This week, I want to talk to you about why it's essential to embrace your unique self and explain how, by doing this, you enhance your authenticity with others and can foster more genuine connections and then always let your personality shine through in whatever you do.

Have you ever found yourself trying to be more serious than light-hearted with people? This may probably be because you consciously or unconsciously fear that people will think you need to be serious to be taken seriously. However, it is actually the opposite; people relate to you more and take you seriously when they see that you are human!

Try to express your true self in conversations or other types of expression? You will usually find that people are more likely to respond positively to you. In fact, your unique perspective can often inspire and engage others in more meaningful ways. It is about building genuine trust and creating memorable interactions with others.

Being authentic also helps cultivate self-confidence and allows you to navigate both personal and professional relationships with far more ease. Doing this will also often set you apart from the crowd and lead you to opportunities that align better with who you truly are.

Here are some examples:

- You will find that in friendships or relationships with family, genuine laughter and vulnerability deepen bonds with others more, making those relationships more fulfilling and resilient. - When you pursue work, tasks, or hobbies, more aligned with your interests and talents in life, rather than simply doing something that you think will help you fit in with others, it can lead you to have more fulfilling experiences and personal growth in life. - In interviews, or other formal environments, sharing personal stories that have happened to you, rather than giving rehearsed scripts or response, often leave a more lasting impression. These are the things that potential employers remember.

However, some people may argue that letting too much of your personality shine through sometimes can make you more vulnerable to criticism or misunderstandings. Therefore, it is crucial to try to always find a balance between authenticity and adaptability, depending on different social contexts. ​ So, this week, remember to always try to be your true self. As I've said, it enhances connections with others. Genuineness attracts a more loyal and empathetic audience for whatever you say or do. Embrace your uniqueness and always let your personality shine through in whatever you do!

This week, I want to talk to you about why it's so essential not only to use your talents, but to learn how to use them too, if you want to harness them effectively.

A natural gift for something is merely a starting point. For us to truly succeed with a natural talent or skill, we must actively develop and refine it too.

It is only through consistent practice, constructive feedback and continuous learning, that we can then transform that raw potential into mastery. Only by encouraging growth in this way, can we ever reach our full potential for something.

We therefore always need to understand that just possessing a talent is not enough. It is only by learning to use that talent properly, that allows us to fulfil our capabilities, which requires us to embrace a growth mindset.

Here are some examples:

- Even a gifted athlete must still train rigorously and consistently to enhance their performance and stamina. - A person may be a talented musician, but they still need to practice daily to improve their technique and expand their repertoire. - A skilled writer still needs to read extensively to see how others express themselves and practise writing regularly to refine their storytelling ability and style.

However, you must also realise that relying solely on talent without effort may lead to complacency and stagnation. In fact, this attitude of resting on your laurels may eventually even cause your natural skills to diminish over time, or leave you unprepared to adapt to new changes, through neglect.

So, this week, remember to actively engage with and refine your talents through consistent effort and learning. Growth also comes from sharing what you have. Remember, it’s no good just having a talent; you've got to use it and learn how to use it too!