00:00:11The Importance of Authenticity
00:14:01Embracing Authenticity and Self-Improvement
00:20:47The Importance of Authenticity
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Are you tired of wearing a mask in your professional life, battling the disconnect between your true self and the persona you present to the world? Imagine the liberation, the deep sense of fulfillment that comes from embracing authenticity, from aligning your actions with your true values. That's exactly what we unravel in this insightful episode of Transformative Change. We embark on an exploration of authenticity, dismantling the walls between our professional and personal lives and exposing the transformative power of being true to oneself. We share strategies on how to cultivate authenticity and how it can enhance our interactions with others, fostering trust, understanding, and harmony.
We also delve into the significance of embracing our strengths and weaknesses and establishing healthy boundaries as part of our journey towards authenticity. We encourage you to join us in this journey of self-improvement and self-expression, where we discuss the essence of taking risks, expressing ourselves openly and truthfully, and continuously refining our understanding of ourselves. By the end of this episode, you'll feel inspired and empowered, ready to start your journey towards authenticity and witness the transformative power it can have. Let's venture together into a world where vulnerability is strength, authenticity inspires, and being true to oneself is the ultimate revolution.
English
United States
SHOW NOTES 🔗
TRANSCRIPT 🔗
WEBVTT
00:00:11.992 --> 00:00:16.317
Welcome to another episode of Transformative Change.
00:00:16.317 --> 00:00:35.643
Today's topic is going to be a topic about you and me and everybody around us, about the roles we play and why we should stop playing, a topic that usually comes to mind when you speak with other individuals.
00:00:35.643 --> 00:00:39.128
You might not address it, but you feel it.
00:00:39.128 --> 00:00:42.234
It's the topic of authenticity.
00:00:42.234 --> 00:00:53.904
Authenticity is really hard to put your finger to, but in our interactions with other individuals, we get this sense.
00:00:53.904 --> 00:00:59.735
It is deeply rooted in us that this person is authentic.
00:00:59.735 --> 00:01:08.513
They say what they say and they mean what they say and for some reason, that instills some sort of trust.
00:01:08.513 --> 00:01:13.992
Quite immediately, we listen a little bit extra when people are authentic.
00:01:13.992 --> 00:01:21.694
So today's topic is going to be the topic of authenticity why it's important and how to become authentic.
00:01:21.694 --> 00:01:24.040
This is Transformative Change.
00:01:24.040 --> 00:01:47.182
That the podcast, which is cross-cutting, going through several different topics in order to identify and give you the right tools to drive transformative change in the world, a change that's for the better good, finding our purposes and then have the energy and the strength to fulfill those.
00:01:47.182 --> 00:01:51.688
Why is authenticity important?
00:01:51.688 --> 00:01:56.454
So I've already established the topics around trust.
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I think it's important to put this in a good context.
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So the context number one that I'm going to bring up is around friends.
00:02:06.504 --> 00:02:15.945
When you are in a circle of friends, hopefully, you trust them, you feel comfortable in their presence.
00:02:16.608 --> 00:02:23.692
When we are put together, for instance in schools, in groups or people, there's always this game going on.
00:02:23.692 --> 00:02:24.873
We know it.
00:02:24.873 --> 00:02:31.573
It's especially when growing up, when we're trying to find our role in society, who we are.
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We have no idea of ever.
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Growing up, we're lost.
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Well, at least most of us.
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I were growing up.
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I had no idea who I were.
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Some people are good and really early, identifying who they are, what their interests are, but for the most of us we are still in our early years trying to figure out what's my spot in the world, what's my click, where are the people, the interests that I feel like I can be myself, and I think that's the topic that comes to mind Myself.
00:03:03.664 --> 00:03:06.109
When can I be myself?
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When do I not have to put on a mask so people perceive me to be better, just to fit in?
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And it's hard because we see young people, we've been them once and maybe some of us still are, at heart at least.
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How do we identify these things?
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And some people come naturally with this, I'd like to think that I worked a lot to become more authentic, to say words that actually mean something to me when I speak to people and speak from my heart and not put on this mask.
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When we then are put in professional settings, we find ourselves having to play a role.
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At least, that's how it was for me.
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When I started working Working for a bank, I thought I had to play the role of the perfect employee ambitious, I wore the clothes or at that time, I always wore a suit and you show up and you can't always speak your mind, because there are power structures and there are constellations, and even if you don't like a certain co-worker, you have to be nice.
00:04:19.483 --> 00:04:31.494
But you also see the people that play the game, the politics around it, surrounding these settings, and many of us feel uncomfortable.
00:04:31.494 --> 00:04:44.050
We see people wanting to do a career and stepping over other people and just, I mean, it's not nice, is it?
00:04:44.050 --> 00:04:54.014
And we separate the professional from the private life quite significantly and when we get home we feel like, oh, now I can be myself.
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Some people work to live and others live to work.
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I truly believe that when we've spent enough time of identifying who we are, we start blurring this line, because life's too short to only work to live.
