Be Your Authentic Self
The only thing worse than being fake is staying in an environment where you can't be your authentic Self. I've read, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” And in 2022, I had a firsthand experience that brought that quote to life.
In 2022, I became a licensed real estate agent with KW. Shoutout to the KW team at Loudoun Gateway—I learned a ton of things that go beyond the textbooks. The staff and team members were incredibly helpful, and over the next two years, I did open houses, hosted showings, and completed a few small transactions, including one big sale.
But I remember sitting in the conference room during my last meeting, looking around, and realizing something was off. My clothes matched theirs, I was prepared for the meeting—yet I didn’t feel like I belonged.
You see, on my way to the meeting, I had Raekwon and Ghostface Killah blasting on “Guillotine Swords” from Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. I was vibing to RaRa’s FWM, and it hit me: this part of me didn’t fit in here. I turned the music down as I pulled into the parking lot, knowing that in this environment, that version of me wouldn’t be acceptable—unbecoming of a professional real estate agent.
And I couldn’t shake it. I thought about my past—my criminal record, the things I’d seen and done that no one else in that room had experienced. At 15, I was studying for my GED by day and running from the cops by night. I’ve walked the prison yard with men doing life for murder. I knew then, as I know now, I came from something different.
Sitting in that conference room, I knew I wasn’t coming back. It wasn’t about the clothes or the lesson—it was about the disconnect. I’d felt this way before, like an imposter trying to prove something to peers, family, and even to myself. I’ve put myself in situations that forced me to confront the fact that I could no longer pretend. And this was another one of those moments. I’m more mature now, and I can admit when I’m out of my element. I refuse to bend, schmooze, tiptoe, or tap dance to fit an image that isn’t me.
To be clear, I have nothing but respect for the KW team. I’m not glorifying my past or promoting the criminal life—I’m simply acknowledging that, in that moment, I realized I was disconnected. I’d rather be home in a snapback and Crocs or fishing at the lake. The environment wasn’t for me, and more importantly, I didn’t feel emotionally connected to it. And that’s the key—success comes when you’re connected to something on a soul level.
So, listen when your soul is telling you that an environment isn’t right for you. It might be a sign from a higher power that something better is out there for you. There’s a freedom that comes when you get close to your most authentic self. Maybe you’re working a job you don’t enjoy. Maybe your relationship isn’t fulfilling. Or maybe you feel out of place with your current group of friends, family, or colleagues. Whatever it is, trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to make big changes.
• Are you in an environment where you feel disconnected from your true Self?
• What areas of your life feel inauthentic, and how can you make changes to align with your values?
• Have you ever ignored your instincts about a situation, and what did it cost you?
• What does being your authentic Self look like in your personal or professional life?
• What steps can you take today to embrace your true self, even if it means making big changes?
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