Goals are a highly personal thing. What we aspire to do and achieve in our lives is as individualized as anything can be, yet a unifying goal that enriches any life is the goal of living authentically.
The blessings of living an authentic life are vast. One of the greatest of those is a deep sense of peace. When we are true to ourselves, we are at peace. We trust our decisions, and don’t waste time and energy second-guessing ourselves, nor are we distracted by the many and varied opinions of others. An authentic life also brings peace because we are living according to what is most important to us, and whether that is a raging success or a learning step along the way, it was our heart we followed.
An authentic life also brings creativity! When we are no longer consumed with pleasing others or doing what we think we should want to do, we are free to explore. What does our heart want to try? What endeavor is both exciting and scary? Whether it’s in our work or our personal life, giving voice to our unique creativity brings a richness to life that is deeply satisfying.
Being free of perfectionism is a welcome result of living authentically. How much anxiety is experienced when we try to measure up to an impossible standard of perfection? No matter how much we exercise or diet or practice or struggle, we just can’t seem to be perfect or do it perfectly. However when we live authentically, we love and accept ourselves as we are, perfectly imperfect, unique, loved, and worthy; sorting things out the best we can. We are always evolving and deepening but it is from a place of love, not fear.
So how does one go about living an authentic life? Here are 3 important steps to help you step into your authenticity and all the advantages that flow from it:
1. Get very honest with yourself. Are there things you do routinely that aren’t fulfilling? (not talking about paying bills here) Maybe you go to a kickboxing class with a friend, but you’d really rather explore kundalini yoga. Maybe you plop down on the sofa every evening when what you’d really rather do is read up on starting your own garden or becoming a photographer. There is no judgment here, only curiosity and honest answers.
2. Take action. Honesty is an important first step but ultimately not helpful if it is not followed up with action. This is where many people freeze because they don’t want to upset others, so they opt instead to just keep doing what they are doing. Here is what I’ve found in my personal experience – people more often are awed and impressed when you make the bold move to do what is right for you. If there is a negative reaction, it is about them, not you. If they are not living an authentic life, they will feel guilty or threatened to see you step into your power. How they respond is their choice, not your problem to solve. (See? There’s a payoff already!)
3. Reflect often. When I went back to college to get my teaching certificate, I was astounded at all the reflecting we were required to do as part of nearly every assignment. Initially it was irritating, but eventually I came to understand the benefit of reflecting on a project or unit we had designed. There are lessons and insights that become clear only as we look back at a situation.
The reason reflecting is an important part of living an authentic life, is that we are expansive creatures by nature. What is our favorite hobby one year might totally lose its shine the next. Reflect on what you enjoy the most, what makes you feel lit up and alive? Let your activities and choices shift and change as you do, and you will lead a blessed and happy life.
If you are inspired to begin living more authentically but are not sure where to begin, reach out to schedule a coaching session. As we work together, you will gain clarity on inspired next steps that will make your heart and soul sing.