00:05:11.411 --> 00:05:23.795
It's when you start erasing this line and being yourself, constantly aligning with your values and speaking your mind, people start seeing you in a different way.
00:05:23.795 --> 00:05:30.252
You establish this trustworthiness that you are an authentic individual.
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You are honest and transparent in your actions and communication and personally I believe this is such a good quality and trait in people we feel like we are able to take them at face value.
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People can rely on us and we have nothing to hide.
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We're not playing games.
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We're looking at the bigger pictures.
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We are not just yes man or yes woman trying to please.
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We can align towards a vision, we can execute on a strategy, but we also dare to speak our minds when things are not going in a direction or when we don't believe in the vision.
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And people can relate when you are authentic, when you share your struggles, regardless how small or big they are.
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People can relate because they see you in your struggles and your challenges and your vulnerabilities.
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You are human, the humanity.
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When we see that in other people, that foster a sense of connection.
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And when we establish a connection with people, you are trusted and you trust those people.
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When somebody goes up, regardless if they're C-level or if they're working the floor at a factory and sharing those struggles.
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We want to help, we want to support and we trust that individual and it's about sharing emotions and feelings openly so people don't perceive you as a robot Because you can see another professional and think, wow, that person has really good attributes for being an employee.
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They work hundreds of hours every week.
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Well, that might be an exaggeration, but that's how it feels like sometimes.
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And what we really do when we see them as humans is we see their weaknesses as well, because no man is an island.
00:07:30.553 --> 00:07:33.043
Or are all man islands?
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Philosophical question and a sidetrack, but really it's about seeing that everyone struggles and that humanity that you share or seeing other people share makes better work-life balance.
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In my opinion, there is also consistency around this topic, that authentic people.
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They have this tendency of being more consistent in both words and actions.
00:08:02.764 --> 00:08:07.464
Because the consistency comes from people aligning with their value.
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When you're not just saying yes to everything, when you actually say no to certain things, that means that you are aligned with your own values.
00:08:15.478 --> 00:08:31.076
And if you're working for a company and the company values or decisions sometimes goes against your own beliefs and values, you are still consistent if you act according to your values.
00:08:31.076 --> 00:08:38.620
That means you can trust the individual and you know what the response is going to be when you're having an interaction with them.
00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:40.274
But this is hard.
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This is really really hard because that requires you to also be vulnerable and also to take risks and chances.
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It is a safe bet as an individual to say yes to everything that you're asked to do.
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That's also sort of consistency.
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But you put yourself on the spot by sharing your thoughts and ideas openly.
00:09:09.119 --> 00:09:26.236
It's like when you're sitting in a meeting and people ask for opinions, the majority of people usually are quite quiet, because just open your mouth in these type of discussions requires you to speak openly.
00:09:26.236 --> 00:09:36.178
But, end of the day, don't we want more authentic individuals in our everyday life?
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Isn't this the reason why we watch TED Talks, why we even watch movies, even though there are characters in there?
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Isn't this why we love good stories about people that have struggled, overcome these struggles?
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It is inspirational and it's also empowering, because you being authentic, speaking your mind, sharing your struggles and beliefs, requires you to be extremely strong.
00:10:09.125 --> 00:10:20.178
Showing weakness in a sense which you can be sometimes when you're showing your own vulnerability is the strongest thing an individual can ever do.
00:10:20.178 --> 00:10:26.397
So showing weakness is authenticity.
00:10:26.397 --> 00:11:06.990
Showing weakness is a strength and I'm being a bit quiet here because I'm letting it sink in, because I remember the first time somebody told me that when you're showing weakness, when you're saying no, when you're openly sharing your struggles, if you're going through a death in the family, if you are having a divorce, if you're having some sort of problem, sharing that story with other people is the strongest thing you can do, because people understand and people relate.
00:11:06.990 --> 00:11:14.250
Because, at the end of the day, we are all humans and being human is not easy.
00:11:14.250 --> 00:11:17.057
We all struggle.
00:11:17.057 --> 00:11:25.399
So it's really inspiring when individuals do this, because it empowers others to do the same.
00:11:25.399 --> 00:11:27.410
It's okay not to be perfect.
00:11:27.410 --> 00:11:35.398
Constantly Be true to oneself and pursue your passions, because that will encourage others to do the same.
00:11:35.398 --> 00:11:41.616
And this is really what transformative change is about inspiring others to do the same as well.
00:11:42.664 --> 00:11:50.155
And doing this also makes you overcome the barrier of sharing these things.
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When you're working on being authentic, it increases your self-esteem and sense of self-worth because you accept and express yourself.
00:12:02.539 --> 00:12:05.514
You will start feeling more confident.
00:12:05.514 --> 00:12:18.092
So by showing and telling and inspiring, you get more confident and positive about who you are, and it's really also about the communication part.
00:12:18.092 --> 00:12:25.187
You become much better at communicating when you're open and honest and speaking your mind.
