Four words. Straight to the point.
Stop lying to yourself.
That’s how one of my journal entries began two years ago.
And the words hit home just as hard today as they did then.
How many times have we told ourselves, “I’m okay” or “It’s kinda tough” instead of facing the real deal? We think these little fibs are harmless, but really, they’re anchors keeping us stuck. I’ve learned this the hard way—and unfortunately, more than once.
In marriage, in business, in parenting… I’ve let undesirable, unnecessary circumstances linger for too long while I lied to myself about what was really going on.
You know the saying, “The truth will set you free”? It’s not just a nice thought. It’s real. And it’s about getting real with every part of your life–even when it’s uncomfortable. As a matter of fact, it most often is.
Brené Brown talks about integrity in her BRAVING acronym. It’s not just about how you relate to others. It starts with being honest with yourself.
And here’s an important point: It’s not about beating yourself up; it’s about owning your stuff. That’s where the magic happens. That’s where you start to change things up, grow, and really start living.
I remember talking to a mentor once, trying to downplay my struggles, saying, “It’s pretty hard.” He called it like it was and said, “I see someone who’s bleak, oppressed, hopeless.” That was the truth. And facing that truth was the key to moving forward.
The same is true for you.
Do you have things in your life–or work–that aren’t the way you’d like them to be? Whether it’s relationships, health, finances, parenting, leadership, or any other aspect of your life, the change you seek is on the other side of telling yourself the truth… which means you have to stop lying to yourself.
By the way, for leaders, the lies we tell ourselves not only limit our own growth but can also create a ripple effect that hinders the potential of our teams. When we stop lying to ourselves, we foster a culture of trust and authenticity. This is essential for healthy employee relations where individuals feel valued and understood.
So, here’s what I want you to think about:
- What’s the last lie you told yourself?
- Why are you lying? What are you trying to protect?
- How old were you when you started this pattern?
- What are you trying to dodge by not being straight with yourself?
- How is this lie blocking your true connection with yourself or others?
- Who would you be—or what would you do—without that lie?
As we strive for authenticity, let’s challenge ourselves to be leaders in our own lives and our workplaces. Let’s drop the lies. It’s time for the straight-up, no-chaser truth. Let’s commit to a culture of honesty that propels us and our families, teams, and organizations forward.
There you have it. Simple as that. Stop lying to yourself. Start living your truth.
We can do this. And when we do… we rise.
Up we go!
