How to Create a Happy & Authentic Life: Get Clear

"Getting Real is a very real thing and a very vital part of being successful and happy in our life and in our work."

The above quote is from my article "7 Steps to Creating a Happy & Authentic Life," where we talked about what it means to Get Real and introduced the 7 Simple Truths for Getting Real & Staying Real as the foundation for creating a happy and authentic life. In this follow-up series, we will unwrap each of the 7 Simple Truths for Getting Real & Staying Real and share ideas about how to implement the truths to create a happy and authentic life.

Simple Truth #1: Get Clear

Getting Clear is the first step in getting real. We need to get clear about who we are and what we want in life. Getting clear is about self-awareness.

Start by getting curious

Learn to look for and recognize opportunities. Explore your options in every situation. Become more aware of the many choices you are making in your life every day. Look for role models and ask them how they've become more self-aware in their own lives.

Knowing what makes you tick

The ultimate in self-awareness is emotional awareness or emotional intelligence. To get clear, we are going to have to start paying attention to what makes us tick, to the emotions that are driving who we are and how we show up in our lives.

"Everything we do and don't do is driven by some sort of emotion. If you want somewhere to start, start with fear."

Becoming truly happy and successful

We have to get clear on what happiness and success looks like to us. What it will take to achieve happiness and success, and what could prevent us from having the happiness and success we desire and deserve?

"Knowing others is intelligence; Knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering others is strength; Mastering yourself is true power." -- Tao Te Ching

Are you ready to Get Clear?

Beginning today, start taking action to become more conscious about who you are and how you are showing up in your life. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

* Notice how you act and react to situations. What do you think is causing you to act or react that way? What are you feeling? What are you thinking? Does the situation warrant your reaction?
* Pay attention to your gut, that part of you that gives you little nudges this way or that in your life. You know the one that tells you "turn left here or study these particular notes or maybe he isn't the best guy for you." It is one wise counselor. What is it telling you?

What does getting clear mean for you? How can you become more conscious, intentional and aware in your life, so you can begin to create a more happy and authentic life for yourself?