00:12:25.187 --> 00:12:43.386
Having recorded now a couple of these podcasts, what I've learned is when I speak freely from my mind, I realize my communication also becomes much better, and the more I do it, the better I become at it.
00:12:44.054 --> 00:12:58.423
So this is really also the key of building strong and positive relationships, and what happens is this might not be attractive for everyone, but people that are like-minded individuals.
00:12:58.423 --> 00:13:04.706
They will come to you, they will share their stories, they will discuss their values, beliefs.
00:13:04.706 --> 00:13:13.100
There will be more meaningful and fulfilling connections for you when you're being authentic, because people that appreciate authenticity.
00:13:13.100 --> 00:13:25.503
They will come to us with you and you will strongly have a positive influence on the transformative change in the world, because this is what it's all about in the end.
00:13:25.503 --> 00:13:28.820
We are driving a better society by being authentic.
00:13:28.820 --> 00:13:33.908
When we are taking down the masks and the roles that we are playing.
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It is just amazing.
00:13:36.397 --> 00:13:44.558
By working on yourself and working on your authenticity, you help others.
00:13:44.558 --> 00:13:50.096
I know it's a mind blown in this and it's really.
00:13:50.096 --> 00:14:00.246
You can positively influence the people around you with this and more people become authentic and we drive a better society all together.
00:14:01.174 --> 00:14:06.355
Authenticity doesn't mean that you don't have any flaws or never make mistakes.
00:14:06.355 --> 00:14:21.626
It's quite the opposite, because when you are authentic, you are usually much more aware of your own imperfections and you are willing to say yes, I'm not good at this in front of other people.
00:14:21.626 --> 00:14:34.229
And what that means is when you acknowledge, when you talk about it, you also start driving that change on the awareness, because that's always the first step towards improving yourself.
00:14:34.229 --> 00:14:38.765
So being authentic really means being true to oneself.
00:14:38.765 --> 00:14:41.499
No, I'm not good at this, and that's okay, but I can work on it.
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You can strive for personal growth and self improvement.
00:14:45.208 --> 00:14:47.154
No-transcript.
00:14:47.154 --> 00:15:00.188
Genuine, self-aware approach to life tends to resonate a lot with other people and, end of the day, you start building stronger relationship with people that are on the same path.
00:15:00.188 --> 00:15:08.889
So what can you do, then, to become more authentic, both in your communication but with yourself?
00:15:08.889 --> 00:15:18.578
So I've already mentioned a few of these things, but I will try to make it more concrete in this next step Self-awareness.
00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:23.028
People that are not self-aware, they have a hard time being authentic.
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It really starts by getting to know yourself better.
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Spend time reflecting what are your values, what are your beliefs, strengths, weaknesses and what truly matters to you, what instills some sort of feeling in you sense of injustices, for instance?
00:15:47.495 --> 00:15:57.583
The self-awareness is really the foundation of authenticity, and I've talked about the other here part in a few podcasts.
00:15:57.583 --> 00:15:58.966
But it's about your values.
00:15:58.966 --> 00:16:09.962
Determine what values are most important to you, the principles and beliefs that guide your decision and actions, so when you're self-aware, you can start doing this.
00:16:09.962 --> 00:16:13.504
Live according with these values.
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Don't make things up just because it sounds good that I should do this or I should do that.
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No, what is really important for you?
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What is it that you want to spend time to?
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Is it improving yourself?
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Is it your family?
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Is it other people?
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Is it helping people that are less fortunate than yourself?
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And then also look into yourself.
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Embrace that you're unique.
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Recognize that you're an individual.
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Don't compare yourself with others.
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You, of course, have role models that you can look up to and that can support you where you want to go, but you will never be the same as another individual.
00:16:53.744 --> 00:16:58.485
Have them purely as role models and examples of what you want to do.
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Have the set of experience and perspective and talent that you have and embrace this individuality wright into.
00:17:05.605 --> 00:17:07.929
Conform to others' expectations.
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Accept the things that you cannot change.
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Accept yourself the way you are, with both your strength and your weaknesses.
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It's important to be kind to yourself and don't criticize yourself.
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No one is perfect.
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Everyone has flaws.
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It's okay.
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We can work on it.
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We have different opportunities and different situations here in life.
00:17:34.977 --> 00:17:39.515
Just be honest with yourself, because authenticity requires you to be truthful to yourself.
00:17:39.515 --> 00:17:43.465
Don't lie to yourself and others For that matters.
00:17:43.465 --> 00:17:50.469
Acknowledge your feelings, thoughts and desires, even if they might be uncomfortable or challenging.
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Have clear boundaries in all of this.
00:17:53.861 --> 00:17:55.904
What is it that you need?
00:17:55.904 --> 00:18:11.506
Establish and maintain healthy boundaries In all of your relationships, both professional and private one, because this will help you to maintain both sanity and authenticity, because you're protecting your own needs and values.
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Express more.
00:18:15.346 --> 00:18:18.515
Share your thoughts, feelings, ideas, opening with others.
