How to keep it real

Martha Roberts discovers that saying what we think and feel; being true to ourselves, paves the way to happiness

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How to keep it real

1. Learn the formula for authentic living

In Authentic: How To Be Yourself And Why It Matters (Little, Brown, ยฃ14.99), Stephen Joseph says: โ€˜Authentic people know themselves and what motivates their decisions, so are seen as genuine.โ€™ His formula for authentic living is: know yourself + own yourself + be yourself = an authentic life.

2. Listen to your inner voice of wisdom

Apple pioneer, Steve Jobs, said: โ€˜Donโ€™t let the noise of othersโ€™ opinions drown out your inner voice.โ€™ Joseph says we must learn to block out mental noise โ€“ such as arguments with partners โ€“ to hear our own โ€˜inner voice of wisdomโ€™. Close your eyes and create a โ€˜hushโ€™ to give that voice the chance to speak out.

3. Donโ€™t wait

Joseph says people get stuck because they think that they have to have long-term goals and, if they do not have any, they do not do anything at all. He explains: โ€˜Being true to yourself is about what you do, think and feel, right now, in this moment.โ€™ Do this day by day and you will start to see the road ahead more clearly.

Photograph: iStock

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