Authenticity: The Key to Workplace Happiness

Authenticity is the key to unlocking lasting happiness and fulfilment in the workplace.

In the pursuit of workplace happiness, it’s crucial to recognize that our identity extends beyond mere job titles and professional roles. Rooted in the principles of Unbox Life Mentoring, I advocate for a holistic approach to life with all its complexity, including the pursuit of happiness in the workplace—one that acknowledges the inseparable connection between our personal and professional domains. Reconnecting with our authentic identity can revolutionize our experience of happiness at work and beyond.

Self-awareness and personal growth

Our true identity is a unique combination of consciousness and physicality—a boundless essence, or consciousness, that extends far beyond the parameters of our occupational endeavours. This combination has its own unique expression, just like our fingerprints. I will refer to this combination as our personality (identified with a name, nationality etc). By delving into the depths of our being, we uncover the values, beliefs, and aspirations that define us at our core – beyond societal identification. We uncover our personal behavioural dynamic – which is what personal awareness, and personal growth is about. This process of introspection invites us to strip away the layers of societal conditioning and reconnect with the intrinsic values and passions that resonate deeply within us.

Who are you? And what do you want?

“who are you and what do you want’ is a proposed title for a book I started writing (if you’re a publisher and are interested, let me know!). We’ve got to know who we are, before we spend a lifetime perusing a job that we end up making our identity – at the expense of other aspects of our life! At the heart of our true identity lies a profound sense of purpose—a guiding force that illuminates our path in the workplace and beyond. I refer to that as our ‘guiding star’. Once uncovered, it helps us align our professional pursuits with our innermost values and aspirations, we infuse our work with passion, enthusiasm, and a deep sense of fulfilment. This alignment fosters a culture of integrity and excellence, where individuals thrive personally and professionally.

Re-identifying with ourselves, by connecting with our authentic and unique expression, is a journey of self-discovery—one that transcends societal labels and external expectations. By delving deep into the recesses of our being, we unearth the immutable expression that defines who we truly are. This process of introspection liberates us from the shackles of conformity and empowers us to embrace the authentic expression of our unique givens and talents.

Ask yourself: What were you born to express? What impact would you have had on the world once you departed from it? What does your ‘personality’ yearn to express? Exploring the answers to such questions underlines what we yearn to achieve in life and in the workplace. They also help us find the much-sought-after inner peace. When we align our professional endeavours with our innermost values and aspirations, we cultivate a deep sense of meaning and fulfilment in our work. No longer driven solely by external validation or material gain, we channel our energy and creativity towards pursuits that resonate with our soul’s calling.

Inner Peace. Joy.

Ultimately, the journey of rediscovering our identity is a deeply transformative process—one that transcends the confines of the workplace and permeates every aspect of our lives. Embracing our infinite and timeless essence allows us to unlock the door to boundless possibilities, purpose, and happiness. As we embark on this journey of self-discovery and reclamation, embracing the inherent wisdom that resides within us, we forge a path that honours the authenticity of our being—who we truly are. In doing so, we not only cultivate happiness and fulfilment in the workplace but also pave the way for a life imbued with meaning, purpose, and profound joy. You are the same person in life, work, and home! You may play different roles, but your unique expression is the same.

Moreover, the pursuit of happiness in modern workplaces isn’t merely a fleeting desire; it’s a fundamental need for sustained productivity and fulfilment. Consciousness is creative. It needs to express itself. How do we uncover it? My answer to that is Unbox Life Mentoring. At the heart of Unbox Life Mentoring lies the profound understanding that we are the same person irrespective of the environment we find ourselves in—be it at work, at home, or within our broader lives. The methodology is The Four Dimensions of Change—Body, Emotions, Mind, and Accountability to Actions (referred to as BEMA)—serve as the foundational pillars that shape our experiences and perceptions across all facets of life. Whether we’re grappling with dissatisfaction in our personal relationships or encountering challenges within the workplace, the principles remain unwaveringly applicable.

Unbox Four Dimensions of Change

Body: Our physical well-being forms the cornerstone of our overall happiness. Neglecting our health can lead to lethargy, stress, and diminished productivity. The more connected you are with your physical body, the more of your consciousness is present within it. Therefore, maintaining your body’s wellness is essential for your overall well-being and enjoying your life journey. When body and mind are incompatible, struggle and illness ensue. Incorporating simple practices like regular exercise, mindful eating, and adequate rest can significantly enhance our vitality and resilience in life and the workplace. Your body is affected by all sensory experiences, and stores these ‘memories’.

Emotions: Embracing emotional intelligence is paramount in fostering harmonious relationships and a positive work environment. Acknowledging and effectively managing our emotions allows us to navigate challenges with grace and empathy. An emotional experience generates a response. Cultivating a supportive workplace culture fosters a sense of belonging and collective well-being.

Mind: Our mindset plays a pivotal role in shaping our perceptions and responses to workplace dynamics. Thoughts are energy, and energy is infinite; it extends to the source of all energy. Effectively, your body serves as a vehicle for you to express and manifest your thoughts, goals, and desires. Scientist Itzahak Bentov believed that our brains do not produce thoughts but are devices for amplifying them. So, when you have an inner conflict, you will attract conflict. What negative thoughts are you amplifying? Become aware of your choice of words, and filter what goes into your brain. Ask yourself, “what belief do I hold? Or, “what am I investing in, that supports chaos in my life?” and you will get your answer. Cultivating a growth mindset enables us to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, organizations can create an environment where individuals flourish personally and professionally.

Accountability to Actions: Holding ourselves accountable for our choices, decisions, and actions fosters a culture of integrity, trust, and excellence. No matter what happened in the past, you have a choice in the present, and can change the direction of your life. By aligning our actions with our values and organizational goals, we contribute to a sense of purpose, accomplishment, and collective success within the workplace and out life.

Holistic Approach to Happiness

Moreover, The Four Dimensions of Change are a template that attempts to explain how complex human beings are in a simple way. The Four Dimensions of Change interact and form each other, continuously. I explain the interplay between them in detail in my book, The Essential Book of Chakra Healing: Balance Your Vital Energies. Unless all dimensions are ‘healed’ or harmonised, you will experience struggle anywhere in life, and you will bring them into the workplace, because that is part of who you are!

Essentially, all our all patterns, or dynamic, conducive, and destructive, are established in childhood; and remain with you as you grow older if not identified and modified and will affect our attitude and behaviours at the workplace.

Your body send out and receives signals
you respond emotionally
Repeated emotional responses form beliefs
Consequently, formed beliefs dictate your actions

The opposite is also true: modifying an action will change a belief, which will modify your emotional reaction. In this situation you begin to feel better or have less difficulty coping with life (see figure 5). Positive patterns reinforce your capacity to develop in a productive way and implies that your distinctive personality will manifestation easily if not spontaneously. Authentic Self is another term that describes your unique identity, or The Real You. Being in alignment describes effortlessly co-creating and evolving, which happens due to ongoing self-awareness. However, when established patterns are negative, they restrict your view of the world and keep getting in the way of your progress in life. Until you pay attention to them.

Embracing our authentic identity and integrating it into our professional lives is the key to unlocking lasting happiness and fulfilment in the workplace. By nurturing self-awareness, aligning with our core values, and fostering accountability, we create a work environment where individuals thrive and contribute meaningfully to organizational success. This holistic approach transcends job titles and external expectations, empowering us to live authentically and lead purposeful lives. Isn’t time you Unbox The Real You?