This is hardly an “NC-17” post. I’m speaking in terms of NOT shedding our clothes, but instead shedding our perception of “who” we should be, and our insecurities regarding our “real” selves not being good enough.

If you think about it, our society gives us every reason to hide our authentic identity from the rest of the world. We have advertising and societal expectations to blame for what we THINK is the appropriate image to build and convey. And it’s all too easy to end up living behind layers of veneer, putting on a show or playing to the audience of the moment, becoming less and less our true self.

I’m not a big New Year’s Resolutions person, but as you know I am a huge believer in setting goals (big hairy audacious ones are my favorite flavor). One of my personal goals is to continually challenge myself to be real and genuine in life.

I want you to go forth into the New Year by getting naked with your truth.

It may be uncomfortable at first, but go with it……I think you will find it liberating to let the world see your genuine self – not the “self” that you believe others want to see.

When you share your real self, two pretty cool things happen: First, your authentic gifts really shine through. You’re not depriving the world of these talents, and others around you will take notice. What that means, in turn, is more opportunities – both professionally and personally – because those around you discover and want to harness your unique strengths. Second, when you get honest with yourself, guess what? You embolden others to do the same. They’ll also live more honestly.

So as intimidating as it may seem, go forth and get naked with YOUR truth. Make a commitment to be authentic, and let your true self shine through in the New Year.

Tags: courage, goals, self-awareness