The Myth of Power: Finding True Happiness in Authenticity

In our society, we're often conditioned to believe that power, recognition, and external validation are the keys to happiness and fulfillment. We chase after promotions, accolades, and seats at the table, believing that being seen by our peers and receiving praise from others will bring us lasting satisfaction. But what if I told you that this pursuit of power is just a myth?

As a female who has climbed the corporate ladder and experienced the fleeting thrill of being recognized by her peers, I can attest to the emptiness that often lies beneath the surface. Pursuing external validation can be a vicious, never-ending cycle of striving and chasing, leaving us exhausted, unfulfilled, and disconnected from our true selves. It is a relentless quest to prove our worth to the world, especially for women. But the more we seek validation from external forces, the further we drift from our true selves.

True happiness and fulfillment don’t come from the accolades or recognition of others. They come from within – living authentically, pursuing our passions, and nurturing our relationships. It's about finding meaning and purpose in our lives rather than constantly seeking validation from external sources.

A few years ago, I decided to pivot from the corporate world and forge my path, embracing my passion for creativity and self-expression. Along the way, I discovered that true happiness lies in listening to my inner voice, honoring my values, and prioritizing my well-being over the demands of my professional life.

Your sense of self-worth should always come from your ability to recognize your accomplishments and hear your voice, no matter who recognizes it externally.

As I finally sat at that proverbial boardroom table, surrounded by the top CEOs and executives seeking my advice, I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was missing. I finally sat in the corner office, and I felt let down. I was tired and uninspired.

In the high-pressure environment of corporate life and even entrepreneurship, it's easy to get swept up in the pursuit of power and external validation. As the first female in my family to attain a college education and climb the ranks within an organization, I felt the weight of expectations and the drive to prove myself at every turn. Yet, amidst the accolades and achievements, I couldn't shake the feeling that something essential was missing. Despite reaching the pinnacle of success, I realized I was living a half-life—deprived of the authenticity, self-expression, and creativity I yearned for.

It took me some time to recognize that true fulfillment doesn't stem from external validation or the approval of others. I was burnt out and needed time to heal. It was about honoring my deepest values and desires, even if they diverge from the path of conventional success.

This meant acknowledging my innate need for creativity and self-expression and embracing the desire to color outside the lines. Without art and creativity, I only allowed half of myself to exist. Thus, I consciously decided to carve out space for creativity and infuse my life with the colors found in nature.

As we age, we often realize that true happiness is found in the simple moments—spending time with loved ones, pursuing our passions, and being true to ourselves. We learn to listen to our bodies and pay attention to the signals they're sending us. If you constantly feel exhausted, anxious, or unwell, it may be a sign that you're out of alignment with your true self.

Yes, we do have to make a living, but take some time for yourself to pursue your creative self. Everyone has a creative self; all you need to do is try and explore. Paint, write, cook, draw, garden, design, or whatever your passion is; do it and breathe deeply into it.

Let go of the myth of power and external validation. Instead, focus on living authentically, cultivating meaningful connections, and finding joy in the present moment. Slow down and listen to yourself! True happiness lies not in being seen by others but in being true to yourself and living a life that brings you genuine fulfillment. Try coloring outside of the lines.

““Keep worthiness off the table. Your raise can be on the table, your promotion can be on the table, your title can be on the table, your grades can be on the table. But keep your worthiness for love and belonging off the table. And then ironically everything else just takes care of itself.””

— Brene Brown