Embracing Authenticity: 2023’s Word of the Year

by | Dec 18, 2023

Authenticity

Discover Your True Self: Uncovering Authenticity in the Age of AI (2023)

2023 was the year that artificial intelligence became a commonplace tool and household name. To many, that may seem scary; to me, that seems like a transformative evolution!

The more artificial intelligence takes over mundane tasks, the greater possibility there is for us humans to let go of work that doesn’t require our mind, heart, and spirit to be activated. And that’s the thing—AI may be able to model our minds, but it cannot take on the qualities of your heart and spirit. So those are the greatest muscles to strengthen alongside your mind.

That is what makes us authentic.

Embracing Authenticity just be you

So, it’s no surprise that Merriam-Webster’s dictionary saw a massive spike in the search for “authentic” their official 2023 word of the year.

While authenticity has been a buzzword for years now, it’s never been so touted as the way for someone to be more successful with their brand, sales, relationships, influence, and well-being.

But HOW do you do that? 

Everyone says to be authentic, but rarely are you given a playbook for how to actually behave that way.

Ironically, being authentic can feel like the hardest thing we could ever be.

That’s because authenticity often requires you to have an unpopular opinion in rooms designed for popularity contests. It means that you’re not bending for the sake of others’ approval, even if it makes you feel like you’re breaking inside. And you’re certainly not putting on a mask and armor to protect yourself from the potential judgment of who you really are underneath all that.

To remember who you are authentically, you must let go of what others want you to be.

We’re conditioned by society and domesticated by our guardians to believe there is a “right” path that we need to follow to be a “successful” human being.

Embracing Authenticity haha

So how do you de-program from this way of societal norm thinking? How can you slowly pull the tentacles of others’ expectations off your body so you can figure out who you actually are and what you actually want?

I was asked to deliver a keynote on this very question about authenticity. In it, I revealed a 5-step process to uncover your authentic self. ?

marybeth hyland speaking

These affirmative statements represent the ways (and the order) in which I reunited with my authentic self – buried under decades of a façade:

  1. I know who I am.
  2. I take good care of myself.
  3. I own my gifts.
  4. I live in my values.
  5. I love myself completely.

?️Click each link to either watch or listen to learn more and see what over 10,000 people across the globe have found meaningful in their journey to authenticity.

When someone asks me what my greatest accomplishment is today, I proudly proclaim that it’s being myself all the time. And I know that once you’re free of the noise, you can do it too!

So, where are you now in your journey to alignment? And how can you take your first baby step today towards reclaiming your authentic self?

Will you join me?

When you are ready, here are three ways we can help you live authentically. 

Alignment Coaching: Want to start the new year as your most authentic self?  Work with me 1×1 to align with your core values and ignite more well-being without compromising your impact. Fill out this inquiry form to see if we’re a good fit for one another.

Knowing and Living Your Values: During my 10-day course, you’ll identify your unique values, see where you’re currently activating them, and make small tweaks where you’re not so that every day is filled with purpose. Join 7,000+ Students Here.

Hire MaryBeth as a Speaker: Have an all-staff event, annual meeting or conference coming up? I will inspire your audience to give themselves and others, permission to be human, unleashing higher productivity, profit, and purpose through shared values. Learn more here.

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