How To Be Your True Authentic Self
A couple of weeks ago, my business partner and I had the opportunity to interview Bob Burg on our weekly podcast show. Bob is a well renowned author and speaker. He and John David Mann co-authored the fabulous little book The Go-Giver.
The Go-Giver tells the story of an ambitious young man named Joe, who yearns for success. Joe is a true go-getter, though sometimes he feels as if the harder and faster he works, the further away his goals seem to be.
The book introduces us to the 5 Laws of Stratospheric Success, and by learning these laws, Joe learns how to truly be a “go-giver” and open himself up to the power of giving.
While all of the laws are important and relevant, the one that I wanted to discuss in detail is the 4th Law – The Law of Authenticity.
“…No matter what your training, no matter what your skills, no matter what area you’re in, YOU are your most important commodity. The most valuable gift you have to offer is YOU!”
This law illustrates that in order to flourish and be successful in life, you must discover your true authenticity.
An example given in the book, to further explore this law, highlights a real estate agent – Debra Davenport.
Debra had struggled in the real estate business from day one. Even though she had taken every class, earned every designation, attended every seminar and workshop under the sun, at the end of her first year she had still not sold one home. On her 43rd birthday, she had made up her mind to get out of the business altogether, but she had one last showing with a prospective buyer.
She took this buyer to the house, and something switched in her attitude. She knew this was her last gig as an agent, so she didn’t worry so much about practicing her closing techniques, or “hard selling” the buyer. She just decided to be herself. She laughed with her client, they exchanged stories about being moms, in fact Debra wasn’t even sure she ever told the buyer the asking price of the home. Well, guess what happened? The buyer bought the house and Debra went on to become the top real estate salesperson in her office – and in her town.
Debra learned to open her gift…the gift of authenticity!
She discovered that when she quit trying to be someone she wasn’t – and simply allowed herself to be authentic – the results were life changing!
Ask yourself, “Are you being your true authentic self?” It takes a lot of courage. You run the risk of being vulnerable by showing the world who you really are.
Each of us is as unique as a snowflake! Instead of trying to bury yourself among the flurry of other snowflakes out there, embrace the fact that there is only one YOU in this world, and learn to celebrate and honor that fact!
So, do you have the courage to be your authentic self? Try it. You owe it to yourself!
Guest Blogger: Leah Turner
email: Leah@CreatingYourMasterpiece.com
website: CreatingYourMasterpiece.com
407.709.6816
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Is this really a true story? If it is, it is profoud.
I am brand new to the business (outside of the USA and Canada) and I needed to hear this.
Thanks!!!!!
Good Morning Tamara – Thank you for your comment. I don’t know if it is a true story or not, but it certainly does hit home in the real estate industry as an excellent example of how we can *soar* once we unveil our true selves and not try to be something we are not! Good luck to you in the industry! Remember to honor your true self. Where are you located?
You should read Bob Burg’s book – The Go-Giver and also his other book – Endless Referrals…..both are excellent! Thanks again for your comments!
Hi Leah.
I added it to my wishlist. I am a newbie in the Bahamas.
Very cool! I wish you much success! It is beautiful over there!
Leah, thank you for your kind post regarding John David Mann’s and my book. Much appreciated! And, it was great fun being interviewed by you and Jen.
Tamara, the book itself was a fictional work but many of the situations were based on real-life events. The moral of that particular chapter was that, as important as the skills are (and, they are important, so make sure to learn them), without one being their true authentic self, the skills are not nearly as effective. This is what Debra had experienced. However, when you operate from a base of authenticity, then the effect of those skills are multiplied exponentially. I have a feeling you’re going to be great in your work, adding lots of value to the lives of many people. I wish you the best of great success!!
Thanks Bob! Looking forward to reading your books soon.