Signs and symptoms of authenticity:
- You attract the right projects and ideas because your authenticity makes you a worthy steward or vessel for them.
- Your need for self-expression is satisfied because you're creating what you love, not just what a fickle market supposedly wants.
- You're using less energy and causing less stress for yourself because you are going with the flow of the Law of Attraction (see http://www.thesecret.tv/).
- You attract the patrons who are aligned with the "real you."
- You definitely enjoy your work and even your marketing and networking more!
...But It Takes Practice
I'm a big fan of the intuitive Belleruth Naparstek (http://www.healthjourneys.com/) About ten years ago, I attended one of her workshops. She had lots of great stories, including this one about authenticity.
Belleruth said that she was at a conference listening to an inspiring speaker encouraging the group to be more authentic by aligning everything they think, feel, say, and do. Belleruth thought this was a great idea and adopted it on the spot. Or so she thought.
The next speaker at the conference did not appeal to her at all, and she was planning her escape when the person next to her said, "Isn't she wonderful?!" Belleruth whispered back, "Yes!"
As she was relating the story to us, she said, "I lasted three minutes!" So don't beat yourself up if your efforts to become more authentic take some time.
Our Many Masks
How do we get off track so easily, as Belleruth did above? Why is it so hard to just be ourselves?
I believe our cultural programing and coping mechanisms have a lot to do with it. Here are some of the masks we commonly see:
- The People-Pleaser
- The Intimidator
- The "Nothing Bothers Me" Mask
- The Brick Wall
- The Tough Guy or Gal
- The Perfectionist
Do whatever you need to do to get rid of these masks. As a coach I may be able to help you drop the ones you have. Email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com to try out an introductory session with my compliments by phone.
If the problem is deeply entrenched and/or was brought on by a trauma, you may need to find a good therapist to help.
Sweat Happens
There are lots of so-called "resources" out there that tell you exactly how to "get ahead" by being inauthentic. "Never let 'em see you sweat!" they say. Well, I have sweated buckets, and if someone else can learn from my mistakes, I would rather share them than hide them!
I saw an article the other day about the so-called "correct posturing" when decorating your office. They suggested putting books on the shelf that will give the impression that you are studying your way to the top. And heaven forbid (heavy sarcasm is mine), don't let it show that you're a well-rounded human being by having too many family photos around! I think these folks need to join...
Chameleons Anonymous
Authentic work is not one-size-fits-all. You risk turning (even ticking) some people off, but it's a risk you must take. (It's not easy for a recovering people-pleaser like me!) But how can anyone resonate with the "real you" they never see it? There will always be those who don't "get" your work. Let it be OK.
People can sense insincerity and insecurity (from working too hard to hide your "true colors") a mile away. Chameleons are cool-looking creatures, but it doesn't serve us to act like them in our creative work, networking, or marketing!
Recommended Sites for Authentic Marketing
- http://www.authenticpromotion.com/
- http://www.joyfulmarketing.com/
- http://www.marketingontheplayground.com/
Here's hoping you'll see the "real you" in all your work!
All my best,
Susan
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