Wednesday's Wisdom

Tavia Robinson
Jan 7
2 min read

January 7, 2026 | Authenticity is sexy...

“Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and to be that perfectly.”

— St. Francis de Sales

From a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) perspective, authenticity isn’t a soft skill—it’s a leadership competency, a personal brand strategy, and a resilience practice, especially in a politically charged climate and during the residual stress the holiday season often leaves behind.

Before you read on, pause with me for a moment:

Take a deep breath in…

Exhale slowly…

Another deep breath in…

Exhale…

One more breath…

Now settle into the present moment.

In coaching, we often talk about alignment—the congruence between who you are, what you value, and how you show up. When leaders operate from that place, they conserve energy, build trust, and increase impact. When they don’t, they experience burnout, self-doubt, and decision fatigue.

Despite how often we hear “just be yourself,” many high-achieving professionals still shape-shift to meet expectations, fit cultures, or avoid discomfort. That constant self-editing comes at a cost. As research highlights, authenticity is closely tied to psychological well-being, confidence, and deeper relational trust (Psychology Today; Trust Mental Health).

Iyanla Vanzant offers a grounding reminder that resonates deeply with coaching work:

Authenticity is not about perfection—it’s about learning, growing, and using what you already have with intention. When you commit to self-awareness and development, your excellence becomes visible without force.

Coaching reflections for you and your team:

Where might you be over-adapting instead of showing up aligned with your values?
What part of yourself have you been minimizing that could actually strengthen your leadership presence?
What skill, perspective, or capacity are you being invited to develop next?
How would your decisions shift if you fully trusted yourself?

Today’s affirmation:

I accept myself as I am—and I take responsibility for who I am becoming.

You are enough—not because you’ve mastered everything, but because you are willing to learn, reflect, and lead with intention. Authenticity isn’t loud. It’s grounded. It’s confident. And yes—it’s magnetic.

Be intentional. Encourage others to do the same. Watch what changes.

One last thought to carry you through the week:

When you stop performing and start aligning, your power becomes undeniable.

You’ve got this!

Coach Tavia, PCC, MAT, MSEd