Honor my authenticity

Four years ago, my world collapsed due to a series of decisions related to work and personal life. I realized these choices were crucial for my well-being, and they weren’t about money, job titles, or specific roles. Instead, they were about questioning myself: What am I good at? and What do I enjoy doing? I wondered if it was enough to be good at something if I didn’t enjoy it. Could I truly excel at something I had no passion for?

I began asking myself, What is the essential element for me to thrive in any environment, whether in my coaching business or any other job? What could unite the different aspects of myself into a cohesive whole?

One of the guiding principles I've tried to live by is: I don’t want to be someone who says one thing and does another. For example, I can’t advocate for the benefits of running if I never run, or speak about the transformative power of meditation if I’ve never tried to sit silently for even two minutes. To consider myself an honest and competent person—especially in my role as a coach—I need to practice what I preach.

In my journey, I’ve been fortunate to have insightful people challenge me, helping me reflect on areas I couldn't explore alone. During one powerful coaching session last year, I realized a simple yet profound truth: I needed to honor my authenticity.

But what does it mean to honor my authenticity? It means being true to who I am, speaking, writing, and acting in a way that reflects my true self, complete with my mistakes and imperfections. It means making my jokes, embracing my nerdy, philosophical side, and sharing that with friends, colleagues, and clients. Instead of trying to mold myself to meet others’ expectations, I should simply be myself. You can like me or not—what’s wrong with that?

Trying to be something I’m not, just to fit in or be liked, drains energy, causes stress, and can even lead to sleepless nights. But being authentic requires no effort. It’s natural. When I align my choices with my true self, whether in education, work, or relationships, life becomes easier and more enjoyable.

Of course, life’s challenges will always demand effort. But when those challenges match my character and interests, they feel more like opportunities than obstacles. Instead of striving to meet others’ expectations, I find that authenticity naturally attracts people, job offers, and situations that resonate with my way of doing things. Sometimes, this means I won’t appeal to everyone—and that’s okay. It’s fair, especially to myself.

Being authentic means feeling at ease with myself and the world around me. There’s no need for pretense or competition. It’s about showing the world who I truly am. This doesn’t mean shutting ourselves off from others or being selfish. Instead, it’s about finding a balance—honoring who you are while navigating the world around you.

When you stay true to yourself, you naturally attract what’s right for you. And if that means not everyone will find you appealing, so be it. It’s better to be authentic and at peace than to be something you’re not.

Thank you for reading.

Dimitrios