00:18:18.515 --> 00:18:20.863
You don't need to have all the answers.
00:18:20.863 --> 00:18:24.494
Sometimes you can say I don't know, but this is how I resonate.
00:18:24.494 --> 00:18:33.229
Be open and communicative, because authenticity involves being honest and transparent in your communication.
00:18:33.229 --> 00:18:37.515
Surround yourself with the right people.
00:18:37.515 --> 00:18:43.515
By being authentic, you will start drawing people that are attracted by this in.
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This is really what it's all about.
00:18:46.718 --> 00:18:52.515
Pay attention to how you feel in different situations, because it's about making mistakes.
00:18:52.515 --> 00:18:55.226
It's from the mistakes that we learn.
00:18:55.226 --> 00:18:57.515
I've done hundreds of thousands of different mistakes.
00:18:57.515 --> 00:19:01.999
I've been people-pleasing, I've been criticising.
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I evaluate it and I learn from it and I become better.
00:19:07.912 --> 00:19:15.874
So all of these together is about making mistakes, testing, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and learning.
00:19:15.874 --> 00:19:18.205
Make mistakes, go back and learn more.
00:19:18.205 --> 00:19:20.010
It's just like shipping software.
00:19:20.010 --> 00:19:28.413
Do it fast, do it quickly, get the feedback, adjust towards your values and belief and communicate what your learnings are.
00:19:30.022 --> 00:19:31.808
Take risks as well.
00:19:31.808 --> 00:19:35.609
Lives too short to play everything safe.
00:19:35.609 --> 00:19:48.638
If you feel like you're in a job or position or climbing a ladder that you don't want to climb, it's better to be in the beginning of a ladder that you want to climb than in the middle of one.
00:19:48.638 --> 00:19:50.663
You don't Take a risk.
00:19:50.663 --> 00:19:57.013
Change job, change everything around you that you can change if you're not happy with it.
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Try new things, have communication and express this to the people that are affected by your decision.
00:20:03.032 --> 00:20:06.249
I'm doing this because take risks.
00:20:07.942 --> 00:20:12.119
Work continuously on these topics, because it's never going to stop.
00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:19.805
It's your life and it's ending one day at a time and on a long enough timeline.
00:20:19.805 --> 00:20:24.574
The survival rate of everyone is zero, so make the most out of this time.
00:20:24.574 --> 00:20:31.673
Work on yourself, be the best you and acknowledge that this is an ongoing journey.
00:20:31.673 --> 00:20:46.724
Continuously reassess and refine your understanding of yourself, your values and your action, because you're not the same person as when you were 10, 20, 30, 40 and you're not going to be the same in 50, 60, because you constantly learn, you constantly change.
00:20:47.526 --> 00:20:56.049
But maintain yourself in all of this and be aware and authentic to yourself and to other.
00:20:56.049 --> 00:21:03.853
Becoming authentic is really a personal journey and it will take time and it will never end.
00:21:03.853 --> 00:21:08.871
Remember that authenticity doesn't mean being inflexible or rigid.
00:21:08.871 --> 00:21:09.813
Quite the opposite.
00:21:09.813 --> 00:21:19.973
It's about being true to your evolving self, while still adapting to different situations and learning from life's experiences.
00:21:19.973 --> 00:21:43.809
Authenticity is so cool that's what I can say about it because it's something that attracts me quite significantly and it's an ongoing journey constantly, and I hope this picked your brain a little bit and gave you a thought to true.
00:21:43.809 --> 00:21:45.926
I hope you enjoyed this episode.
00:21:45.926 --> 00:21:49.730
This is definitely a topic we can speak a lot more about and will definitely do in the future.
00:21:49.730 --> 00:21:56.119
If you liked this episode, make sure you subscribe and listen into the next one coming out in another week.
00:21:56.119 --> 00:21:58.300
Until then, take care.
00:00:11.992 --> 00:00:16.317
Welcome to another episode of Transformative Change.
00:00:16.317 --> 00:00:35.643
Today's topic is going to be a topic about you and me and everybody around us, about the roles we play and why we should stop playing, a topic that usually comes to mind when you speak with other individuals.
00:00:35.643 --> 00:00:39.128
You might not address it, but you feel it.
00:00:39.128 --> 00:00:42.234
It's the topic of authenticity.
00:00:42.234 --> 00:00:53.904
Authenticity is really hard to put your finger to, but in our interactions with other individuals, we get this sense.
00:00:53.904 --> 00:00:59.735
It is deeply rooted in us that this person is authentic.
00:00:59.735 --> 00:01:08.513
They say what they say and they mean what they say and for some reason, that instills some sort of trust.
00:01:08.513 --> 00:01:13.992
Quite immediately, we listen a little bit extra when people are authentic.
00:01:13.992 --> 00:01:21.694
So today's topic is going to be the topic of authenticity why it's important and how to become authentic.
00:01:21.694 --> 00:01:24.040
This is Transformative Change.
