Navigating the Maze of Authenticity: A Journey to Your True Self

Navigate: Plan and direct the route or course using instruments or maps. Travel on a desired course after planning a route. Guide (a vessel or vehicle) over a specified route or terrain. (Oxford Languages)

As we work through this inner obstacle course this month, we’ve already scaled the wall of self-doubt. This week, we’re going to navigate the maze of authenticity.

Authenticity: Genuine. Made or done in the traditional or original way, or in a way that faithfully resembles an original. Good faith. Sincerity of intention. (Oxford & Merriam-Webster)

Have you seen the movie, Labyrinth? It’s a classic 1986 movie, filled with '80s-style music and fashion, featuring David Bowie as the Goblin King, and a mix of puppets and human actors to create a magical tale of life lessons and romance. I watched this movie as a kid, and later with my four girls. We all love it. If you haven’t watched it, I encourage you to do so. Great for '80s nostalgia. “You remind me of the babe…”

The thought of the main character, Sarah, working her way through a maze that constantly changes as she moves through it seems frustratingly impossible to beat. As a child, it was fun to see her frustration, but in my adult life—not so much. How many of us are walking within our own maze of purpose, intention, and dreams that seem to be never-ending?

You may not have imagined your life as a maze, but let's think about it for a few minutes. Stop multitasking for a moment and hear me out. A maze is a continuous corridor of walls that either align the way to success or signify dead ends where we can either set up camp and stay or turn around and try again. Is this not life?

It is our fears, beliefs, societal norms, environmental conditioning, past experiences, etc., that create these walls in our inner maze. If we had an open field free of constructs, would we be happier, healthier, and more productive and effective in this world? Would you?

The Reality of Our Maze

The reality is, we don’t live in an open field. We are constantly navigating the walls and turns of our inner maze, trying to find the route that feels true to us. This is what navigating authenticity looks like. It’s not a straight line, and it’s not without obstacles. It involves understanding where we are, acknowledging the walls that hold us back, and finding the courage to move forward even when the path isn’t clear.

But how do we start moving in the right direction? How do we break free from the maze of expectations, perfectionism, and self-doubt that keeps us from our authentic selves?

Strategies for Navigating Your Inner Maze

1. Identify Your Walls: The first step to navigating any maze is understanding what’s blocking your path. Take a moment to reflect on what feels like a barrier to your authenticity. Is it fear of judgment? A need for approval? A belief that you must be perfect? Write these down. Naming your walls is the first step to dismantling them.

2. Reframe Dead Ends as Learning Opportunities: In a maze, a dead end is not the end—it's just a redirection. When you hit a wall in life, instead of seeing it as a failure or a reason to give up, reframe it as a lesson. What can you learn from this moment? What is it teaching you about yourself or your desires? Every obstacle has something to offer if we’re willing to look deeper.

3. Use Your Inner Compass: To navigate any maze, you need a sense of direction. Your inner compass—your values, passions, and purpose—guides you toward authenticity. Take time to clarify what these are for you. When faced with a decision or a crossroads, ask yourself: “Does this align with my core values? Does this bring me closer to my true self?” Our relationship with our Creator and Lord offers the most accurate compass to our inner workings and in relation to the world around us. 

4. Embrace the Power of Small Steps: Sometimes, the maze feels overwhelming. Instead of trying to find a way out all at once, focus on the next small step you can take. What is one small action you can take today to move toward authenticity? It might be setting a boundary, speaking up for yourself, or saying “no” to something that doesn’t serve you. Slow and steady wins the race. Give yourself grace for the times you feel like you're crawling. You’re still moving, Sis. 

5. Lean on Your Support System: Just like Sarah in Labyrinth had friends who helped her along the way, remember that you don’t have to navigate your maze alone. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be authentic and who challenge you to break through your walls. They can provide perspective, support, and encouragement when the journey gets tough. Every day I am reminded of the power of community in our Global Women’s Transformation Community. Sometimes it’s just knowing someone is there on the same road as you that can make a huge difference in whether you stay in the journey to settle for the dead end.

6. Reflect and Adjust Your Course: After making progress, pause and reflect. Are you moving closer to authenticity, or have you unknowingly created new walls? Self-reflection helps you adjust your course. Regularly check in with yourself to ensure you’re staying aligned with who you want to be and where you want to go. Remember, we are on a journey in life. Daily we should be assessing how, where, and why we are walking this path. Reflection must come before adjustment and adjustment must become a habit. 

Charting Your Path Forward

The maze of authenticity is not something you conquer in a day; it’s a lifelong journey. There will be times when you feel lost, times when you’re stuck at a dead end, and times when you make a breakthrough. Embrace each twist and turn as part of your unique path. Remember, authenticity is not about perfection; it’s about being real, being honest, and being courageous enough to navigate the maze, one step at a time. Remember, my sisters, this is a marathon, not a sprint. 

So, as you continue on this obstacle course of life, take a deep breath, trust your inner compass, and know that every step you take toward authenticity is a victory worth celebrating.

Now your turn, to answer some questions to invoke reflection and thought. 

What are the biggest "walls" in your personal maze right now? How have they been shaped by your past experiences, fears, or beliefs?

• Reflect on what barriers currently feel the most challenging. Identify where they came from and consider how they impact your actions and decisions.

Think of a recent "dead end" you've encountered in your journey toward authenticity. How did you respond? What might you do differently next time to turn it into a learning opportunity?

• Consider how you typically handle setbacks or challenges and what shifts in mindset or strategy could help you navigate them more effectively in the future.

What is one small, actionable step you can take today to align more closely with your authentic self?

• Focus on practical actions, such as setting a boundary, voicing your truth, or saying “no” to something that doesn’t serve you. Make it specific and achievable.

Who in your life acts as a “spotter” on your obstacle course? How can you lean on them more for support and encouragement in your journey to authenticity?

• Reflect on the people who help guide and support you. Consider how you can engage with them more meaningfully to bolster your growth.

We’ll dive deeper into this journey on my podcast this week where I will teach about this inner maze. 

It has been my motivation to create a safe space to implement these lessons that we need to optimize our time here on Earth. The Global Women’s Transformation Community is that safe space. Join us for support, encouragement, skill-building, and opportunities to transform your life and work. We’re excited to have you join our sisterhood! https://nikkicates.mykajabi.com/register-link

We’re all trying to figure it out. Women = Stronger and Wiser Together.