The concept of “Authenticity” should never be used as an excuse for negative or inappropriate actions.
Yet, so often, it seems to be utilized for exactly that reason.
For example, a person might say, “I have anger issues, and I yell at people a lot. If I were to stop doing that, it wouldn’t be authentic of me.”
Malarky! It simply means that person has an *authentic* problem that they need to *authentically* work on overcoming in order to become a better, higher, and more effective *authentic* version of themselves.
Key Point: In other words, rather than using authenticity as an excuse to stagnate and not improve, use it as motivation to propel yourself to grow.
Work on those areas that you believe could use improvement that will lead to you being more effective in the important areas of your life.
Its Essence: Let’s define authenticity simply as “acting congruently with one’s values.”
Do that, and you are being truly authentic!
Suggestion: In his 1791 classic, The Autobiography, Benjamin Franklin (in Part 2 – Section 9) mapped out a system we can utilize to assist ourselves in this very important area. He believed that his system helped him immeasurably in terms of living a much more fulfilling and productive life.
I personally studied and followed his system and feel the same way. It made a huge difference in my life…and I cannot recommend it highly enough in terms of turning character weaknesses into character strengths.
Exercise:
Read the above-mentioned book by Dr. Franklin, being sure to study the chapter titled “Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection.” Please do not be put off by the title. Moral perfection wasn’t possible for Ben; neither is it for any of us. However, the results are still truly game-changing.
