So, who or what is my authentic self? And, how do I go about finding my authentic self? Well, read this post to find out!
Well, for starters, I cannot be my authentic self until I’m really clear about who that authentic self really is – and is not!
Worse yet, I’m not clear about my authentic self until I find that authentic self!
Therefore, the old saying about “know yourself” is uniquely true in this case.
What is my authentic self?
My authentic self isn’t simply my personality type. Or, how I rate on an evaluation such as the Myers-Briggs.
I’m an ISTJ on the Myers-Briggs in case you were wondering. Thus, introverted, logical, loyal, focused, and task driven.
How boring!
Seriously, my authentic self is who I am deep inside. That depth of character is best reflected in what I have to give out to others.
Actually, my authentic self is what comes out of my life when I’m being most influential.
More specifically, it’s when I’m best able to care for, encourage, minister to, and inspire those who are in my circle of influence.
That said, my authentic self is fairly focused. Why? Because I never influence everyone. Instead, I influence the few among whom I’ve built a relationship of trust.
Finding my authentic self isn’t some abstract concept. Instead, it’s the reality of clearly knowing and deeply valuing myself, coupled with active pursuit of my life purpose. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Finding my authentic self
I view finding my authentic self as a process that occurs over the course of my lifetime.
As I grow professionally, personally, and spiritually I become much more in touch with who I am. That WHO interacts with my life purpose, my WHY.
In turn, my authentic self best fits my clearly-understood, and divinely-given, life purpose.
Consequently, when I invest in personal growth I find my authentic self as part of that intentional growth.
Moreover, for a person of faith, knowledge of my spiritual gifts contributes to finding that authentic self. Additionally, for a person of faith, I recognize, over time, God’s divine purpose for me.
I believe purpose can evolve in the different seasons of life. My divine purpose now at age 72 is a bit different than when I was 32. I’m still married, but there are no kids in the house. And, I’ve repurposed to blogging and writing LinkedIn posts.
However, my core spiritual gifts, such as teaching and administration, are still the same now as when I was younger.
Finally, I should be observant to recognize where I’m impactful in the lives of others. That’s a hint about who my authentic self is. Given that I’m a bit insensitive, I should pay attention to what others say I’m are good at! For example, that feedback comes in the form of comments on my LinkedIn posts and in Direct Messages to me.
I’m best positioned to be my authentic self when I’m self-aware enough, and spiritually-sensitive enough, to know who that authentic self really is! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Where my authentic self resides
My authentic self is uniquely me. It’s also highly spiritual. As such, my personal, spiritual life is at the core of that self discovery.
That’s why my personal Faith in God is at the center around which everything else revolves.
More specifically, my authentic self resides at the intersection of WHO I am and my life purpose – my WHY.
In the following diagram, WHO I am entails traits such as self-awareness and a sense of self-worth. Hence, I begin with WHO to discover my authentic self.
Additionally, my WHY, or divinely-given life purpose, drives me forward. It’s my ultimate motivator in life.
Knowing my WHY enables me to live with purpose, on purpose!
Solomon shared in Proverbs 4.18 that knowing life purpose is like a light. That light grows brighter and brighter as I come to understand exactly what it is that God wants me to do in life based on what He has prepared, and is preparing, me to do!
At the core of all that’s involved with my personal, professional, and spiritual growth is my faith in God. In fact, my self discovery – finding my authentic self – is ultimately God centered.
Solomon observed this ancient precept in Proverbs 1.7 when he said “Reverence is the beginning of knowledge.” There’s a restatement of the precept in Proverbs 9.10.
Thus, I can know nothing without a personal faith. I am literally changed from the inside-out.
What my authentic self does
What does an authentic self do?
For one, my authentic self speaks from the soul. Which means? Speaking from the soul means I have tapped into my deepest, eternal self to use my voice, written or spoken, to heal and to encourage others.
My authentic self gives out of the overflow of my life. As such, my personal growth fuels the content and capabilities that I share with those around me.
That giving reaches out to others by way of what I speak and, for me most often, in the content of what I write. Therefore, my authentic self is how I most deeply impact those around me.
Apply This Today!
To repeat, finding my authentic self isn’t some abstract concept. Instead, it’s the reality of clearly knowing and deeply valuing myself, coupled with active pursuit of my life purpose.
Remember, a growth mindset is good. However, being humble enough to be teachable is necessary before that growth can occur in my life.
Self-discovery, for me, includes spiritual understanding. Finding my authentic self is uniquely spiritual – it’s God/Yahweh centered.
My authentic self is of no value to anyone else if I remain ignorant of my divinely-given life purpose, which is where that authentic self is lived out.
My authentic self is of no value to anyone else if I refuse to share that authentic self! Knowing my authentic self and doing that authentic self are two very different things!
Combined, my WHO and my WHY empower me to live with purpose, on purpose!