“Embracing your true self is a journey of peeling back layers imposed by society, understanding your core values, and living authentically. It’s about aligning your actions with your beliefs and finding joy in the everyday moments. This self-awareness not only leads to personal fulfillment but also strengthens your relationships and enhances your professional life.”
– Susan Taylor
Self-improvement is an ever-evolving voyage of self-discovery and personal growth that allows us to unleash our full potential. Investing in ourselves and striving for continuous improvement in a world that constantly challenges us is essential.
This thought-provoking exploration delves deep into self-improvement, bringing together inspiring voices from various fields. Through their expertise and experiences, they unveil invaluable insights, practical tips, and transformative strategies that can empower us to embark on our journeys of self-transformation.
From adopting healthy habits and nurturing positive mindsets to cultivating resilience and embracing change, this enlightening series offers a comprehensive guide to unlocking personal growth and creating a life of fulfillment and success.
Discover the incredible power of self-improvement as we embark on a transformative expedition toward a more vibrant, purpose-driven, and empowered version of ourselves.
As part of our self-improvement interview series, I had the privilege of interviewing Susan Taylor.
I’m thrilled to introduce Susan Taylor, founder of Generon International, and a true expert in personal growth and coaching. With a background in corporate training, Susan has dedicated her career to helping individuals discover their true selves and live authentically. Her programs and services, including her insightful mini ebook “Mindsets Matter,” provide practical tools for aligning actions with core values and overcoming limiting beliefs. Today, Susan will share her wisdom on the journey of self-discovery and authenticity. Welcome, Susan!
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you, Stacey. I’m thrilled to be here. My journey into personal growth and coaching began in the corporate world, where I worked in training and development. While I enjoyed the work, I felt a deeper calling to help individuals on a more personal level. This led me to found Generon International, where we offer a range of services designed to help people understand themselves better, align their actions with their core values, and ultimately live more authentic and fulfilling lives.
What does it mean to “know thyself,” and why is it important?
Knowing thyself means deeply understanding your values, passions, triggers, and the unique elements that make you who you are. It’s important because this self-awareness allows you to live authentically, align your actions with your beliefs, and navigate life’s challenges more effectively. When you know yourself, you can make choices that truly reflect who you are and what you want out of life, leading to greater fulfillment and success.
What are the first steps someone can take to discover their authentic self?
The first step is to give yourself ease and grace. We are often conditioned by society to act in ways that may not align with our true selves. Reflecting on your core values is crucial. Think about moments of pure joy and inspiration to uncover what truly matters to you. Understanding your core values can serve as a foundation for all the other steps in your self-discovery journey.
Can you share some techniques for identifying core values?
One practical method is to search online for a values sheet, which lists hundreds of potential values. Print it out, read through it, and select words that resonate with you. Aim to narrow it down to three to five core values that truly define you. Reflect on these values regularly, whether through journaling, contemplation, or discussion. This exercise helps you distill what is most important to you, providing clarity and direction.
How can people differentiate between their own values and those imposed by others?
Reflecting on your experiences can help. Consider what brings you genuine joy versus what you’ve been taught to value. Understand that many of our early values are influenced by family and society. It’s about peeling back those layers to find what genuinely resonates with you. This process can be eye-opening, as you realize which values are truly yours and which have been adopted from others.
What role do emotions play in understanding our values?
Emotions are closely tied to our values. They guide us towards what we truly care about and away from what doesn’t align with us. By paying attention to our emotional responses, we can better understand our core values. For instance, feelings of joy and excitement can indicate alignment with your values, while feelings of frustration or discomfort might suggest a misalignment.
Once someone identifies their core values, what comes next?
The next step is to live by these values. Use them as a guide for your daily actions and decisions. For instance, look at your calendar and see how your activities align with your values. Prioritize tasks that resonate with your core beliefs and minimize those that don’t. This alignment brings a sense of purpose and satisfaction to your daily life.
How can someone manage tasks that they have to do but don’t necessarily enjoy?
Reframing these tasks can help. Instead of viewing them as obligations, see them as opportunities. For example, doing taxes might be tedious, but it’s a sign that your business is thriving. Use a planner to balance these necessary tasks with activities that bring you joy. This way, you maintain a positive outlook and stay motivated even when dealing with less enjoyable tasks.
What are some tips for maintaining energy and avoiding burnout?
Manage your energy, not just your time. Take regular breaks, even short ones, to recharge. Use reminders or alerts to step away from your desk, take a walk, or simply breathe. This helps maintain focus and productivity. Additionally, incorporating activities that bring you joy into your daily routine can keep your energy levels high and prevent burnout.
How can feedback from others help in understanding ourselves?
Feedback provides an external perspective on how we’re perceived. It’s important to seek feedback from people you trust and respect. Use it to see if your actions align with your values and adjust accordingly. Honest feedback can be a valuable tool for personal growth, helping you identify blind spots and areas for improvement.
What is a life timeline exercise, and how can it help in self-discovery?
