Susan C. Young

As a young girl, I allowed my self-esteem to be determined by others_ opinions, and I devoted incredible energy tuning into how everyone else felt.

As a lifetime people pleaser, I remember trying to mold myself into the person I thought other people wanted me to be__ll for the sake of being liked and accepted. It caused more pain than gain.

When I meet someone who is truly genuine, I am drawn to their personality and find them easier to approach, engage, and interact with. They have no hint of false pretense, nor do I worry about hidden agendas.

Authentic people are instantly more likable and trustworthy, which makes building rapport with them a pleasure.

Throughout the history of mankind, the virtues embraced by humanity have remained true, unwavering, and consistent.

Your integrity is your personal code of honor and has the power to build your reputation or destroy it, establish credibility or crumble it__n one swift move.

We've all met people who are beautiful on the outside, however, when they open their mouths to speak, they have nothing of substance to contribute.

Authenticity is the litmus test for the honesty, transparency, and trust which are necessary for healthy relationships.

The challenge of being authentic for people pleasers is that we really want people to like and accept us. Being vulnerable, however, requires that we come to terms with the fact that not everyone is going to like us, and that it is okay. Not everyone needs to like us.

Why did I think that the mask was a better portrayal than my authentic self? We can get hidden under layers of illusion, can__ we?

I am a recovering perfectionist, and like all in recovery, I do better some days than others!

Making money and being prosperous is a wonderful place to be, but not at the expense of your ethics, integrity, and reputation. It is simply not worth it. It nixes any chance of creating trusted working relationships.

Admittedly, there will be times when you must interact on a superficial level and adjust your behavior to fit in, go along and get along.

Your personal integrity, defined as being honest and having strong moral principles, communicates whether (or not) you can be trusted.

7. __hen a foundation is built following sound structural principles, with solid, high-quality materials, anything that is layered on top is more secure, durable, and resilient. Your integrity works the same way.

Sometimes we meet folks who appear rather plain, yet when they speak from a heart of service, love, compassion, and wisdom, they instantly become respected favorites.

Walking in alignment with your integrity will help you stay on the right track.

Interestingly, being yourself allows others to be themselves. Even with crazy imperfections, being a bona fide genuine person is the best any of us can be__essy flaws and all!