The question is, who am I?

We must define who we are to live authentically. To tap into the things that allow us to come alive, and able to experience life in a magnificent way and then enabling others having the same experience of us.

So, one of the first things we must do is define who we are, implement the necessary plan and become just that. For example, kindness has always resonated with me, but somehow, I was not living this. I had to implement a system that would allow that value to emanate from me and subsequently demonstrated in my actions. I had to become kind; the kindness I am referring to is giving something tangible.

My Action Plan: Whenever I filled up my gas tank or went to the supermarket or, received a service, I decided to tip the person. As inconsequential as the plan seemed, I achieved the result I needed, I became a kinder person. I say all of that to dispel any myth surrounding our persona and changing. If something is preventing you from demonstrating your values/ value system, you can take control and change to move you into becoming more authentic. Understand that who we are today might have been shaped by socialization and otherwise. We must update our thinking, then implement systems that align with how we currently see ourselves and begin to live authentically.

Ten questions to help determine your Authenticity:

What makes you, you -Do you have a definition of self? Do you second guess yourself and seek the validation of others? Do You Know Your Core Values? All of these questions provide you with an intimate snapshot of yourself that enables you to accept or reject notions that do not align with whom you know yourself to be. Allowing you to live authentically—so are you?

What do you think about yourself – Can You Say I Love Me, or do you constantly think, “I am not enough”?

Are you defining who you are by what you do? Understand that the titles and accomplishments do not make the man. Instead, it is the tangible as well as intangible actions performed daily. Your daily interactions depend on your value system. Are you placing importance on the things you have materially? You must know who you are without the added fluff. What were you like as a child; what would you do if money was not a factor. These are some of the factors that help to define who you are. 

Do you find that yourself complaining a lot? Do you quickly identify the good in life, or are you caught up with what could go wrong? Do you often feel blue? Do you find yourself using phrases like—”I wish I could, but I can’t”?

What are your friends like—how do they support you? Do you think you are with the right people? Can you speak freely without feeling like you have to count your words?

Do you make decisions promptly, or do you seek validation from others or question yourself? Do you go to parents | co-workers | friends | random individuals seeking their opinion on simple or complex decisions?

Do you walk the talk? Or, is it challenging to complete tasks that align themselves with the goals and desires you have? 

Are you dissatisfied with your current trajectory? Do you count the hours daily? If you answered yes, it is an indication that you have lost touch with who you are and places you in a position of not living authentically. We all have a gift to share with the world, and if we are not living that gift, then our lives are inauthentic. This gift is not specific to whether you are in a 9 to 5 or entrepreneurship. This gift is the service you give to others and the satisfaction you receive. Understand that in everything we do, we can find completeness. But it must be aligned to our authentic selves.

Are you curious and frequently on a mission to improve yourself? When we no longer have curiosity and a desire to improve, then we are living inauthentically. I read somewhere that our authentic self is always eager to know more about ourselves and the world. Imagine not caring about life in general. What picture does this present?

Do you often feel fear or are confused or anxious about life? Fear is a normal feeling, so is anxiety and confusion, but the authentic person moves beyond the fear or finds ways to cope with fear and anxiety rather than dwell on them. The authentic person understands life will have unnerving moments and will always reach within to quell those emotions, take control and move on. Are you able to do this?

Your answer to the above questions should help to put you on a path of discovering your authenticity gage.

If your answers say, I AM AUTHENTIC, then good for you, keep making others see how incredible the world is and how life can be the best.

If your answers suggest that you are living inauthentic, understand that this is not a death sentence, most of us are. It is not your fault and there is nothing to be ashamed off. It is a needed awareness that will transport you on the path of true authenticity and an even greater sense of belonging. One that is free of what I like to call “controlled stress” Ask me what that is….

Reach out and let us further discuss this and help you to move into an incredible life. This is a judgement free zone, let’s go….