Authenticity and personal power are linked. Authenticity is something I’m hearing or reading about quite a bit these days. What is authenticity, who is the authentic you, and why does it matter to your life? Authenticity is about mind with heart congruity, which leads to integrity, honesty, empathy, courage, and willingness “to thine own self be true.”

What is true for you may not be true for me; meaning, people are not the same in every way. We have our own purpose, talents, gifts, and personality styles. And what is a meaningful legacy for me may not inspire you at all. When I’m being authentic, I’m at peace with this fact. I can embrace who I am, what makes me sing from my core, AND allow you to self-express without feeling threatened, rejected, or “less than.”

Authenticity cultivates personal power, and true personal power supports authenticity. The authentic self is that part of you that is able to separate itself from the “Mental Me” beliefs in your brain’s “autobiographical memory” storage banks. Yes, your brain also has a memorized version of “who do you think you are?” And yes, there is a difference between the self-image of the brain memory that you think you are that keeps you feeling “safe” in your “box.” That true core authentic self that is the Self that carries your true potential, ability to feel connected to others and life, is willing to be adventurous, birth new innovative ideas – and enjoy life.

Hopefully already you can see “why” it matters that you reflect on the “real you” versus the “Mental Me” brain memory that is in survival mode, constantly searching for love, security and self-esteem outside of yourself. Hint: the answer to reconnecting with your authentic self is within.

How does this look in daily life? People trust you; You trust you; You take risks for change; You deal with change easier; You inspire people.

When you can reconnect with this inner authentic you, separating from your conditioned thoughts and tunnel vision of “the way life is or should be,” you can lead with higher levels of intention in the present moment. People will see you walk your talk and be inspired. You know you are being authentic when you keep your word to yourself and others.

You stop comparing and judging yourself by others standards or seeking to control others so that you feel safe. You feel fulfilled and purposeful in your business. You are much more free to “be the real me.” You just like being authentically YOU.

In our ever increasingly transparent world, authenticity is not only personally fulfilling; it is critical to successful leadership and entrepreneurship in our 21st century. And it is critical for healthy work/life balance.

Author's Bio: 

Valencia Ray, M.D. teaches business owners and corporate leaders how their amazing brain can actually hijack personal power -- not in the abstract, but in the context of integrating business and personal life. Dr. Ray, a board-certified eye surgeon and medical business owner for over 20 years before selling her practice, shares her own life changing process. By sharing her story, she helps others to expand their vision and learn that by living with purpose and confidence, it is possible to have a more integrated, healthier lifestyle – with less struggle, more inner peace and more abundance.

For more information and to contact her regarding dynamic, inspirational keynotes, trainings in collaborative leadership and team building, entrepreneurship and coaching programs, visit her website at http://www.ValenciaRay.com