Having an authentic voice is not something that is restricted to writers, filmmakers, musicians or other creative professionals. We all have an authentic voice, each and every one of us on this earth. Whether it’s how we communicate through our spoken or written work or the unique way we navigate the world. It’s how we express ourselves and our truth to the world. An authentic voice is our essence, our brand or uniqueness.

You could think of an authentic voice as an externalization of who you really are at your core. But how many of us do you think actually connect to that deep self regularly? How many of us are expressing from that place, an honest place where we are unafraid to be judged or rejected? Whether you are a writer, musician, dancer, accountant, mother, father, digital nomad, painter, student, chef, waiter, fashion designer, environmentalist (you get the idea, whoever you are and whatever you do), you have the choice to tap into your true self and live your life from that essence or not.

I know it sounds simple and I’ll admit it takes some work and a willingness to be vulnerable, but I truly believe that those of us who feel indecisive, confused or directionless in life can find confidence and purpose through becoming our authentic selves.

If you feel you’ve never quite discovered who you were meant to be, or what you were meant to do, if you feel like you have not fully stepped into your purpose on this planet – then how are you supposed to know what it is you want to manifest? The answer is, with difficulty.

It can be hard and confusing to see clearly from a place of not knowing yourself properly, or not honoring who you truly are. Some of us were raised not to follow our real dreams because they were considered too unrealistic or unattainable. Some of us may have lost our way through bad experiences, trauma or unhealthy relationships. Whatever has happened so far in your life story, it’s always up to you to re-write the next chapter how you want it to be.

The reason a lot of manifestation techniques don’t bring you the results you want is often down to the fact that you are giving off a wishy washy vibration about what it is you desire! Once you really know your voice and who you are, you cannot help but get super clear on how you imagine your life unfolding. The two just go hand in hand.

The more you develop your authenticity, the more confident you will become. It’s that confidence that infuses you with the positivity and determination to follow your dreams. The reason is simple, there’s literally nothing more attractive than authenticity. Someone who knows who they are and is always being true to themselves is like a magnet for manifestations.

Knowing your truth and tapping into the voice that is uniquely yours will always resonate with other people, be they your clients, audience, friends or family. It’s tempting to cut corners, copy others and communicate in a way you might believe others want to hear but that’s not the way to long-lasting success and happiness. People can sense when you are hiding your true self behind what someone else might say. People can also sense the calm, quiet power that comes from real authenticity.

Naturally in these modern times of instant gratification, a world saturated with noise and distractions, information and images urging you to make constant comparisons, it can be so challenging to find who you really are and what you really want to express.

These are some exercises and ideas that can help you connect to your deep truth, find your authentic voice and manifest your true calling.
 

1. STOP BEING AFRAID

Our fears are what get in the way of our happiness and success. One of the best exercises I have found to do is to sit down with a notepad and pen and just get really honest about what scares you, write a list of what those fears are.

When you are being authentic, you are unafraid of being seen for who you are. The aim of this exercise is to get to the bottom of what’s preventing you from stepping into your beautiful authentic self and expressing yourself how you desire. What holds you back from following your dreams?

It could be that you feel you are:

 
Once you have made a list of what scares you, take some time to free-write (just write without thinking or judging yourself). The aim is to write down what you would do differently if you started your life over again today. What would the child that you once were tell you to do? How could you please the child in you? Write for 5 minutes without stopping to read back on what you wrote until you finish.

Now consider the following statements/ questions and complete them.

2. WHO ARE YOU REALLY?

The next exercise is about getting to know yourself better. You may think you know what you like and dislike but you will be surprised! If you follow the instructions you will have 100 things at the end of this exercise and you’ll feel like you’ve just had the deepest insight into who you really are!

Write down 10 things you love about yourself. This can be hard for some people. I suggest anything from the color of your eyes to your sense of humor or the way you care for your friends.

Write down 10 things you are passionate about. It could be chocolate ice cream or endangered pandas or playing guitar or watching a sunset…whatever you want!

Write down 10 things you feel confident about. This could be anything from your knowledge about a specific thing, your language or baking skills to your relationships, your ability to run 2km…try to get imaginative.

Write down 10 things you would like to learn more about. Anything goes! Art, politics, the environment, the inside of a car engine, how to make bread, your grandfather’s life as a boy.

Write down 20 things that you would like to experience in your lifetime. Get creative here! It could be as huge as climbing Mt. Everest or writing a best-selling novel or as tiny as sharing cheesecake one afternoon with a bunch of friends you don’t see much anymore.

Write down 20 things that you would like to be. This might cover anything from a good parent to an awesome dancer, a respected journalist or a great listener..let your inner self come out.

Write down 20 things that you would like to have. A fancy car, a beautiful home, longer vacations or a close set of friends who live nearby.

You will find that you have fun doing this exercise, it can be challenging but once you get going you’ll discover things you had forgotten you cared deeply about or maybe you will even be surprised at what comes out during these lists.
 

3. LISTEN TO THE VOICE WITHIN

The final exercise is to get into some quiet contemplative meditation. Meditation is an incredibly effective tool in discovering your authentic self. In that quiet space of connection you strengthen your sense of self. You increase your faith in your inner guidance which fosters confidence in the outside world. Even just a couple of minutes each day of quiet breathing where you ask yourself Who am I? Can be deeply effective.

Once you do these exercises and return to them regularly you will build up a secure sense of who you are on all levels and your confidence will increase.

I recommend writing daily lists of your gifts, what you love and what you desire. You will discover that you are slowly developing a sense of self that you can draw up around yourself like a bubble. It is a powerful thing to do, it will keep you centered and connected to your authentic essence, and you will find it easier to make decisions, to identify what you want to do or not do and will help you moving forward in all aspects of life.

Manifestations will come much easier to you from this sense of connectedness because everything you speak, think and do will be coming from that sacred place that is uniquely you.