The Power of Authenticity
During last week’s gala, amazing, and extraordinary Advanced Life Coach Training retreat, a theme emerged among the participants that is worth sharing with our entire teleseminar group.
A number of the coaches came to the realization that their coaching is most powerful —and fun— when they relax and have the courage to simply be themselves. Several of the coaches reported that they had been trying to emulate someone else’s style, or be mellow and sweet, for example, when their personal style was more direct and outspoken. These coaches said they were finally able to slip into their niche as a coach, simply by trusting that their style was good enough—and the most effective—just by being natural.
I know this sounds simplistic, but sometimes the simplest truth is the most powerful one. Leonardo da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
For this course’s final theme and movie, I want to recommend a very illuminating—and funny—documentary: Burt’s Buzz. This film chronicles the life and quirky yet loveable personality of Burt Shavitz, founder of the famous “Burt’s Bees” skin care products, which, made with super healthy ingredients, have grown to something of an empire.
Despite his worldwide fame and billion dollar business, Burt remains exactly the same guy he was when he began his company nearly fifty years ago. He still lives in a little cabin in Maine without hot water. Burt sits on his porch, gazes out at nature and says, “These are my true riches.” Although lots of hype and hoopla surrounds this gentle innovator, he remains himself. May we all do so.
When I spoke in a lot of churches, I used to wear a tie and jacket because I thought it was expected. Meanwhile I detested feeling tied up. Then one day Wayne Dyer told me, “I haven’t worn a tie in 20 years.” Then I realized that I was being hypocritical in my teaching. I was lecturing on the importance of being yourself, meanwhile doing something that was totally not me. I haven’t worn a tie since that day.
Exercise:
1. In your coaching practice, are you compromising yourself or attempting to fit into a mold that is not you?
If so, in what ways are you denying your true self?
If you were to let more of your true self come forth in your coaching, what would you be doing differently?
2. In your personal life outside of coaching, are you compromising yourself or attempting to fit into a mold that is not you?
If so, in what ways are you denying your true self?
If you were to let more of your true self come forth, what would you be doing differently?
Affirm:
I am the best coach simply by being myself.
I let go of all that is not me, to become all that is me.