This month we are talking about authenticity. We all know that authenticity is important for leaders.magnify-sunrise

When you are comfortable being yourself, you eliminate a variety of self-imposed burdens. When you eliminate those inner struggles, your influence soars!

If you aren’t influencing people, you aren’t leading. It really is that simple.

This picture is of the sun coming up as I was walking.  What is more authentic than a sunrise?

 

When you eliminate those inner struggles, your influence soars! Click To Tweet

 

 

So, what does “age got to do with it?”

It might have a lot to do with it for some. Age should bring experience and maturity that drives a level of confidence. Not braggadocio, but a confidence of being comfortable in the knowledge and abilities you’ve gained.

  • Confidence in knowing you bring value to the table.
  • Confidence in the fact that your experience matters.
  • Confidence that comes with maturity in realizing you don’t have to know it all.

 

Are you a product of your environment?

In highly competitive environments, an unhealthy competition can exist between older experienced leaders and younger talent with “new ideas.” This can certainly affect your willingness to be authentic.

Unhealthy environments can drive people to things like imitating others, rather than seeking to learn from others. Fear of thinking you should know more than someone else because you are older is a lie.

Women can easily be uncomfortable in their leadership roles. This is especially true in work environments that are predominately male. The pressure to prove oneself as equal to the task can be huge.

The issue is in being unsure of yourself and uncomfortable to the point of pretending. You can’t fake your skills very long. It takes a secure person to say, “I don’t know, but I’m willing to learn.”

While tough environments are a reality, it does not have to alter being true to yourself.

 

Age helps, but focus is the issue

Worrying about how we are perceived keeps the focus on ourselves. When we turn the focus to caring for others and serving others, our true self can shine through.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t look back and consider what you could have done or said differently.

There is a big difference between criticizing oneself (which fosters a lack of authenticity) and a wise evaluation that grows oneself.

 

What’s More Authentic Than a Sunrise?

Yesterday morning I was walking and listening to one of my favorite podcasts; “More Than A Song” by Michelle Nezat. The podcast is titled, “Magnify.”

This podcast is about the scripture behind the song Magnify by the band, We Are Messengers. The gist is that we tend to magnify our circumstances (I would say, even our lack of authenticity) making them/it our entire focus.

What we need to do is magnify God and make Him our focus.

I encourage you to listen to this podcast based on Psalm 34. When we magnify the One who created us, we find truth based perspective (yep – one of my mantra’s).

God was certainly magnified in the sunrise I was blessed to witness yesterday morning!

 

Inventory your insecurities

When insecurities come on, it’s important to understand what the driver is. Evaluate the driver(s) in light of truthful perspective.

If you find you have valid concerns, talk with a trusted source.  This is a great place to utilize a life coach as your discussions are confidential.

You want to address your insecurities / concerns right away.  Don’t let them run rampant and create a ton of undue stress.

Bottom line – age often helps in being comfortable with yourself, but it’s no guarantee. If you are plagued with finding it difficult to be authentic, I hope you will seek help.

Until you do, your serenity will suffer and your leadership impact will not be what God has called you to.

 

[stextbox id=”custom” bwidth=”3″ color=”FAFEFF” bcolor=”8C6727″ bgcolor=”50C7C3″ bgcolorto=”50C7C3″]People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit.  Depend on God and keep at it because in the Lord God you have a sure thing. ~ Isaiah 26:3-4 (MSG)[/stextbox]


To discuss coaching,

Contact Coach Deb

 

 

May 10-13, 2018

A Royal Retreat for 6 Special Women

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Debbie Luxton

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