Staying Authentic

The word “authenticity” used in business texts has tripled in the last decade! With this much being said, it probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s an element of the S.P.A.R.K.^© self-alignment model.

Being authentic in this model is to be accountable for being present to yourself. As you’re doing the work to move yourself forward to your goals, remember to be REAL - Recognise, Engage, Attend, Love.

Recognising your progress, big or small will help accelerate you further. So take that pause to celebrate and reward yourself for the advancements you have made. Even if you’re facing a disappointing moment. In fact, especially when you’re facing a disappointing moment. Because progress is you taking the action to work towards achieving your goals; it is you learning what else can be done or how it can be done differently; and progress is definitely you overcoming obstacles.

Engaging with your inner voice will help you discern your next course of action because you’ll be reminded of your values, strength, vision and purpose. So take time to check-in with yourself and reflect. Are you still living your values, have you acquired new strengths on this journey, is your vision still clearly in view, are you realising the true motivations for your purpose? Noticing the changes in yourself will help provide further clarity of who you are, who you want to be and what you want to achieve.

Attending to yourself is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Just like a machine, if we’re not well-oiled or if something that needs fixing isn’t fixed, our output won’t be optimal. So, make time for self-care in your goal-chasing plans in order to run like clockwork because you'll always be charged up and ready to go.

Love yourself. This is the most important part of all in being authentic. If you haven’t got love inside you for yourself, then what passion are you going to give to the work that is required to achieve your goal? The more love you have for yourself, the more love you have to give. Then, you will realise more for yourself as well as those around you.

Always remember, you are enough. “You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.” - Sophie Bush