Your highest and most satisfying level of performance happens when who you are – your identity – aligns with what you do – your actions. This authenticity in action, or congruence of your internal calling and gifts with your external behaviour and works, is unique and powerful. It’s what separates you from the pack, now and for the long-term.
A small but significant example of this ‘authenticity in action’ happens every time you sign something.
A sign of life
Your signature is an expression of your authenticity – your unique and genuine self.
It’s a sign of your authority – something only you can do.
It’s your mark on the world.
It says ‘I was here’ – in this place, at this time.
A mark of identity
Your signature readily identifies you as the author – the creator.
It’s a reminder that authenticity comes from the ‘author’s city’.
That’s you.
Right here, right now.
You, the author of your life.
You, as only you can be.
A moment of reflection
The next time you sign your name, become aware of its significance.
Rather than just going through the motions in robotic haste and signing your life away, take a second – just a second – to become present.
Become aware of you, being you – leaving your authentic mark.
Use the moment to remind yourself of the power of your authentic self and to continually seek ways of expressing it in everything you do.
That way you will not only stand out like a shining beacon on the sea of sameness, but also you’ll be sure to make your unique contribution and leave your much needed mark on the world.
Your thoughts?
- What are the signs of authenticity in your work, and life in general?
- Are your actions becoming more or less authentic? Why?
- What would happen if you more closely aligned your internal calling and gifts with your external behaviour and works?
13 Responses to this post
December 9, 2009 at 5:35 pm |
Very interesting post, Robin, and great questions. In terms of writing, the very definition of authenticity is a thought provoking issue. I might define it as speaking on a topic of importance to you and saying what’s genuinely on your mind in the way you would naturally say it. Using that definition, I’d give myself a “B-” on authenticity. Mainly because there are other topics outside the business sphere I’m itching to write about, and because I tend to hold back. I could do better, and thanks to you I’m thinking about how.
December 22, 2009 at 7:25 pm |
Thanks, Brad. That’s an excellent definition, and great contribution to this topic. I look forward very much to reading your ‘other topics’ when you get to them.
Great collaborating with you, Brad.
Robin
December 9, 2009 at 9:07 pm |
This is a clever post. We all have a signature, we all have a moment to reflect on it. Yet the point is that we’re each unique – so your topic invites a mass audience but speaks to each individual. I think Seth Godin would liked to have written this post as a marketing touchstone, but I guess he didn’t, and that’s the point…
December 22, 2009 at 7:26 pm |
Thanks, Ben. It’s a topic that you and I have touched upon many times. I appreciate your encouragement – and give Seth my regards
Best, Robin
December 9, 2009 at 9:13 pm |
I would say that becoming more authentic is the number one guiding principal to my life right now. I’ve been vaguely aware of its importance for a while but it’s only in the last 2 years that I’ve realised just HOW important it is.
Unfortunately as a kid and a teenager I tried to hide my authentic self in order gain approval and acceptance, in seemingly minor things, but those minor things added up and contributed to a lack of personal effectiveness / ability to project myself into / onto the world. (I apologise if that sounds vague).
I can tell when my actions are authentic because those happen naturally and with very little effort. People respond much more to authentic behaviour and actions even though being authentic means that you aren’t attached to how people will react to your behaviour.
Being more authentic has been beneficial for my personal and work life and I think I’m capable of being much more authentic.
December 22, 2009 at 7:29 pm |
Wow, Neil – that’s a great comment. I wish you had written this post!
Your honesty and courage are inspiring. You have voiced some things that are close to my own heart.
Great connecting with you.
best, Robin
December 9, 2009 at 9:30 pm |
I have never looked at it this way! Thanks for opening another perspective for us Robin!
I feel that I am losing my authenticity each day as I am trying to survive in the market. People easily accept “ordinary” things rather than looking for originality.
December 22, 2009 at 7:30 pm |
Selcuk,
It’s so wonderful connecting with you. You are a man of amazing musical talent. Thank-you for your encouragement and contribution.
Best, Robin
December 9, 2009 at 10:30 pm |
Robin,
You’ve simplified an important topic into a basic, personally identifiable, and easy-to-remember analogy. Our signature is indeed as unique as our fingerprint, our insights, our imagination, our individual determination, and our innate capability to lead, to follow – and to love others.
Thanks for this post, Robin.
My best.
December 22, 2009 at 7:32 pm |
You’re very welcome, Joanne. Thank-you for contributing. Your generous paragraph is very powerfully put.
Best to you,
Robin
December 9, 2009 at 10:38 pm |
What are the signs of authenticity in your work, and life in general?
- Respect in work and satisfaction in life.
Are your actions becoming more or less authentic? Why?
- Becoming more authentic even the wave could take me and try to make it less.
What would happen if you more closely aligned your internal calling and gifts with your external behaviour and works?
That’s the power of having strong personal brand.
I will quote your post in my next post.
Thanks!
December 22, 2009 at 7:33 pm |
Mohammed,
You certainly are a valuable community member. Thank-you for you effort and participation, it is greatly appreciated.
Best, Robin
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