Authenticity: The Unseen Superpower

Authenticity: The Unseen Superpower

Real talk.

WHO are YOU?

We are all born into our environment, then programmed to be whatever and wherever we are creating an identity we just start living with.

Being authentic takes INTENTION.

It also takes:

- Permission
- Self Love
- Courage
- Patience
- Desire

SO: authenticity…Everyone wants it, yet few seem to muster the courage to actually live it. Why? Because being authentic is terrifying. It's like walking down Michigan Avenue naked, hoping people will admire your boldness instead of calling the cops. But what does it really mean to be authentic? And why should you even bother?

Let’s talk about something…

Our School System: The Robot Factory

Let’s be honest: our school system isn’t exactly a breeding ground for authenticity. It’s more like a factory churning out obedient little robots, programmed to follow the rules and fit neatly into society’s mold. Creativity? Squashed. Individuality? Suppressed. It’s all about regurgitating facts and conforming to norms. No wonder so many of us grow up terrified to be ourselves. We’ve been conditioned to believe that standing out is a bad thing.

Think about it. From the moment we step into a classroom, we’re taught to sit still, raise our hands, and follow instructions. Divergent thinking isn’t encouraged; it’s discouraged. The kid who questions the status quo or comes up with an unconventional solution is often seen as a troublemaker, not a trailblazer. The education system values conformity and compliance over creativity and individuality.

This mindset doesn’t just disappear once we graduate. It follows us into adulthood, into our careers and personal lives. We’re so used to playing it safe, to doing what’s expected, that the idea of stepping out of line and being truly authentic feels like a risk too great to take.

At least, this is how I used to feel.

The COVID pandemic changed that for me.

I had to pivot and begin again. I decided to be bold. To be courageous. To step up my “Me Game”. I got in front of the camera, I started a podcast, I wrote my first book and today I serve over one million real estate professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners.

It is absolutely awesome.

What It Means to Be Authentic

Being authentic means being real. It’s about showing your true self, warts and all. It’s about saying, “Here I am, world! Take it or leave it!” rather than hiding behind a carefully curated façade. Authenticity is the antithesis of the filtered Instagram life we’ve all grown accustomed to. It’s messy, it’s raw, and it’s unapologetically you.

Authenticity isn’t just about being honest with others; it’s also about being honest with yourself. It means acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, your likes and dislikes, your dreams and fears. It’s about living in alignment with your values and not compromising them to fit in or to be liked. It’s about making choices that reflect who you truly are, not who you think you’re supposed to be.

Why People Are Afraid to Be Authentic

Fear is the big, ugly monster under the bed. People are scared of rejection, judgment, and ridicule. They’re afraid that if they show their true selves, they'll be laughed out of the room. So, they conform, blend in, and play it safe. It’s easier to be a chameleon than to stand out as the unique, vibrant parrot you really are.

We’ve been conditioned from a young age to fit in. Remember school? The place where standing out was a surefire way to get labeled as “weird” or “different”? Our education system, for all its merits, often discourages individuality. It’s more about teaching kids to follow rules and memorize facts than encouraging them to think for themselves and express their unique perspectives. Creativity and critical thinking often take a backseat to conformity and rote learning.

Why You Should Choose Authenticity

But here’s the kicker: authenticity is magnetic. People are drawn to realness like moths to a flame. When you’re authentic, you build genuine connections and trust. You’re not just another faceless name in a sea of mediocrity; you’re a lighthouse guiding people to your unique brilliance. And let’s face it, pretending to be someone else is exhausting. Wouldn’t it be nice to just be yourself for a change?

Authenticity breeds trust. When people see that you’re genuine, they’re more likely to trust you and want to work with you. This is especially true in business. Customers, clients, and colleagues can tell when you’re being authentic and when you’re putting on a show. They’re more likely to choose you over the competition if they feel they can trust you.

