Written by: Leticia DeSuze, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Most women spend their entire lives trying to be someone they’re not. Why? To impress others. To be accepted. To win the approval of a society that would drop them in an instant. But hear this, "Fitting in never got anyone anywhere."
Do you think Serena Williams cared what people thought of her and her emotional displays when speaking out and taking a stand against racism, sexism, gender pay inequality, and women’s maternal health issues? What about Oprah – do you think she was about to let her African-American “minority” background stop her from becoming one of the richest people on the planet?
Women like this have one thing in common – they are authentic. They weren’t afraid to get out there and be themselves, and it paid off. Big-time. YOU are no different. On a planet where genuine authenticity is harder to come by than snow in summer, it’s time to be yourself. The world needs YOU more than you think, and here’s why.
You’ll Earn Respect: Being true to yourself shows peers, superiors, and clients that you stand strong in your convictions. You have integrity, and your foundations cannot be shaken by the influence of others. Being authentic also goes hand-in-hand with being honest, and honesty and truthfulness will always place you in the best light.
You’ll Discover Hidden Talents: You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t give yourself a chance. Being honest with yourself and those around you gives you the opportunity to unearth how you could potentially deal with problems – not to mention what you could bring to the world.
You’ll be Happier: Being yourself forces you to trust yourself. To make the right decisions. To do the right thing. You’ll quickly see that your confidence and self-esteem will skyrocket, and you’ll catch yourself smiling in every mirror you saunter past.
You’ll Stress Less: Trying to be someone you are not is a hell of a job. Being yourself gives you one less thing to worry about. And if the world doesn’t like that person, that’s fine. They don’t have to.
You’ll Feel Free: There is huge liberation in being your authentic self. You’ll feel the weight of societal expectations fade away as you remove the mask and façade, and act in line with your true nature instead.
If there’s anyone who understands how hard it can be to be a grain of quinoa in a cup of rice – or a fruit loop in a bowl of cheerios – it’s me. But the most successful, happy, and confident women on the face of the Earth dared to go where 99.9% of other women won’t – in the direction of their authenticity. Every “trend” that exists was started by someone who dared to be different. Who’s to say YOU can’t be the next trend-setter?
Leticia DeSuze, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Leticia DeSuze is a holistic mindset coach and business strategist who works with C-level executives and established entrepreneurs who desire to break the 7-figure barrier. Having coached more than 1200 senior leaders and entrepreneurs across multiple industries, Leticia believes that every problem is a mindset problem and that mindset matters most. Leticia has developed a 'laser-like ability to pierce the facades and identify the deeply engrained thought patterns that have limited her clients' potential, and identify opportunities for accelerated growth. She helps them clearly define what they want and designs the roadmap to get there - while holding them accountable. The result is a life and business they've intentionally created vs. one they've settled for.
