Being Your Authentic Self as a Life Coach

Jeannette Koczela Content Curator for Life Coaches

Published in

ILLUMINATION

5 min readNov 7, 2023

How to be Your Authentic Self as a Life Coach — Graphic Designed by Author in Canva

This article includes powerful tips related to being your authentic self.

It also includes 3 actionable steps you can take right away and a list of suggested reading for those people who are looking for even more information.

People often pretend to be something or someone they aren’t. Often in social situations, people act differently than they do with their close friends and family.

It’s natural that people want to be accepted, but the key to staying true to yourself is to not worry too much about what others think or believe. People should accept you for who you are. Don’t waste your time on people who don’t.

5 Reasons why it’s important to stay true to who you are, i.e., to be your authentic self:

You can’t live up to the person you are pretending to be. If you aren’t being your authentic self, you will falter at some point. And it’s not a matter of if, but when. Did you ever notice that people who lie, often tell a different story later? This is because they don’t remember what their story was in the past and have no choice but to make up new details. Pretending to be someone you are not, is essentially the same as lying.
Know who you are. It’s important to know yourself. This may seem like an obvious statement, but many people don’t know who they are. Dig deep to discover the subtle aspects of your life that you tend to ignore or keep hidden. There is no need to hide your true personality because that is who you are, and you can’t change that.
Stop trying to be someone else. Everyone has people they look up to. However, looking up to someone and trying to be them is not the same. It’s worthwhile to emulate some of their desirable traits, but make sure you aren’t stepping outside of who you are deep down.
Don’t compromise on your values. If you believe in something, stand firm. Sometimes, you’ll have no choice to make some compromises, but don’t cave in if they go against your values. You must live with yourself. You want to be able to sleep at night.
Negativity should not be a character trait you accept in yourself. You won’t get far with negativity. If you are a negative person, this is not who you truly are. Remember, you don’t come out of the womb being negative. It’s something you learn. It’s time to unlearn it.

Embracing Authenticity: A Guide for Life Coaches

In the realm of life coaching, where the focus is often on guiding others toward self-discovery and personal growth, the concept of authenticity holds paramount importance. As a life coach, being authentic is not just a virtue; it is a necessary character trait. When a life coach embodies authenticity, they create a safe space for their clients to explore their true selves. So, how can a life coach be their authentic self? Let’s delve into this transformative journey.

Understanding Authenticity

Authenticity is about being true to oneself, embracing one’s values and emotions without pretense or façade. It’s about acknowledging both strengths and vulnerabilities and presenting an honest version of oneself to the world. In the context of life coaching, authenticity is key to building genuine and meaningful connections with clients.

To be authentic, a life coach must embark on a journey of self-reflection and self-awareness. This involves exploring one’s own values, passions, and fears. Understanding personal triggers and biases can lead to greater empathy and compassion towards clients, fostering a more authentic connection.

Authenticity flourishes in vulnerability. Life coaches should be willing to share their own struggles and triumphs, illustrating that they, too, are human. Vulnerability creates a bridge of understanding, showing clients that it’s okay to be imperfect and that growth often arises from challenges.

Cultivating Empathy and Active Listening

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, is a cornerstone of life coaching. Coaches need to cultivate empathy by actively listening to clients, not just hearing the words, but understanding the emotions and fears beneath the surface. When clients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to open up, leading to authentic and transformative coaching experiences.

Authenticity doesn’t mean sacrificing personal boundaries. Life coaches must learn where to draw the line between empathetic listening and becoming emotionally drained. By maintaining healthy boundaries, coaches can sustain their authenticity without compromising their well-being.

Continuous Personal Growth

Authenticity is not a destination; it’s a continuous journey. Life coaches must be committed to their personal growth. Engaging in self-development activities, therapy, or getting coached themselves can provide fresh perspectives and insights. This ongoing process not only enhances their authenticity but also enriches their ability to guide others effectively.

Being authentic as a life coach is not just about personal integrity; it also serves as a role model for clients. By embracing authenticity, coaches encourage clients to do the same. They inspire others to be truthful about their feelings, desires, and struggles, paving the way for genuine self-discovery and personal growth.

By embracing their authentic selves, life coaches not only enhance their own well-being but also empower others to do the same. Through self-reflection, empathy, and continuous personal growth, life coaches can create a positive ripple effect, fostering authenticity and genuine connections in the lives of those they touch. So, let authenticity be the guiding light, illuminating the path to profound and lasting change.

ACTIONABLE STEPS

Brainstorm a list of values that you want your life to be based on. Focus on the values that you feel very strongly about. This list will become your “core values”. Consider these the values you will never waiver on.
Strive to be more positive by finding affirmations to use. These affirmations should revolve around the idea of being your authentic self. If there is an aspect of your personality you are struggling to accept, then focus your affirmations there.
To be your authentic self, you sometimes need to stand up to others. This takes courage. To increase your courage, try activities that are outside your normal routine. Commit to meeting a new person every month Try new activities like zip-lining, skydiving, or speaking at Toastmasters. Your courage will strengthen because of these activities.
Keeping a journal is one of the best ways to figure out “who you are”. People often find that it is easier to be honest when writing down their thoughts. A journal will help you to reflect on who you are, and then you can act accordingly. (See my page of journals I’ve created for you here: https://iaplifecoaches.org/journals/ )