As I transform into a “fearlessly authentic” author (per last week’s Dove milk chocolate foil). I’m realizing how difficult it is to be authentic, even timidly so. Yes, I could write forever about unbecoming what I’m not, but how do you muster the confidence to be what’s left…to be who you are? I’m learning that it’s not so easy. It’s “simple” but not easy. That combination can make you uncomfortable; and I am. The simple/hard factor makes me frustrated with myself. Why can’t I just “press on”? How do I just do it? Intellectually I realize that it takes a “leap of faith” to confidently be who I’ve discovered I am, underneath all of the actual pressures and ego musings of who I SHOULD be and what career I ought to pursue. But how do you actually take a leap of faith and what does it feel like? Here’s what I’ve discovered.

How to take a leap of faith:

1. Remind yourself what YOU believe, for your beliefs guide your actions. If you find your actions guiding your beliefs, remind yourself what you actually believe.

2. Confirm your new and currently uncomfortable actions are aligned with what you truly believe.

3. Envision yourself being the true you and how it feels when you’re over the transformation hump.

4. Create guidelines (no plans) for how to do things differently based on the real you. This just helps you respond to situations without reacting out of old patterns that don’t fit you anymore.

5. Start following your guidelines on a moment-to-moment basis, choosing to be different to #beyou.

Now, how does it feel to take a leap of faith? At first, like crap! My gut was in a twist of fear each time I did things differently until suddenly they weren’t. I became strong and authentic overtime, without realizing it. I still have flashes of those feelings, but when I do, I remind myself of my beliefs and of all the good things that result from acting on them and the “gut twist of fear” goes away.

So what’s to fear about being authentic and taking the leap of faith to put it into action? Oh you know…being liked, accepted, recognized, approved of, “punished” or crapped on, belittled, berated, criticized, blah, blah, blah. But I don’t buy it. I see now and know that my fear is only a lame excuse to avoid a magnificent adventure!

The rewards outweigh the risk. Bonsai! (That’s me leaping!)