Being Authentically You

Being Authentically You

Since I wrote my last blog, I have been pondering over what to write next. The last blog about your environment and, in particular, your internal environment was me to a tee. There were, and have continued to be, influences affecting my mood, my productivity and my own self worth. Even though I know I am great at what I do, I have clear goals and I am on a path of my own choosing, I was having a wobble. Luckily, I was reminded to check in with myself and ask why. What was actually going on. I do know why and I know what I need to do. However, it just goes to show that we are all human and it is not all plain sailing all of the time.

I recently took part in the Time to Rise Summit, a free three day workshop led by the coaching guru, Tony Robbins. The first day involved shouting out my warrior, my magician, my lover, my sovereign. While I appreciated the intention, it did not resonate with me at all and I almost did not finish the three days for that reason alone. For anyone who knows Tony Robbins, this will feel very characteristic of his coaching style, designed to get you into a peak state to achieve breakthroughs that help create lasting change. Thankfully, I persisted with days two and three, both of which were immensely valuable in changing my mood and served as a timely reminder of why I chose to set up The Accountability Collective.

I listen to many other gurus too. It is great to learn from those who are further ahead in whichever industry you are operating in and, for me, it also offers valuable insight into my own life and where I am right now. I have learned that when I start questioning my own approach or pace after consuming too much advice, it is no longer learning, it is comparison. And comparison, however subtle, has a habit of pulling you away from what feels true for you. The main takeaway, though, is how important it is to have your own style, to follow your own path and do what is authentic to you.

This applies to everyone, and in everything you do. It is so easy to feel overwhelmed or inadequate when there is so much noise out there, with people constantly bombarding you with be more, buy more, learn more, do more, save more, have more, want more, say more, share more. While there are many basic principles in business and in life, there is great freedom in doing things your way and finding what works best for you. And as long as you are making progress that you are happy with, that is perfectly ok.

When progress is measured in alignment rather than speed, everything begins to feel more comfortable. Decisions are made with intention rather than urgency, and movement feels purposeful instead of pressured. You may take fewer steps, but they are more considered and far less likely to lead you away from what really matters. Often, the most important shifts happen quietly, when what you are doing feels right, not rushed. After all, we do not all need to shout from the rooftops.

Being authentically you often comes down to three simple truths. You do not have to adopt every approach you encounter. You do not need to move at anyone else’s pace. And you are allowed to build and grow in a way that feels right for you. When those things are honoured, progress becomes sustainable, confidence settles in, and the pressure to keep up quietly falls away.

As part of my own ongoing learning, I would love to hear how this blog has landed with you. Have you felt the pull of comparison, or the pressure to be something other than yourself. If this has raised any questions or reflections for you, I would genuinely love to talk it through with you.

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I help entrepreneurs and small business owners create sustainable, aligned businesses that support the lifestyle they want, through coaching, community and accountability grounded in mindset and planning.

If any of this has struck a chord and you would like to talk things through, please book a free call via the website at www.ingridvanderweide.com.