STORIES

Michael’s system is a simple, actionable model centered on the individual and complemented with a supportive community. Within just a few weeks of joining the Mask-Free Program, I’ve grown more comfortable asking for help. I credit my progress to the framework, weekly Mask-Free Society meetings on Zoom, my daily Action Card, and the accountability and support from my Sponsor.

Michael’s program helped us collect about $150,000, avoid a line of credit, and get ahead of the game because I had the courage to share my unique perspective with the owner of our company. I work for a roofing company, and due to the tornadoes in Nashville, our services were in high demand. While having the work is great, payment for this work comes through insurance, which can cause delays and impact our cash flow. I encouraged the owner to reprioritize our cash-paying jobs to allow us to collect those payments and put them in the bank. It was uncomfortable to give him input on his business, but it was well-received and helped the company be more successful.

I want to thank you for sharing your story, you show it to so many people who are in need of guidance. The three principles you shared are transforming my life. I work in addiction treatment, so the video is just so powerful for the population I serve. For myself personally, rigorous authenticity has removed my anxiety from day to day life completely. We think we always have to pretend to be something else or are what we are capable of isn’t enough. Being authentic followed by still being accepted and successful is what is so life-changing. I also have had experiences like yours in my consulting work where telling the truth about what I don’t know actually gets me the job. I’ve realized what a character strength it is to say “I don’t know.”

Before starting the Mask-Free Program, I was living my life boundary-free, ignoring self-care, always saying yes, and constantly worried about what others thought about me. I was holding myself back, fearful of outcomes, and hiding who I was. Reading Michael’s book, I began to understand the Mask-Free Program, work the steps, and drastically change my life. I saw my story in other members of the Mask-Free Society and grew from their shared experiences. I learned how to say no, establish healthy boundaries, and gain the courage to share my perspective. I became confident in who I am as an entrepreneur. I’m so grateful for the personal and professional growth that I’ve earned from the Mask-Free Program and will continue to spread this message to others in my community.

Because I practice Michael’s system, I spoke up in a work meeting with 7-10 people because I wasn’t feeling good about a process we were reviewing. I got some resistance but I kept sharing my unique perspective. As a result, we were able to complete a process that’s been going on for about 6 months and cancel a meeting in April – which saved close to 20 hours of time! We were also able to move the process in a direction that is much more actionable and I feel a lot better about everything overall.

The 3 Principles have helped me more than you understand. I started working for a startup company in November of 2018 and since being hired, I’ve received one raise and a promotion and continue to change the way our company operates. My suggestions to the company are always authentic and to help the company, not for selfish reasons you sometimes see people do to climb up the corporate ladder for personal benefit. I gain a ton of knowledge from these people but they don’t understand the concept of working as a team. Your words have helped us practice these 3 simple concepts.

I live by these 3 principals in work, relationships and parenting skills for my children. It IS LIFE CHANGING and very much keeps you transparent and REAL.

I am using the 3 Principles as a foundation for a new course I am creating for the women I work within the local jail. They need to know that practicing rigorous authenticity is the only path to freedom compared to deception, dishonesty, and rebellion which is their lifestyle.

I just moved to LA and had a job interview today. During the interview, I explained how I overcame anxiety and OCD and am sober. The person I was interviewing with said, “I have also had anxiety and am always scared to tell people, thank you for being so refreshing!” Needless to say, I got the job! BEING AUTHENTIC ALWAYS WINS!! 🙂