031: The Importance of Being Your True Self [Podcast]

What do you do? It's a common question. And it seems like the answer should be easy enough. But honestly, it doesn't always feel simple, we often struggle with answering that very question.

What do you do? It's a common question. And it seems like the answer should be easy enough. But it doesn't always feel so simple. Many of us struggle with answering that very question.

Sometimes the thing we are doing or the job title we hold doesn't encompass who we fully are. Sometimes, our dream looks different than our day job. And the truth is we are more than what we do. We are not just one thing. Which is where the struggle comes in.

In this episode of The Portfolio Life, my co-host Andy Traub and I discuss the importance of owning who you are, even when it feels risky.

Listen to the podcast

To listen to the show, click the player below (if viewing this in email, click here).

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You can also download it at iTunes or on Stitcher.

Listen in as we talk about practical and profound ways to own who you really are. And as usual Andy and I share a couple predictions for the future.

What we don't say (and why it matters)

Sometimes, people won't admit who they are. They'll hem and haw and stammer, waiting for permission to be their true selves. I know this, because I was this way (still am sometimes). And I can tell you: it is an utter waste of time.

Here's the essence of the episode in a short statement:

The things you neglect to say about yourself say as much, if not more, than the things you really do say. [Tweet that]

In other words, what you are afraid to admit about yourself just might be an indicator of exactly who you are.

On the show, we talk more about this fear of becoming ourselves and how we shouldn't ignore it. Instead, we ought to realize that in the midst of this fear lie some of our greatest assets.

Don't spend your life hiding behind the facade of a fake self. Be your true self -- you'll be happier, more successful, and live a better life. [Tweet that]

As you listen to this week's episode of the podcast, I hope you'll find encouragement to be your true self, even when it feels risky.

Show highlights

In this episode we discuss:

• The most significant conversation I've ever had, in regards to my vocation.

• When I began to call myself a writer and what happened the following week.

• The most overlooked page on every website, the number one clicked page on my homepage, and why they are so important.

• Three things that need to be included on your About Page.

• The importance of owning who you are.

• The bravest thing you can do for yourself.

Resources mentioned

• The Gifts of Imperfections by Brené Brown

• HarperCollins e-commerce program for authors

• Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port

I hope you enjoy this week's episode. Feel free to download it and share with friends. And I'd love for you to take a moment to leave a review on iTunes (this helps more people find the podcast).

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Click here to check out the videos.[/specialbox]

What's one fear that keeps you from being your true self? Share in the comments.