Authenticity does not come from title, social stature, or the size of one's paycheck but rather from how we live. It is about how we go about pursue our dreams in our own unique way. Truly authentic people lead with their soul. Along with fearless passion and courage, they possess relentless mental discipline. Each one of us is born to make an authentic contribution. Here are some of the disciplines and practices derived from my own experience and learning that may help you in your own journey.

1. by Faisal Hoque
founder of:
10 HABITS OF HIGHLY
AUTHENTIC PEOPLE
“Truly authen2c people lead with their soul.
Along with fearless passion and courage,
they possess relentless mental discipline.”

2. The word “authenticity” comes
from the Greek root authentikos,
meaning — original, genuine,
principal.
Each one of us is born to make an
authentic contribution.

3. Fostering Inner Energy
“To be authen2c one must be "awake”, meaning
you have the ability to understand who you are,
what you want to be, and how you want to fit in the
world.”

4. But crea2ng our thoughts, making the
journey, ignoring the skep2cs, and
dus2ng ourselves off every 2me we fall
requires disciplining our inner energy
and drive. OIen that energy comes
from within.
Here are a few sugges2ons to foster
inner energy …

5. “Des2ny results from "inten2on" — our
spiritual will; something that drives us
to do what seems impossible. It
nurtures us with hope in our darkest
moments, enables us to dream of beOer
days.”
Intend your destiny

6. “Being in the moment allows us to
escape from adversity and conserve
our inner energy.”
Be in the moment

7. “Rituals teach us to be disciplined, deliberate,
and medita2ve. Create rituals for daily life that
provide a path to prac2ce mastery with
posi2ve energy.”
Develop rituals

8. Learning to Suffer Well
“Taking an authen2c journey oIen involves
traveling uncharted territories, challenging
conven2onal paths, and ignoring the tradi2onal
need for safety and comfort.”

9. Like any other skill, learning to suffer well
requires conscious prac2ce and learning.
Here are some fundamentals to consider…

10. “It is oIen only through hardship that we
discover our inner strengths and capabili2es.”
Learn from bad times

11. “We can control ourselves: how we choose to
respond, our own aTtudes, how we let go,
and our outlook — moving forward by
keeping our eyes on the bigger picture.”
Keep an eye on
the bigger picture

12. “It's important to be reminded of the people who
believe in and support us and to cul2vate those
rela2onships.”
Spend time with people
Who are uplifting

13. Leading from the Ledge
“Authen(c people reach their highest poten(al by
taking risks that are consistent with their ethos and
values. ”

14. They lead by constantly standing on an
uncomfortable ledge.
Leading from the ledge requires that you…

15. “Authen2c people ar constantly pushing the
envelope and raising their standards. And they
have the wisdom to know the difference
between excellence and perfec2on.”
Strive for excellence,
not perfection

16. “Our ability to effec2vely survive, thrive,
and lead comes from flexibly riding out our
ups and downs.”
Be flexible

17. “An authen2c person who does not
follow someone else's footsteps. It is
their comfort with all the
uncertain2es that drives them to
move forward.”
Take comfort
in uncertainty

18. “Se;ng smaller goals for ourselves
offers us posi(ve reinforcement
when we achieve them.”
Achieve small
goals everyday

20. Shadoka’s porZolio of offerings enables
entrepreneurship, growth, and social
impact. Our customers and partners
aspire to create sustainable value. They
are focused on repeatable and
measurable impact. We enable their
aspira(ons.
We bring together the management
frameworks, digital plaZorms, and
thought leadership for:
• Evalua2on, execu2on, and
monitoring of programs
• Scaling sales, revenue, and
profitability
• Crea2on and management of digital
communi2es and marketplaces
About SHADOKA
Follow us @shadokaventures
shadoka.com

21. About Me
Founder of Shadoka and other
companies. Shadoka enables
entrepreneurship, growth, and social
impact.
Formerly of GE and other global
brands. Author of several books,
including Everything Connects – How to
Transform and Lead in the Age of
Crea:vity, Innova:on and
Sustainability (McGraw Hill, 2014) and
Survive to Thrive – 27 Prac:ces of
Resilient Entrepreneurs, Innovators,
And Leaders (Mo2va2onal Press, 2015).
Follow me @faisal_hoque
faisalhoque.com