00:01:24.040 --> 00:01:47.182
That the podcast, which is cross-cutting, going through several different topics in order to identify and give you the right tools to drive transformative change in the world, a change that's for the better good, finding our purposes and then have the energy and the strength to fulfill those.
00:01:47.182 --> 00:01:51.688
Why is authenticity important?
00:01:51.688 --> 00:01:56.454
So I've already established the topics around trust.
00:01:56.454 --> 00:02:01.271
I think it's important to put this in a good context.
00:02:01.271 --> 00:02:06.504
So the context number one that I'm going to bring up is around friends.
00:02:06.504 --> 00:02:15.945
When you are in a circle of friends, hopefully, you trust them, you feel comfortable in their presence.
00:02:16.608 --> 00:02:23.692
When we are put together, for instance in schools, in groups or people, there's always this game going on.
00:02:23.692 --> 00:02:24.873
We know it.
00:02:24.873 --> 00:02:31.573
It's especially when growing up, when we're trying to find our role in society, who we are.
00:02:31.573 --> 00:02:33.658
We have no idea of ever.
00:02:33.658 --> 00:02:34.801
Growing up, we're lost.
00:02:34.801 --> 00:02:36.305
Well, at least most of us.
00:02:36.305 --> 00:02:37.387
I were growing up.
00:02:37.387 --> 00:02:38.930
I had no idea who I were.
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Some people are good and really early, identifying who they are, what their interests are, but for the most of us we are still in our early years trying to figure out what's my spot in the world, what's my click, where are the people, the interests that I feel like I can be myself, and I think that's the topic that comes to mind Myself.
00:03:03.664 --> 00:03:06.109
When can I be myself?
00:03:06.109 --> 00:03:12.870
When do I not have to put on a mask so people perceive me to be better, just to fit in?
00:03:12.870 --> 00:03:20.671
And it's hard because we see young people, we've been them once and maybe some of us still are, at heart at least.
00:03:20.671 --> 00:03:23.640
How do we identify these things?
00:03:23.640 --> 00:03:41.485
And some people come naturally with this, I'd like to think that I worked a lot to become more authentic, to say words that actually mean something to me when I speak to people and speak from my heart and not put on this mask.
00:03:43.849 --> 00:03:52.125
When we then are put in professional settings, we find ourselves having to play a role.
00:03:52.125 --> 00:03:54.110
At least, that's how it was for me.
00:03:54.110 --> 00:04:19.483
When I started working Working for a bank, I thought I had to play the role of the perfect employee ambitious, I wore the clothes or at that time, I always wore a suit and you show up and you can't always speak your mind, because there are power structures and there are constellations, and even if you don't like a certain co-worker, you have to be nice.
00:04:19.483 --> 00:04:31.494
But you also see the people that play the game, the politics around it, surrounding these settings, and many of us feel uncomfortable.
00:04:31.494 --> 00:04:44.050
We see people wanting to do a career and stepping over other people and just, I mean, it's not nice, is it?
00:04:44.050 --> 00:04:54.014
And we separate the professional from the private life quite significantly and when we get home we feel like, oh, now I can be myself.
00:04:54.014 --> 00:04:59.564
Some people work to live and others live to work.
00:05:00.367 --> 00:05:11.411
I truly believe that when we've spent enough time of identifying who we are, we start blurring this line, because life's too short to only work to live.
00:05:11.411 --> 00:05:23.795
It's when you start erasing this line and being yourself, constantly aligning with your values and speaking your mind, people start seeing you in a different way.
00:05:23.795 --> 00:05:30.252
You establish this trustworthiness that you are an authentic individual.
00:05:30.252 --> 00:05:44.478
You are honest and transparent in your actions and communication and personally I believe this is such a good quality and trait in people we feel like we are able to take them at face value.
00:05:44.478 --> 00:05:49.220
People can rely on us and we have nothing to hide.
00:05:49.220 --> 00:05:50.685
We're not playing games.
00:05:50.685 --> 00:05:53.254
We're looking at the bigger pictures.
00:05:53.254 --> 00:05:57.716
We are not just yes man or yes woman trying to please.
00:05:57.716 --> 00:06:09.119
We can align towards a vision, we can execute on a strategy, but we also dare to speak our minds when things are not going in a direction or when we don't believe in the vision.
00:06:10.228 --> 00:06:17.795
And people can relate when you are authentic, when you share your struggles, regardless how small or big they are.
00:06:17.795 --> 00:06:24.918
People can relate because they see you in your struggles and your challenges and your vulnerabilities.
00:06:24.918 --> 00:06:29.029
You are human, the humanity.
00:06:29.029 --> 00:06:34.079
When we see that in other people, that foster a sense of connection.
00:06:34.079 --> 00:06:41.884
And when we establish a connection with people, you are trusted and you trust those people.
00:06:41.884 --> 00:06:49.764
When somebody goes up, regardless if they're C-level or if they're working the floor at a factory and sharing those struggles.
