The First Step to Success is Being True to Yourself

Oprah winfrey meme quoteThis past weekend as I was reading through different blog posts I found through Facebook, I came across this article by Paul C. Brunson: Above All, Live Your Truth.  I enjoy reading Paul’s articles, but this one really resonated with me. He talked about how he was advised to never talk about, or refer to his spirituality. His mentor explained to him that “it would limit my audience by alienating the many who didn’t align with my views.” He explained in his article that he ignored this advice, and then immediately saw that his mentor was correct: he was alienated, ridiculed and criticized simply for expressing his authentic self.

So as most people would do out of fear (especially as a new business owner), he stopped and went the next full year without saying or writing anything publicly about his faith.

Check out how three simple words put Paul back on the road to being true to himself, and enjoying the well-deserved success that came with it (read the full article here).

This is what I shared on his Facebook page in response to this article:

“God has already set aside an audience specifically for you. I was told the same exact thing when I first started blogging but realized how “fake” I felt when I chose to suppress my faith. This reminded me that my message is not for everyone. But for the people who need and want my message, God will find a way for us to cross paths.”

The dictionary defines authentic as: not false or copied; genuine; real. Does this truly define who you are and what you do?

I distinctly remember making the decision to start a blog, and my first post was entitled, “Trust God, NOT Your Fears”. It was a complete leap of faith. In fact, everything I’ve done in the last two years since leaving the workforce has been an absolute walk of faith. So it only felt natural for me to share that in my blog. But like Paul, I too, was told that I should limit and stay away from talking about God and spirituality because not everyone who is reading my blog will have the same beliefs.

So I pulled back a bit initially, and that’s when I struggled with what to write. That’s when I struggled with my message and really trying to figure out my purpose. While I didn’t go too long in this direction, it was long enough for me to take a few steps back and really evaluate who I was and who I didn’t want to be — a fake. My daily prayer is that everything I say and everything I do will be a blessing for others. And like Gabrielle Douglas said: When the praises go up, the blessings come down!

Being true to yourself is not just a saying, but a way of life. I truly believe it opens the doors of success because it allows you to be richer in all areas of life — spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally.

How have you handled situations where you were asked to compromise your authenticity?

You Might Also Like

14 Comments

  • Heather Hopson
    August 8, 2013 at 3:23 AM

    So true! Although there is competition, you don't have to compete when God is your coach. He already set aside your audience. Just today I squealed when I wrote something and was able to slide in a Jesus shot out. Was so happy that I can share my story and share my faith in a subtle way. I get so excited before I even reap rewards. I know that God has s much in store and am tickled pink that He trusts me to walk out His plan! Now, I have to stop myself and ask, before I start the run and gun of the day, did I pray? Meditate? Listen to a sermon? Praise? Share a word? I gotta do at least two! Put him first and he will give you back the time. The assignment I just completed took minutes instead of hours. Good luck to you in all you do!

    • Christine St.Vil
      August 8, 2013 at 4:02 AM

      Aww Heather I LOVE it! “You don’t have to compete when God is your coach”: that is spot on! Thanks so much for sharing here, and CONGRATS on completing your assignment in record time! 😉

  • Amber
    August 8, 2013 at 3:56 AM

    I lovvvveee Paul and really respect his work. I’m like, the President of his fan club! LOL I read the post, too and was definitely inspired. Like you said, to be our authentic selves is to express all facets of who we are — including our faith. The world needs us to shine our lights!
    Amber would like you to check out…Three Books That Have Made Me a Better WomanMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      August 8, 2013 at 3:59 AM

      LOL Amber I was starting to feel like a stalker but so glad I’m not the only one 🙂 I loved your comment on his post as well! Thanks for reading and sharing here 🙂

  • Tracie
    August 9, 2013 at 2:06 AM

    Hi Christine! First let me say, I am ashamed to admit this is my first time to your website. I follow you on Instagram and we’ve “chatted” from time to time and I always say, “I need to go check our her site!” Well, today- I did and am so very glad I did! I love it! You are a positive and inspirational woman. I also appreciate you being authentic and giving a voice to the challenges we face (as mothers) each day. I’ve questioned my journey several times during my life and only recently when I quit my job to be a stay at home mom (and work on my graphic design business) did I FINALLY feel I that I was living a true authentic life! Life is too short to compromise your happiness! Keep up the great work!
    Tracie would like you to check out…{Wordless Wednesday} Photo BombMy Profile

    • Christine St.Vil
      August 9, 2013 at 5:06 AM

      Hi Tracie! No need to apologize at all as I tend to do that (and confess that I just got to take a peek at your blog too) too! Thank you so much for stopping by, and it’s always great to connect with you 🙂 I have to say CONGRATULATIONS to you for living your dream and pursuing your purpose/passion! Just the fact that you decided to make that bold decision means you are bound to do some great things! Thank you so very much for your kind words, they are truly appreciated. “Life is too short to compromise your happiness” <--- very true and very powerful! 🙂

  • Erica Gordon
    August 16, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    I really enjoyed reading this article today. It reinforced my belief that my message isn’t meant for everyone, but those who are supposed to receive it, will get it. I find that it’s so much easier when you accept and live in your truth.

    • Christine St.Vil
      August 19, 2013 at 2:35 AM

      Hi Erica, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts here. I completely agree with you. And it gets so much easier once you are clear about your mission and your purpose 🙂

  • 6 Success Tips for New Bloggers | Moms 'N Charge
    October 3, 2013 at 12:57 PM

    […] to get into a groove and find your own voice. But people know and appreciate when you're being authentic. Speak from your heart. Don't try to be someone you're not because you think that's […]

  • Blogalicious 5 Recap (Part 2) - Defining Success & Perfect Pitch Contest | Moms 'N Charge
    October 30, 2013 at 1:09 PM

    […] what success looks like for YOU: We created a success circle and identified key areas in business and family to reach our own […]

  • 5 Simple Steps to Step Your Game Up & Reach Your Goals in 2014 | Moms 'N Charge
    December 31, 2013 at 3:50 AM

    […] are 5 steps to success that were critical to how I stepped my game up in 2013, and how it will be amplified in […]

  • 6 Success Tips for New Bloggers | Craft Web Solutions
    January 14, 2014 at 8:45 PM

    […] to get into a groove and find your own voice. But people know and appreciate when you’re being authentic. Speak from your heart. Don’t try to be someone you’re not because you think […]

  • Moms 'N Charge 3 Things To Evaluate So That Positivity Can Flourish In Your Life - Moms 'N Charge
    March 24, 2016 at 12:01 AM

    […] Also Related: The First Step To Success Is Being True To Yourself […]

  • 5 Successful Key Habits of Billionaires #ActLikeASuccess - Moms 'N Charge®
    February 15, 2017 at 10:19 PM

    […] was the keynote address by Paul C. Brunson. Prior to the conference, I was very familiar with Paul and his work. I first started following him on social media shortly before I did an interview with he and his […]

  • Leave a Reply to Erica Gordon Cancel Reply