“Play it safe.”
“Don’t risk too much.”
“Don’t let others know you’re struggling. Just act strong.”
“Fake it because you know you’ll never make it!”

You hear that voice whispering to you? That evil voice? Yes, I said evil. It’s the evil voice that convinced you to wear that mask in the first place.

What would the world say if it knew the real you? One evil lie is whispered to you softly every day…“Are you kidding me!? Who do you think you are? You don’t have what it takes. You gotta wear that mask because we both know you’re a fake.”

You’re listening to that whisper… every day. Do you hear it?

We’re all secretly hiding behind the mask…. hiding our true self. It’s just safer and easier to play the part we think the world wants from us.

So, we wear our masks. We play the part.

We wear our masks so we can pursue things like security, comfort and status. That’s what the whispering voice is selling to us every day. And we’re buying it.

But security, comfort and status won’t completely fulfill. Deep down you know that, but are you willing to admit it to yourself? The world aches for the real you. The world aches for your authentic self. It aches for your gift.

But what are we supposed to do?

Authenticity would mean lowering our mask. Exposing our true self to others. We can’t do that, right? Seriously, lower the mask? That’s crazy. That would mean… Vulnerability and Risk?

YES! Authentic vulnerability and sweet risk!

The truth is we’re all meant for a battle, a battle for authenticity. A battle you’re well armed to fight. You’ve got what it takes inside you. But until you lower the mask, you’re unwilling to step into that fight.

Authenticity is what the world wants. No… it’s what the world needs! You can’t live out your unique purpose on this planet until you’re willing to lower your mask and step into your authentic role, until you’re willing to give the world your authentic self, until you’re willing to step into that battle and fight.

Know this… the enemy is real

There is a very real resistance in our world. It’s an enemy. That resistance will push back with innuendos and lies just to keep your false self showing and your real self… your true gift to the world… in hiding.

Resistance has got you right where he wants you… intimidated, wearing a mask and sitting in the corner. “Now stay there!” He’s shouting. How much longer are you going to listen? How much longer are you going to obey? How much longer are you going to take it? How much longer are you going to rob the world of your gift? How much longer will you hide your authentic self from us all?

Lower the mask, get ready for the battle, and find your why.

We’ve lost our why and we need to find it because that’s where our passion lives. Call it a purpose… a destiny… an authentic life of significance… a life that doesn’t just settle for success, but a life that risks vulnerability to live a more authentic adventure, a more fulfilling and authentic life.

You’ll know your calling because you’ll be drawn toward it, while at the same time you’ll sense the cold threat of the enemy’s lies, the whispered voice of resistance, that evil reminder of risk, fear, and doubts. It’s the fear of change, the unknown. Resistance is talking to you again. Pushing you right back into your corner…

“Now stay there!” the enemy shouts

Not this time! Drop the mask. Step into the battle. It’s time to stand up for yourself.

As William Wallace from Braveheart said, “Every man dies. Not every man really lives.”

Where are you men and women of courage? It’s time to live your authentic life!

Drop the Mask!

Let’s stop pretending! Let’s live out our calling. Let’s give our gifts to the world! Be the person you were born to be. It’s time to step into the battle!

Let’s live the AUTHENTIC LIFE! You were meant for so much more.

Now go punch resistance in the face and let’s do this!

Still reminding myself to lower that mask everyday,
Russ

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Some books on lowering the mask and being authentic:

Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul, by John Eldredge

Do the Work: Overcome resistance and get out of your own way, by Steven Pressfield

Corporate Ovations: Your Roadmap to More Effective Presentations, by Russ Peterson Jr. and Kevin Karschnik

Cut the C.R.A.P. and Make the Sale, by Russ Peterson Jr.

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Have you downloaded my new FREE eBook on Sales and Leadership Inspiration?

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Russ Peterson Jr. is the co-founder and Managing Director of iSpeak, Inc. – An award-winning professional development training company. Russ is a published author on Professional Sales Communication and Business Communication. He delivers workshops, keynotes, and personal communication coaching services to business professionals in the US and around the world. You can connect with Russ directly through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.