231: Be True to Your Authentic Self
You’re the only one who can.
“I knew that I needed to be more upfront with how I was as a person and what I wanted out of life. And I wasn’t satisfied at that time in any aspect of life, whether it was marriage or work or anything. And it really came down to I had just been going with the flow. I had been following whatever opportunities were in front of me.”
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Summary
Central to any focus on change are some looming questions: why change, how to change, and how to overcome obstacles. Looking broadly at change across many fields, what intrigues me about change is the engine that drives it, and that’s curiosity. And curiosity is not just a point in time; it’s a process: helping people to pause, reflect, ask questions, gain clarity and then change.
My guest
Andy Vargo is no stranger to change!
If you ever feel awkward about yourself, then you can understand how Andy Vargo lived the first forty years of his life. Coming out of the closet at forty doesn’t define him; pursuing his passion to help others does. Having changed everything about his life, Andy leads others as a motivational speaker and helps people live their fullest lives as a business and life-change coach. At night you can find him working stages around the northwest as a comedian, making light of his journey with the gift of laughter.
Awkward is not only his brand, but his style as Andy encourages us all to ‘Own Your Awkward’ and be true to your authentic self.
Takeaways
√ “Owning your awkward” is being true to who you really are.
√ When you recognize your awkwardness, it’s time to change.
√ “Authenticity” is not trying to fit in and put on a certain personality.
√ Often the initial questions that clients come to coaching with are only scratching the surface. It’s what’s below the surface that’s the real issue.
√ Change is not about just having a goal; it’s determining the results you want when you achieve the goal.
√ The problem to a solution is often contained in the problem itself.
√ Getting Unstuck is not an accident; it’s a process.
Referenced
Andy hosts the “Own Your Awkward” podcast, authored the Awkward Journal series and Own Your Awkward Life Changes. He shares his thoughts and ideas in his blog and video series available at awkwardcareer.com.