00:06:49.764 --> 00:07:14.605
We want to help, we want to support and we trust that individual and it's about sharing emotions and feelings openly so people don't perceive you as a robot Because you can see another professional and think, wow, that person has really good attributes for being an employee.
00:07:14.605 --> 00:07:18.365
They work hundreds of hours every week.
00:07:18.365 --> 00:07:21.002
Well, that might be an exaggeration, but that's how it feels like sometimes.
00:07:21.002 --> 00:07:30.553
And what we really do when we see them as humans is we see their weaknesses as well, because no man is an island.
00:07:30.553 --> 00:07:33.043
Or are all man islands?
00:07:33.043 --> 00:07:50.483
Philosophical question and a sidetrack, but really it's about seeing that everyone struggles and that humanity that you share or seeing other people share makes better work-life balance.
00:07:50.504 --> 00:07:58.237
In my opinion, there is also consistency around this topic, that authentic people.
00:07:58.237 --> 00:08:02.764
They have this tendency of being more consistent in both words and actions.
00:08:02.764 --> 00:08:07.464
Because the consistency comes from people aligning with their value.
00:08:07.464 --> 00:08:15.478
When you're not just saying yes to everything, when you actually say no to certain things, that means that you are aligned with your own values.
00:08:15.478 --> 00:08:31.076
And if you're working for a company and the company values or decisions sometimes goes against your own beliefs and values, you are still consistent if you act according to your values.
00:08:31.076 --> 00:08:38.620
That means you can trust the individual and you know what the response is going to be when you're having an interaction with them.
00:08:38.620 --> 00:08:40.274
But this is hard.
00:08:40.274 --> 00:08:49.938
This is really really hard because that requires you to also be vulnerable and also to take risks and chances.
00:08:49.938 --> 00:08:58.698
It is a safe bet as an individual to say yes to everything that you're asked to do.
00:08:58.698 --> 00:09:00.932
That's also sort of consistency.
00:09:01.605 --> 00:09:09.119
But you put yourself on the spot by sharing your thoughts and ideas openly.
00:09:09.119 --> 00:09:26.236
It's like when you're sitting in a meeting and people ask for opinions, the majority of people usually are quite quiet, because just open your mouth in these type of discussions requires you to speak openly.
00:09:26.236 --> 00:09:36.178
But, end of the day, don't we want more authentic individuals in our everyday life?
00:09:36.178 --> 00:09:45.196
Isn't this the reason why we watch TED Talks, why we even watch movies, even though there are characters in there?
00:09:45.196 --> 00:09:52.018
Isn't this why we love good stories about people that have struggled, overcome these struggles?
00:09:52.018 --> 00:10:08.321
It is inspirational and it's also empowering, because you being authentic, speaking your mind, sharing your struggles and beliefs, requires you to be extremely strong.
00:10:09.125 --> 00:10:20.178
Showing weakness in a sense which you can be sometimes when you're showing your own vulnerability is the strongest thing an individual can ever do.
00:10:20.178 --> 00:10:26.397
So showing weakness is authenticity.
00:10:26.397 --> 00:11:06.990
Showing weakness is a strength and I'm being a bit quiet here because I'm letting it sink in, because I remember the first time somebody told me that when you're showing weakness, when you're saying no, when you're openly sharing your struggles, if you're going through a death in the family, if you are having a divorce, if you're having some sort of problem, sharing that story with other people is the strongest thing you can do, because people understand and people relate.
00:11:06.990 --> 00:11:14.250
Because, at the end of the day, we are all humans and being human is not easy.
00:11:14.250 --> 00:11:17.057
We all struggle.
00:11:17.057 --> 00:11:25.399
So it's really inspiring when individuals do this, because it empowers others to do the same.
00:11:25.399 --> 00:11:27.410
It's okay not to be perfect.
00:11:27.410 --> 00:11:35.398
Constantly Be true to oneself and pursue your passions, because that will encourage others to do the same.
00:11:35.398 --> 00:11:41.616
And this is really what transformative change is about inspiring others to do the same as well.
00:11:42.664 --> 00:11:50.155
And doing this also makes you overcome the barrier of sharing these things.
00:11:50.155 --> 00:12:02.539
When you're working on being authentic, it increases your self-esteem and sense of self-worth because you accept and express yourself.
00:12:02.539 --> 00:12:05.514
You will start feeling more confident.
00:12:05.514 --> 00:12:18.092
So by showing and telling and inspiring, you get more confident and positive about who you are, and it's really also about the communication part.
00:12:18.092 --> 00:12:25.187
You become much better at communicating when you're open and honest and speaking your mind.
00:12:25.187 --> 00:12:43.386
Having recorded now a couple of these podcasts, what I've learned is when I speak freely from my mind, I realize my communication also becomes much better, and the more I do it, the better I become at it.
00:12:44.054 --> 00:12:58.423
So this is really also the key of building strong and positive relationships, and what happens is this might not be attractive for everyone, but people that are like-minded individuals.
