Read Time: 7 minutes

Welcome to this week's edition of the High-Performance Paradox, where success and struggle collide.

In a world obsessed with curated perfection, authenticity has become a rare and valuable commodity.

Authenticity is a buzzword these days. Everyone from influencers to Fortune 500 CEOs touts its importance. But what does it really mean to be authentic?

Being authentic means having the courage to be yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s about aligning your actions with your core values and showing up fully, without hiding behind masks or pretenses.

And more importantly, how can living authentically transform your life and career?

Read on to discover why authenticity is so transformational – and 3 strategies you can implement immediately to start living more authentically.

The Challenges of Being Authentic

Being authentic is not always easy. It requires:

• Vulnerability
• Courage
• A willingness to face fear and potential judgment from others

I recently worked with a client, who struggled with this.

On the surface, he seemed to have it all together – the corner office, the impressive title, the sizeable paycheck. But behind closed doors, he was falling apart. The smile he plastered on for Monday morning meetings felt increasingly forced, and the knot in his stomach tightened with each strategic plan he presented for a product he didn’t believe in.

He was a successful marketing executive, but he felt unfulfilled in his career.

We spent several coaching calls establishing his core values and getting clear on what he actually wanted. However, by the fourth call, it became apparent that he was allowing external pressures – like the expectations of his family and society’s definition of success – to drive his actions, rather than his authentic desires.

I had to ask the tough question:

“Is this what you want, or what you think you should want?”

He sighed and admitted it was the latter. Despite finding success in his current path, he couldn’t picture himself doing it long-term, and it didn’t align with his values.

We had to get real, and he had to bring out his authentic self. It took vulnerability and courage, as he feared being judged, failing, and letting others down.

But ultimately, he decided that the risk was worth taking if it meant pursuing something that truly mattered to him.

The Rewards of Authenticity

When we constantly make decisions that don’t align with our authentic selves, we pay a steep price:

• We lose touch with who we are
• We experience burnout and anxiety
• We miss out on creating a life of real meaning and impact

But when we have the courage to be authentic and make choices that honor our values, incredible things happen:

Purpose & Fulfillment: We feel a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing we’re living in alignment with who we are and who we want to become.

Magnetic Attraction: We attract people and opportunities that resonate with our authentic values and vision.

Renewed Energy: When we’re no longer wasting time and energy pretending to be someone we’re not, we free up reserves of motivation and drive. Suddenly, getting out of bed in the morning doesn’t feel like a herculean task – because we’re excited to show up and pursue what matters to us.

Inspiring Others: We inspire others to be authentic, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Strategies for Living Authentically

So, how can you start living more authentically? Here are three powerful strategies:

1. Get Clear on Your Core Values

Take time to reflect on what matters most to you. Try this:

1. Grab a notebook and find a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted.
2. At the top of the page, write “My Core Values.”
3. Set a timer for 10 minutes, and start free-writing about what matters most to you. Don’t overthink it – just let the words flow.
4. When the timer goes off, review what you’ve written and circle or highlight any themes or phrases that stand out.
5. Distill these into 3-5 concise values, and write them at the bottom of the page.
6. Put this somewhere you’ll see it every day, like your bathroom mirror or your desk.

Use your values as a North Star for decision-making going forward.

2. Practice Courageous Honesty

Being authentic requires being honest – with yourself and others. Start small:

• Notice when you’re not being fully truthful, even in small interactions.
• Challenge yourself to share your real thoughts and feelings, even if it feels vulnerable.
• Have that difficult conversation you’ve been avoiding.

The more you flex your honesty muscle, the stronger it will become.

3. Build an Authentic Support System

Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be your authentic self. This could be:

• A coach or mentor who asks powerful questions
• A trusted friend who celebrates your true self
• A community that values authenticity and growth

Intentionally build a network that brings out your most authentic self.

The Journey of Authenticity

Remember, being authentic is a journey, not a destination.

There will be moments of fear, doubt, and discomfort along the way. But with each authentic choice you make, you’ll be one step closer to creating a life that fills you with purpose.

As my client discovered, when you have the courage to be authentic, you open the door to incredible possibilities. He’s now successfully launched a project that matters to him, and he’s energized because he’s living in alignment with his authentic self.

Ten years from now, which path will you have chosen?

The one filled with meaning and fulfillment?

Or the one haunted by “what ifs”?

That same opportunity is available to you. Every choice you make is a chance to honor your authenticity and create a life you’re deeply proud of – one decision at a time.

The power of authenticity in personal success cannot be overstated. It is the key to unlocking your true potential, creating meaningful connections, and living a life of unshakable joy.

Living authentically requires courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to step into the unknown. But on the other side of that fear lies a life beyond your wildest dreams – a life of purpose, passion, and unshakeable self-love. A life where you’re no longer haunted by ‘what ifs,’ because you are too busy living in the magic of what is.

So take that first step. Be brave. Be bold. Be unapologetically you.

The world is waiting.

Your next step: Identify one small action you can take today to start living more authentically.

Decide to show up fully as you – the world needs your unique gifts now more than ever.

Stay Curious and Lead A Life of Purpose,

John

​johnbrewer.co​

Work with John:

If you're ready to start living more authentically and unlock your potential, here are two ways to start:

1. Reply to this email with the word "authentic" and I'll reach out to schedule a complimentary, no-pressure discovery call.
2. ​Click here to book your free Authentic Life Strategy Session now.​

Don't put off honoring your authentic self for another day. The life you've dreamed of - the one full of purpose, meaning, and unshakable self-love - is waiting for you. And living authentically is the key to making it a reality.