A life timeline exercise involves mapping out significant events in your life. Reflecting on these events helps identify patterns and themes that have shaped you. It’s a powerful tool for understanding what energizes you and what drains you. By analyzing your past, you gain insights into your values and motivations, which can guide your future actions and decisions.
How can people incorporate self-reflection into their daily routine?
Simple practices like journaling, meditation, or even a few moments of quiet reflection can make a big difference. Use tools like a vision board or post-it notes with inspiring quotes to keep your goals and values in focus. Regular self-reflection helps you stay connected to your true self and make intentional choices.
What is the importance of accepting and embracing our flaws?
Embracing our flaws is crucial for genuine self-acceptance. Recognize that everyone has imperfections. Give yourself grace and strive to improve, but also understand that flaws are part of being human. Accepting yourself fully, flaws and all, leads to greater self-compassion and resilience.
How can people overcome the fear of change or rejection when working on themselves?
It’s natural to fear change, but focusing on small, consistent steps can make it less daunting. Surround yourself with supportive people and seek feedback. Understand that growth often involves discomfort, but it’s necessary for authentic living. Embrace the journey and celebrate your progress along the way.
How can someone ensure they are living their true self and not just an image they want to project?
Regular self-check-ins are essential. Use mirror exercises where you look into your own eyes and honestly assess your intentions and actions. Consistency between your values and behavior is key. By staying true to your values, you can ensure that you’re living authentically rather than projecting an image.
How can someone balance their own happiness with the expectations of others?
It’s important to communicate your values and boundaries clearly. While it’s natural to want to meet others’ expectations, your happiness and authenticity should come first. Find a balance that allows you to be true to yourself while maintaining healthy relationships. Remember, you can’t please everyone, and that’s okay.
How can understanding oneself impact personal and professional relationships?
When you understand yourself, you can communicate more effectively and authentically. This strengthens relationships as others can see and respect your true self. It fosters mutual respect and deeper connections. In professional settings, self-awareness can enhance teamwork, collaboration, and leadership.
What is the connection between self-awareness and leadership?
Self-aware leaders can inspire and motivate others more effectively. They understand their strengths and weaknesses, making them more empathetic and adaptable. This authenticity builds trust and respect within their teams. Leaders who know themselves can create a positive and empowering work environment.
How do your services at Generon International help individuals and organizations in their journey of self-discovery?
At Generon International, we offer a range of services, including coaching, training, and facilitation, aimed at helping individuals and organizations discover and align with their core values. Our programs are designed to foster authentic leadership and personal growth. We believe that when people know themselves, they can create more meaningful and impactful lives and businesses.
Can you tell us more about your free mini ebook, “Mindsets Matter”?
Absolutely! “Mindsets Matter” is a free mini ebook I’ve created to help people understand the power of their mindset. It delves into the different types of mindsets, how they can limit us, and practical steps to shift towards a more positive and growth-oriented mindset. This resource is designed to be a starting point for anyone looking to break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential.
How can readers access your ebook, and what can they expect to learn from it?
Readers can download “Mindsets Matter” directly from my website. The ebook is filled with insights and exercises to help readers identify and transform limiting beliefs. They’ll learn how to cultivate a mindset that supports their goals and aligns with their true self, ultimately paving the way for personal and professional growth.
Your website mentions several services, including coaching and training. Can you explain how your coaching program works?
Our coaching program is tailored to the unique needs of each individual. We start with an initial assessment to understand the client’s goals and challenges. From there, we create a personalized plan that includes regular one-on-one sessions, exercises, and ongoing support. The aim is to help clients gain clarity, overcome obstacles, and achieve their personal and professional aspirations.
What can participants expect from your training and facilitation services?
Our training and facilitation services are designed for both individuals and organizations. We offer workshops, seminars, and customized training sessions that focus on areas such as leadership development, team building, and communication skills. Participants can expect interactive sessions with practical tools and techniques that they can apply immediately in their work and personal lives.
How do your programs at Generon International help organizations foster authentic leadership and personal growth among their employees?
Our programs are designed to align with the values and goals of the organization while fostering individual growth. We work closely with organizations to understand their culture and needs. Our leadership development programs, for example, help leaders at all levels become more self-aware, empathetic, and effective. By fostering a culture of authenticity and continuous learning, organizations can improve employee engagement, collaboration, and overall performance.
What final advice would you give to someone starting their journey towards self-discovery?
Start with small steps and be patient with yourself. Self-discovery is a lifelong journey. Embrace the process, seek feedback, and always strive for authenticity. Remember, knowing yourself is the foundation for a fulfilling and purposeful life. Celebrate your progress and learn from setbacks.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Additionally, you can visit my website at Generon International for more information about our programs and services. I also offer a free mini ebook on mindsets, which is available on my website. This ebook provides insights into limiting beliefs and how to overcome them, which is a crucial part of the self-discovery process.
Thank you so much, Susan, for sharing your insights and wisdom with us today. It’s been a truly enlightening conversation.
Thank you, Stacey. It’s been a pleasure.
