I receive emails all the time about “shooting straight from the hip”, well… yeah, I do. But it’s only because I don’t want YOU to make the same mistakes I did and to teach you there’s more to being in business than just generating a profit!
My clients will tell you, I don’t beat around the bush, I don’t play the hype game, and I don’t have a sales pitch for you 
. If this is your first time here, you’re about to learn that I really do, “keep it real.”
There’s so much more to just buying a bunch of ebooks, software, attending internet marketing events and teleseminars. It’s more about ‘your mindset” and “personal growth skills” that will move you into your rightful space as a business owner.
For example, in order to become a nurse or doctor, etc., you must attend college in order to obtain such a career/job. And even then, there are prerequisite courses that are required in order to even get to the real courses that teach you exactly ‘how to’ be a nurse or doctor. The prerequisite courses help to ‘renew your mind’ to further understanding of what is about to come.
That method of [how to] learning is somewhat similar to being in business, i.e., establishing yourself as an expert in your chosen niche.
With that said, let’s move on to the subject of the day…
Being Your Authentic Self
The definition of authentic is: not false or copied; genuine; real. A more in depth explanation would be:
“Authentic carries a connotation of authoritative certification that an object is what it is claimed to be.”
So my question to you is: Who Are You Anyway? The reason I ask this question is because I see SO many people emulating [To strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation] other people in every way! Even down to disguising their voice to sound like a person they admire!
That’s scary and completely non-authentic!
You were created for a specific purpose. While as humans there have been situations where we may [physically] look similar to others – however – no one can ever be the exact YOU (in personality, style, character, integrity and behavior.)
Becoming Authentic
A few years ago, I didn’t know what it meant to be my authentic self. Not that I tried to duplicate someone else’s personality, I did however, pick up their beliefs of how I should conduct myself as a business owner. I didn’t look deep within myself as to what I believe, who I was as an individual [character] or determine what my own values were!
Little did I know, I had become ‘a follower’ instead of displaying my own authentic leadership capability! It wasn’t until I literally began to feel physically sick at my stomach, depressed and confused, is when my life begin to change for the better.
Here’s what happened:
- I began to reflect on what made me sick
- I started paying attention to my ‘inner gut’
- I no longer brushed off ‘spiritual convictions’
- I made it a point to stare at myself in the mirror daily until I began to like the person (within)
- Prayer and meditation increased
- Removed the thought of ‘fear’ (i.e., what others thought of the authentic me)
- I gradually begin to ‘know’ (my own personality traits) who I am as an individual
- Focused on my true inner [spiritual] & uncompromising beliefs, needs, goals and motives
- I gained confidence
- I became the person I am by doing ‘me’; expressing myself in a humble, confident and [educated] learned way.
If you notice, not one of the 10 steps above mentions the word ‘perfect’. As mere mortals, we are incapable of perfection:
“The search for perfection begins with detecting imperfection.”
Author Unknown
The good news is that you can be the Authentic YOU!
I encourage you to examine the steps above, pick the ones that work for you [discard the ones that don't apply] and determine if you’re a follower or your own authentic self.
You and I both know that most people seek others to help them who are authentic, trust~worthy, and transparent [being crystal clear] in the hopes that you are not ”common’ [typical sales person]. They also desire that you show passion and that you truly care about meeting their needs!
If you need help in establishing yourself as an expert in your niche, feel free to contact me. I love to teach what I’ve personally learned myself ~ it’s my passion
Remember: You don’t have to be anybody else but YOU!
‘I’m just keeping it real’
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: bevmahone
May 1, 2010 at 7:57 am
Regina,
You know, I always thought I was too authentic—that people were turned off because I did (and still do) keep it real. What I discovered was, it meant only those people who could appreciate my individuality would gravitate towards me. We can’t be all things to all people—although I know so many who try. If you are true to yourself, God directs the rest and makes your path straight. At this stage of my life, I wouldn’t have it any other way
.-= Beverly Mahone´s last blog ..3 Rules for Work =-.
@Beverly ~ you’re so right! You always have been your authentic self. It’s what drew us together as friends. I so concur with what you said:
~ thanks for keeping it real
What an encouraging post. Discovering your “authentic” self is a life-long pursuit. The sooner we learn to seek our full identity in Christ, the farther along the journey we progress. There’s nothing better than a life of purpose – bumps and all!
@Debra ~ I couldn’t agree more! “to seek our FULL identity in Christ” ~ nothing matters more than that! I always say, “only what we do for Christ will EVER last.”
Twitter: Livvie_Matthews
May 2, 2010 at 6:08 am
On target, Regina! Having been down the road of trying to be someone you aren’t…it’s very uncomfortable. It’s like trying to fit into a size 7 shoe when you actually wear a size 9…very uncomfortable! You aren’t being yourself. Finding out who you are and being true to yourself and your belief’s takes time, committment, and courage. It’s a life long journey but one you will travel with much less discomfort!
@Livvie ~ tell me about it! LOL! I had to laugh at the size 7 shoe but actually need a size 9. Very true! I love the journey, and it’s a journey that we continue to learn, grow and appreciate. Thanks!
Your post is so true, Regina. I think the #1 thing is to listen to your body. When you’re experiencing those negative symptoms – stomach ache, depressed, etc. – it’s your body’s way of trying to protect you; to call attention and reject what you’re trying to internalize because it doesn’t fit for you. Thanks for the reminder to trust that we truly know who we are and what’s best for us.
@Evelyn ~ now that’s for real! Our body wants to protect our inner spirit from anything that will harm it. Listening to the warning sounds, helps to become clear of what ails us and doesn’t belong there. Thanks
Regina, being my authentic self sometimes means I showcase my flaws. I’m okay with that. Makes me human. But not everyone is willing to do it publicly. Other times it means I gain some haters (people who disagree with how I do things). I’m okay with that, too.
I used to try to follow in other people’s footsteps but I realized my highest level of success once I let my real self shine through. Loved your blog post!
.-= Tiffany Dow´s last blog ..Day 7 End of Week 1 Productivity Journey =-.
I learned a lot from Twitter and other social media. That is, it’s easy to feel that you have to be online every second of every day to be successful. I did that for about a year, and my business nearly went under because of it. I spent more time trying to emulate other business models, or their claims to success, than building my business. I took a step back and a long look inside. I emerged a better business woman as a result, and follow my own knowledge and common sense. It’s very freeing!
Great post!
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