00:12:58.423 --> 00:13:04.706
They will come to you, they will share their stories, they will discuss their values, beliefs.
00:13:04.706 --> 00:13:13.100
There will be more meaningful and fulfilling connections for you when you're being authentic, because people that appreciate authenticity.
00:13:13.100 --> 00:13:25.503
They will come to us with you and you will strongly have a positive influence on the transformative change in the world, because this is what it's all about in the end.
00:13:25.503 --> 00:13:28.820
We are driving a better society by being authentic.
00:13:28.820 --> 00:13:33.908
When we are taking down the masks and the roles that we are playing.
00:13:33.908 --> 00:13:36.397
It is just amazing.
00:13:36.397 --> 00:13:44.558
By working on yourself and working on your authenticity, you help others.
00:13:44.558 --> 00:13:50.096
I know it's a mind blown in this and it's really.
00:13:50.096 --> 00:14:00.246
You can positively influence the people around you with this and more people become authentic and we drive a better society all together.
00:14:01.174 --> 00:14:06.355
Authenticity doesn't mean that you don't have any flaws or never make mistakes.
00:14:06.355 --> 00:14:21.626
It's quite the opposite, because when you are authentic, you are usually much more aware of your own imperfections and you are willing to say yes, I'm not good at this in front of other people.
00:14:21.626 --> 00:14:34.229
And what that means is when you acknowledge, when you talk about it, you also start driving that change on the awareness, because that's always the first step towards improving yourself.
00:14:34.229 --> 00:14:38.765
So being authentic really means being true to oneself.
00:14:38.765 --> 00:14:41.499
No, I'm not good at this, and that's okay, but I can work on it.
00:14:41.499 --> 00:14:45.208
You can strive for personal growth and self improvement.
00:14:45.208 --> 00:14:47.154
No-transcript.
00:14:47.154 --> 00:15:00.188
Genuine, self-aware approach to life tends to resonate a lot with other people and, end of the day, you start building stronger relationship with people that are on the same path.
00:15:00.188 --> 00:15:08.889
So what can you do, then, to become more authentic, both in your communication but with yourself?
00:15:08.889 --> 00:15:18.578
So I've already mentioned a few of these things, but I will try to make it more concrete in this next step Self-awareness.
00:15:19.500 --> 00:15:23.028
People that are not self-aware, they have a hard time being authentic.
00:15:23.028 --> 00:15:28.702
It really starts by getting to know yourself better.
00:15:28.702 --> 00:15:47.495
Spend time reflecting what are your values, what are your beliefs, strengths, weaknesses and what truly matters to you, what instills some sort of feeling in you sense of injustices, for instance?
00:15:47.495 --> 00:15:57.583
The self-awareness is really the foundation of authenticity, and I've talked about the other here part in a few podcasts.
00:15:57.583 --> 00:15:58.966
But it's about your values.
00:15:58.966 --> 00:16:09.962
Determine what values are most important to you, the principles and beliefs that guide your decision and actions, so when you're self-aware, you can start doing this.
00:16:09.962 --> 00:16:13.504
Live according with these values.
00:16:14.176 --> 00:16:19.106
Don't make things up just because it sounds good that I should do this or I should do that.
00:16:19.106 --> 00:16:21.403
No, what is really important for you?
00:16:21.403 --> 00:16:23.514
What is it that you want to spend time to?
00:16:23.514 --> 00:16:26.158
Is it improving yourself?
00:16:26.158 --> 00:16:27.380
Is it your family?
00:16:27.380 --> 00:16:28.602
Is it other people?
00:16:28.602 --> 00:16:32.230
Is it helping people that are less fortunate than yourself?
00:16:32.230 --> 00:16:36.462
And then also look into yourself.
00:16:37.024 --> 00:16:39.168
Embrace that you're unique.
00:16:39.168 --> 00:16:41.721
Recognize that you're an individual.
00:16:41.721 --> 00:16:44.287
Don't compare yourself with others.
00:16:44.287 --> 00:16:53.744
You, of course, have role models that you can look up to and that can support you where you want to go, but you will never be the same as another individual.
00:16:53.744 --> 00:16:58.485
Have them purely as role models and examples of what you want to do.
00:16:58.485 --> 00:17:05.605
Have the set of experience and perspective and talent that you have and embrace this individuality wright into.
00:17:05.605 --> 00:17:07.929
Conform to others' expectations.
00:17:07.929 --> 00:17:12.682
Accept the things that you cannot change.
00:17:12.682 --> 00:17:17.369
Accept yourself the way you are, with both your strength and your weaknesses.
00:17:17.369 --> 00:17:22.867
It's important to be kind to yourself and don't criticize yourself.
00:17:22.867 --> 00:17:24.211
No one is perfect.
00:17:24.211 --> 00:17:25.515
Everyone has flaws.
00:17:25.515 --> 00:17:27.198
It's okay.
00:17:27.198 --> 00:17:29.541
We can work on it.
