Get Real

I’m excited to welcome you to the TRANSFORM and SUSTAIN training programs! Let’s begin your transformation journey by diving into the powerful performance concept of “getting real.” This is about embracing authenticity, self-awareness, and living a fulfilling life. You may be thinking… Why start here? How is this a foundational aspect of performance?  Research has shown that individuals who embrace authenticity experience up to 50% higher levels of engagement and job satisfaction.

In a world that’s constantly changing, finding and continually rediscovering yourself is essential. As you’ve likely discovered by this point in your life, the world is a dynamic place, where people, environments, resources, communities, politics, and businesses are in a constant state of change. All of these factors influence you, both consciously and subconsciously, ways in which you are not even fully aware. To truly “Be YOU,” you need to embark on a never-ending journey of self-discovery and growth.  Let’s explore a stepwise framework for how you can leverage this concept to enhance your personal and professional performance in life.

Step 1: Cultivate Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the foundation of authenticity. It involves understanding your purpose, passions, core values, beliefs, thoughts, feelings, relationships, and behaviors. Take time to reflect on what drives you, what you stand for, and what makes you unique.

Throughout this training program, you’ll be embarking on a journey of self-discovery where you’ll be asking yourself:

• What are my core values?
• What am I passionate about?
• What are my strengths and weaknesses?
• How do my thoughts and feelings influence my actions?

Honest self-reflection and regular check-ins with yourself can help you stay aligned with your true self. This process allows you to identify areas for growth and development, ensuring that you’re always evolving. 

Step 2: Define Your Success

Success is subjective and unique to each individual. To “get real,” you need to define what a successful life looks like to you. Consider the legacy you want to leave, how you want to be remembered, and by whom.

You’ll be reflecting on:

• What does success mean to me?
• What are my long-term goals?
• How do I want to impact others?
• What legacy do I want to leave behind?

By understanding your personal definition of success, you can create a roadmap that guides your decisions and actions. This clarity will help you stay laser-focused and motivated, even in the face of challenges.

Step 3: Embrace Authenticity in a Digital Age

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get lost in the highlight reels, media coverage, fake news, filters, artificially enhanced images, and mindless scrolling. These distractions can lead you to compare yourself to others and lose sight of who you really are.

To counteract this, double down on being authentic. Embrace your uniqueness and strengths. Be present, honest, and fully awake to what makes life special and rewarding to you. Live with zest and enthusiasm for what truly matters to you.

Here’s a sneak peak for how you’ll be taking action:

• Limiting your exposure to superficial digital content.
• Focusing on meaningful interactions and your genuine connections.
• Share your true self with others, even if it feels vulnerable.
• Intentionally engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Step 4: Practice Honest Self-Reflection

Regularly check in with yourself to ensure you’re staying true to your values and goals. Honest self-reflection allows you to course-correct and make necessary adjustments to stay aligned with your authentic self.

You’ll discover how to practice self-reflection by:

• Journaling your thoughts and experiences.
• Meditating to clear your mind and gain insights.
• Seeking feedback from trusted friends and mentors.
• Setting aside time for introspection and self-assessment.

By making self-reflection a habit, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of yourself and become more resilient in navigating life’s changes.

In summary, “Getting real” is about embracing who you truly are and living a life that reflects your authentic self. It’s a journey of self-discovery, defining your success, and staying true to your values amidst the noise of the digital age. By cultivating self-awareness, defining your success, embracing authenticity, and practicing honest self-reflection, you can elevate your personal and professional life. Remember, you only have one shot at life—make it meaningful, fulfilling, and true to who you are.