughts and feelings.

Explore Your Inner Self

Embrace your inner child to be open to creativity, curiosity and playfulness. Connect with your inner adult for resilience, courage, and responsibility.

Notice Feelings and Thoughts

Learn to notice and identify emotions and the thoughts that lead to them.

Think, Learn, and Grow

Allow time for learning and reflection to grow and develop skills.

Inspire Yourself with a Value Statement

Gain clarity and focus with a value statement to provide direction and always be communicating value.

Courageously Be Yourself

Courage is the ability to act despite fear in the face of difficulties. Learn to Conquer Your Fears. Watch Jim Carrey’s moving commencement speech about how to choose love over fear. Watch Brene Brown’s TED talk to learn more about the importance of embracing vulnerability. In the book “Real Love,” author Greg Baer tells us that we can only truly be loved when we allow ourselves to be seen. Share your unique talents and let your light shine.

Strengthen Your Brain

Regular physical exercise and meditation can both increase the area of the brain that brings awareness (and also have many more benefits).

Express Your True Self

Beyond our actions, words and voice, the creative arts can be a way to explore and express our true selves.

Listen to Your Inner Voice

Allow time to be mindful and use the power of a pause.

Follow Your Vision

Have an AIM for a vision based on your values that is Active, Inspiring, and Meaningful.

Learn more

• Grit and Authenticity from Scientific American.
• What is Authenticity? from becomingwhoyouare.net
• Brene Brown video on Taking off the armour and showing up authentically
• Positive Shift Happens Toolkit

About dailyplanit

I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.