Live Your Best; Be YOU!

Vulnerability is inevitable no matter what we do,

embracing it may just be one of life’s most fulfilling experiences.

I realized that sometimes we have the wrong impression of who we truly are, or who is truly
accomplished. My personal view of an accomplished person is ‘one, who despite his/her
imperfections and vulnerability, strives to be the best version of his/herself’. While it is
terrifying to be vulnerable or stand in one’s authenticity - when you must force down negative
emotions at the thought that someone might see and know that you are not the person you
show yourself to be; we must embrace the change. Yes, it takes so much - courage, strength,
mistakes, illuminating lessons, incredible liberation in shedding off shame, so much more. But in
the end, our strengths emerge and overcome our flaws.

You should not deteriorate your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing; nor wallow in fear,
self-pity, depression, anxiety, hurt, etc. that comes with those difficult situations, brokenness, or
challenges. Rather, condition your mind to have positive views of yourself because, what
matters most is how you see yourself. Own your story; be in control of your emotions, actions,
and reactions; retain peace and sanity; and most importantly, create your world of acceptance
and happiness! The journey only begins with keeping a positive mindset – a sound mind!

Hey! Watch this space. I’ll be sharing some nuggets – a road map to living your best life
possible.

Stay tuned!
Nugget 1:

The Essential Self- Your Authenticity

Authenticity is ‘being oneself’ or ‘being true to oneself’ - a personal choice in creating one’s
identity, which is different from social role-predetermined identity. This implies the possibility of
inauthenticity, of being false to oneself. For this, it requires one to have acquired a degree of
self-consciousness, and throw off the suppressions which are self-imposed, or imposed upon
them by the limitations of conventional ‘social fit’.

The good place to start regaining similarity between your ‘imagined life’ and ‘actual life’ begins
with the exploration of your self-values, i.e., being able to make explicit your current dominant
values, and thereafter explore ways in which to achieve similarity between your ‘beliefs/values’
(what you value and wish to prioritise in your life) and your ‘daily action’ (what you do in respect
to prioritising and dedicating time, energy and resources to identified values).

Action Plan

List your top five (5) values in order of preference, and then tick off whether or not you
ARE/WERE ABLE to exercise or live out those values currently or in the past (depending on
your set goals in the last two years or more.

- If you COULD NOT/CANNOT live out or exercise your values, briefly write down ‘why’, and what
can and/or cannot be done about it (elaborate liberally).

- If you COULD/CAN live out or exercise your values, briefly state ‘what else’ can be done, to further
extend/enhance the living out of a particular value (elaborate liberally).
Nugget 2:

Self-Efficacy and Self-Awareness

Self-efficacy is a key element of your competence or ability. It is influenced by beliefs about the
degree to which you control your own destiny. Self-awareness requires “a deep understanding
of one’s emotions, as well as one’s strengths and limitations and one’s values and motives”. It
involves not only understanding your person or character, but the ability to be authentic in
representing yourself and in dealing ethically with situations.

During difficulties, do you give up in defeat, or do you feel like you can rise up to the challenge
and make something out of it? People who have a clear understanding of who they are, usually
recover quickly from setbacks and disappointments. They are usually prepared to deal with the
inevitable changes of life and feel a sense of stability and confidence despite the turmoil that
may surround them. Self-efficacy and self-awareness define your identity, promote self-
development, and enhance the mind and heart-based actions that are critical to being a
purposeful You.

Action Plan
Life is full of challenges. Developing a strong sense of self-efficacy can play an important role in
almost every aspect of your life. Do an assessment of your self-efficacy level with the following
guided questions;

 Are you confident in your abilities to achieve set goals?

 Do you feel like you can manage unexpected events that come up?
 Are you able to bounce back fairly quickly after stressful or unforeseen events?
 Do you feel like you can come up with solutions to address difficult situations?
 Are you good at staying calm even in the face of chaos?

If you can answer yes to all of these questions, then, chances are good that you have a strong
sense of self-efficacy. Otherwise, do the following to boost your self-efficacy;

 Celebrate your abilities and success

 Seek positive feedbacks from other people
 Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions
Nugget 3:

Self-Love

Nugget 4:

Self-Efficacy and Self-Awareness

Nugget 5:

Self-Efficacy and Self-Awareness

Nugget 6:

Self-Efficacy and Self-Awareness

Nugget 7:

Self-Efficacy and Self-Awareness

Nugget 8:

Self-Efficacy and Self-Awareness

Nugget 9:

Self-Efficacy and Self-Awareness

Nugget 10:

Self-Efficacy and Self-Awareness