00:17:29.541 --> 00:17:34.209
We have different opportunities and different situations here in life.
00:17:34.977 --> 00:17:39.515
Just be honest with yourself, because authenticity requires you to be truthful to yourself.
00:17:39.515 --> 00:17:43.465
Don't lie to yourself and others For that matters.
00:17:43.465 --> 00:17:50.469
Acknowledge your feelings, thoughts and desires, even if they might be uncomfortable or challenging.
00:17:50.469 --> 00:17:53.861
Have clear boundaries in all of this.
00:17:53.861 --> 00:17:55.904
What is it that you need?
00:17:55.904 --> 00:18:11.506
Establish and maintain healthy boundaries In all of your relationships, both professional and private one, because this will help you to maintain both sanity and authenticity, because you're protecting your own needs and values.
00:18:14.442 --> 00:18:15.346
Express more.
00:18:15.346 --> 00:18:18.515
Share your thoughts, feelings, ideas, opening with others.
00:18:18.515 --> 00:18:20.863
You don't need to have all the answers.
00:18:20.863 --> 00:18:24.494
Sometimes you can say I don't know, but this is how I resonate.
00:18:24.494 --> 00:18:33.229
Be open and communicative, because authenticity involves being honest and transparent in your communication.
00:18:33.229 --> 00:18:37.515
Surround yourself with the right people.
00:18:37.515 --> 00:18:43.515
By being authentic, you will start drawing people that are attracted by this in.
00:18:43.515 --> 00:18:45.515
This is really what it's all about.
00:18:46.718 --> 00:18:52.515
Pay attention to how you feel in different situations, because it's about making mistakes.
00:18:52.515 --> 00:18:55.226
It's from the mistakes that we learn.
00:18:55.226 --> 00:18:57.515
I've done hundreds of thousands of different mistakes.
00:18:57.515 --> 00:19:01.999
I've been people-pleasing, I've been criticising.
00:19:01.999 --> 00:19:07.912
I evaluate it and I learn from it and I become better.
00:19:07.912 --> 00:19:15.874
So all of these together is about making mistakes, testing, pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and learning.
00:19:15.874 --> 00:19:18.205
Make mistakes, go back and learn more.
00:19:18.205 --> 00:19:20.010
It's just like shipping software.
00:19:20.010 --> 00:19:28.413
Do it fast, do it quickly, get the feedback, adjust towards your values and belief and communicate what your learnings are.
00:19:30.022 --> 00:19:31.808
Take risks as well.
00:19:31.808 --> 00:19:35.609
Lives too short to play everything safe.
00:19:35.609 --> 00:19:48.638
If you feel like you're in a job or position or climbing a ladder that you don't want to climb, it's better to be in the beginning of a ladder that you want to climb than in the middle of one.
00:19:48.638 --> 00:19:50.663
You don't Take a risk.
00:19:50.663 --> 00:19:57.013
Change job, change everything around you that you can change if you're not happy with it.
00:19:57.013 --> 00:20:03.032
Try new things, have communication and express this to the people that are affected by your decision.
00:20:03.032 --> 00:20:06.249
I'm doing this because take risks.
00:20:07.942 --> 00:20:12.119
Work continuously on these topics, because it's never going to stop.
00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:19.805
It's your life and it's ending one day at a time and on a long enough timeline.
00:20:19.805 --> 00:20:24.574
The survival rate of everyone is zero, so make the most out of this time.
00:20:24.574 --> 00:20:31.673
Work on yourself, be the best you and acknowledge that this is an ongoing journey.
00:20:31.673 --> 00:20:46.724
Continuously reassess and refine your understanding of yourself, your values and your action, because you're not the same person as when you were 10, 20, 30, 40 and you're not going to be the same in 50, 60, because you constantly learn, you constantly change.
00:20:47.526 --> 00:20:56.049
But maintain yourself in all of this and be aware and authentic to yourself and to other.
00:20:56.049 --> 00:21:03.853
Becoming authentic is really a personal journey and it will take time and it will never end.
00:21:03.853 --> 00:21:08.871
Remember that authenticity doesn't mean being inflexible or rigid.
00:21:08.871 --> 00:21:09.813
Quite the opposite.
00:21:09.813 --> 00:21:19.973
It's about being true to your evolving self, while still adapting to different situations and learning from life's experiences.
00:21:19.973 --> 00:21:43.809
Authenticity is so cool that's what I can say about it because it's something that attracts me quite significantly and it's an ongoing journey constantly, and I hope this picked your brain a little bit and gave you a thought to true.
00:21:43.809 --> 00:21:45.926
I hope you enjoyed this episode.
00:21:45.926 --> 00:21:49.730
This is definitely a topic we can speak a lot more about and will definitely do in the future.
00:21:49.730 --> 00:21:56.119
If you liked this episode, make sure you subscribe and listen into the next one coming out in another week.
00:21:56.119 --> 00:21:58.300
Until then, take care.
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