Being authentic also means you’re more likely to attract the right people and opportunities into your life. When you’re true to yourself, you naturally attract people who resonate with you and your values. This leads to more meaningful relationships and collaborations. You’ll find that you’re no longer surrounded by people who drain your energy or push you to be someone you’re not. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by people who support and uplift you.

Think about these things:

Embrace Your Quirks: Those little things you think are weird? They’re what make you, *you*. Own them. Share them. Whether it's your love for collecting vintage Pez dispensers or your habit of singing 80s power ballads in the shower, let it shine.

Embracing your quirks means celebrating what makes you unique. It’s about recognizing that your differences are your strengths, not your weaknesses. When you embrace your quirks, you give others permission to do the same. You create a ripple effect of authenticity.

Think about the people you admire. Chances are, they’re not afraid to be themselves. They stand out because they’re unapologetically authentic. They don’t hide their quirks; they highlight them. And that’s what makes them memorable.

Speak Your Truth: Stop sugar-coating your words to please others. Say what you mean, even if it’s not what people want to hear. Authenticity isn’t about being rude; it’s about being real. So, ditch the filter and start speaking from the heart.

Speaking your truth means being honest and transparent. It means expressing your thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully. It means standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should go around offending people or being brutally honest all the time. It’s about finding a balance between honesty and tact. It’s about being true to yourself while also being considerate of others.

When you speak your truth, you build deeper connections with people. You show them that you’re genuine and trustworthy. You also inspire others to do the same. Authenticity is contagious. When you’re authentic, you encourage others to be authentic too.

Surround Yourself with Real People: Find your tribe—the people who love and accept you just as you are. They’ll encourage you to stay true to yourself, and before you know it, authenticity will become second nature.

Surrounding yourself with real people means finding those who appreciate and support your authentic self. It means letting go of relationships that don’t serve you and seeking out those that do. It means building a community of like-minded individuals who uplift and inspire you.

When you’re surrounded by real people, you’re more likely to stay true to yourself. They’ll remind you of your values and encourage you to keep being authentic, even when it’s challenging. They’ll celebrate your successes and support you through your struggles.

Your tribe doesn’t have to be large. It’s about quality, not quantity. It’s about finding those few people who truly understand and appreciate you. They’re the ones who will help you stay grounded and authentic.

The Power of Authenticity in Business

Now, let’s talk about authenticity in the business world. In a market saturated with brands and businesses vying for attention, authenticity is your competitive edge. It sets you apart from the sea of sameness and helps you build a loyal customer base.

Authenticity in business means being transparent about your values, your mission, and your products or services. It means being honest about your strengths and weaknesses. It means showing your human side, not just your polished, professional facade.

Customers today are savvy. They can spot inauthenticity from a mile away. They want to do business with brands that are genuine and trustworthy. They want to know that the companies they support share their values and have their best interests at heart.

How to Infuse Authenticity into Your Business

Here are a few ways to infuse authenticity into your business:

Tell Your Story: Share the story behind your business. Talk about why you started it, what challenges you’ve faced, and what drives you. People connect with stories. They want to know the human side of your business.

Be Transparent: Be open and honest about your products or services. If you make a mistake, own up to it and make it right. Transparency builds trust and shows that you’re committed to doing the right thing.

Show Your Human Side: Let your customers see the people behind the brand. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your team and your work. Show your personality and let your brand’s voice shine through.

Listen to Your Customers: Engage with your customers and listen to their feedback. Show them that you value their opinions and are willing to make changes based on their input. This builds trust and loyalty.

Stay True to Your Values: Don’t compromise your values for the sake of profit. Stay true to what you believe in and let that guide your business decisions. When you operate with integrity, customers will notice and appreciate it.

In a world full of fakes, being authentic is your superpower. Embrace it, live it, and watch how it transforms your life and business. Authenticity isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. It’s about being real, being honest, and being unapologetically you.

So, what are you waiting for? What is ONE thing you can do today that is authentically you?

Thanks for reading.

I hope you found value.

Please share with someone.