Realtors© are you living authentically? I remember having coffee with a friend a few years ago and talking about a challenging time in my own life and he recommended a book to read by Brene Brown called “The Gifts of Imperfection.” So I bought a copy and took it with me on a weekend getaway and couldn’t put it down. Have you ever read something and felt like it was written just for you? Well this book was something I could not believe wasn’t written page after page for just me and I think for most of you. You can choose to let go of yourself to live a “fake life” for others, or you can embrace who you are and own your life story. You’ll love life, others, and yourself better when you’re authentic. Live wholeheartedly by switching your mindset from trying to be perfect and identifying yourself with what other’s think, to feeling “I am enough” no matter what happens today. You’ll be more courageous, compassionate, and connected this way. And wholehearted living is a never-ending process, not a milestone.
Living authentically will drastically change your entire life... it will affect who you are as a Realtor©, a parent, a friend, an employer, a neighbor and most importantly it will change how you treat "you".
Strive to DIG deep, especially when you’re tired and stressed by being:
Deliberate – Be intentional in what you think and do.
Inspired – Get yourself in the right emotional and mental place to feel like yourself.
Going – Take action, whether that’s to rest or work harder—just do it.
My Three Favorite Quotes
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
“Understanding the difference between healthy, striving and perfectionism is critical to laying down the shield and picking up your life. Research shows that perfectionism hampers success. In fact, it’s often the path to depression, anxiety, addiction, and life paralysis.”
“We cannot selectively numb emotions, when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”
Action Steps For You
Owning your story isn’t the easiest thing to do out there.
It takes guts to speak about your guilt and shame. It requires courage to tell people how you’re thinking instead of what you think they want you to say. And bravery is needed to live authentically with your imperfections.
Though when you practice living a true life where you think, speak, and act in congruence with yourself, not how you think you’re supposed to be, you open your heart to love yourself and others.
The means to do this are to practice courage, compassion, and connection on a daily basis. Those are the gifts of imperfection.
And don’t try to be perfect, you’ll live a lie because you’re not flawless and no one else is either. You’ll be happier when you embrace you’re "human" and have your faults, and allow others to help you or give you a shoulder to lean on.
So don’t try to be the Hollywood star you admire (we know they have their issues) or the cool guy at the office. Instead be your authentic self and own your story, then you’ll be blessed with the gifts of imperfection.
I challenge you, today, to go out and tell a trusted family member or friend how you’re feeling today and why. Be vulnerable. Open up and allow them to see your imperfection. If they’re a good friend, you’ll both feel better after this conversation. The journey to wholehearted living can start today if you open your heart. The choice is yours. Please do it for yourself and the people around you. And practice loving yourself. Find your favorite hobby so you can go to that to find play, rest, and joy. Give your heart and happiness as much attention as you give your real estate career and success. Ironically being happier will fuel you to be more successful. Your life will never be the same when you strive for wholehearted living.
Strength and courage,
Wade
