Authenticity: Embracing Your Uniqueness
Authenticity is the most terrifying thing you will ever do. It's also the thing that you struggle with the most. Being accepted, admired, and loved by your peers feels amazing, but the greatest joy in life comes from being who you truly are.
There is a unique harmony when you embrace your true self. You stop fighting your instincts, impulses, and the things that make you odd or awkward. These are the same things that also make you unique and interesting. It is incredible to realize that in all of human history, there has never been someone just like you. Your uniqueness allows you to offer something fundamentally different to the world.
You may view your wounds, hurts, and experiences that have degraded you as negative things, but they have actually made your voice more unique. They have shaped you, along with your environment and genetics, into the person you are today. So, embrace these experiences and bring your unique perspective to the table.
When you have a view or a vision that is different, share it, believe in it, trust it, and voice it. However, it is important to avoid being dogmatic. Don't say things like, "That's me, take it or leave it." This approach is not effective in life. Instead, always be open to even more interesting ways of thinking, doing, and experiencing.
Experiences have the power to change you, but only if you let them. Reading books, for example, can change your life if you open yourself up to being changed by them. The same books have the potential to impact different people in different ways. So, while you should cling fiercely to your individualism and the things that make you unique, always remain open to growth.
Asking the right questions is fundamental to finding fulfillment in life. One powerful question to ask is: How was the worst day of my life the best thing that ever happened to me? By reframing negative experiences, you can find positive outcomes and even see how they have shaped you for the better.
For example, during dark times at a previous company, the speaker realized that the misery was the catalyst for change. It fueled a desire to do things differently and make every day beautiful, even if failure was a possibility. This mindset shift became the foundation for a successful company.
Your focus determines your reality. If you focus on fear, dread, incompetence, and possible failure, your mind will be consumed by these thoughts. On the other hand, if you think about possibilities, personal growth, and the amazing things that could happen, that is what your mind will be consumed by.
There are two wolves within you: the fear wolf and the courage wolf. The one you feed will become stronger. If you feed the fear wolf, your mindset will be dominated by fear. But if you feed the courage wolf, your mindset will be geared towards being courageous and taking action.
The questions you ask yourself shape your life. By asking different questions, you can create different outcomes. For example, by asking how to bring value to their thousand true fans instead of focusing solely on profitability, a company made in a day what they used to make annually.
Being open to change and allowing new knowledge to impact your behaviors is crucial. Embrace the power of understanding why you do things, but remember that execution is what turns dreams into reality. Dreaming is important, but you must actively create the world you envision.
Identify the actionable steps you need to take and develop the skills necessary to achieve your goals. Additionally, gaining control of your emotions is essential. Your mindset is the only thing that holds you back. Adopt a mindset that believes there is no problem that can't be solved.
Finally, remember that successful people are no different from you. Take massive action today to make your dreams come true. It's about executing on your passion and turning concepts into reality. Embrace your uniqueness, ask the right questions, and take control of your emotions. With these principles in mind, you can create the fulfilling life you desire.
