Being authentic is motivating

As I shared in an earlier blog posting, the factor of self motivation about which I get the most questions is the vision. A frequent question goes like this, “Does the vision really have to be who I truly am; can’t it be something else, like me with a million dollars in the bank?”

The answer is that the vision can indeed be anything you want it to be, so long as it is worthwhile to you, so long as it is something you desire. Research in motivation shows that any worthwhile endeavor (worthwhile to you) will be motivating. It does not have to be why you are on this planet, why God put you here, or your purpose for existing.

So why did I make the vision these things? Why did I make it more than just “something you want,” or “something you strongly desire.” I did this because who we truly are is so worthwhile to each of us, so much more worthwhile than merely “me with a million dollars in the bank.” Consequently, it is that much more motivating.

I also have a problem with visions like “a million dollars in the bank” because that is more a means to an end. What does having a million dollars in the bank mean to you? Does it mean you don’t have to worry about bills? Then what you really desire is a feeling of security, a way to keep yourself safe. Does it mean you feel like a big shot? Then what you are really desiring is feeling important, feeling okay about yourself. Using the authentic you as your vision is much more powerful than merely getting your fantasies fulfilled.

The word for “why we are here” or “why God put me here” is authenticity. Authenticity means being genuine, true to who you are.

People seem to be coming more and more conscious of how important it is to become aware of who we authentically are, and to strive to be that person.

I receive monthly a catalogue from a company in Boulder, Colorado, called Sounds True, Inc. The catalogue advertises CD’s, DVD’s and online workshops on myriad subjects, such as meditation, neurobiology, relationships and yoga. In the most recent issue there are three different CD sets, by three different authors, addressing authenticity. One CD set teaches us how you can become who you truly are without fixing or changing anything and thereby experience your true nature. Another set teaches you how to become the person your soul seeks to be, and respond to the call from within to live a more purposeful life. This, the author informs us, will bring richness and value to our lives. The third set calls on you to honor the call of your authentic self.

All three of these CD sets, like the model for self motivation, acknowledge the power that is created when we live our authentic self. It may be more difficult to become aware of a vision that is your authentic self, when compared to just having as your vision acquisition of material things, such as a million dollars. But the extra work you may have to do will be more than compensated by the increased motivation you will feel.

There are many ways to get in touch with that authentic part of you. It doesn’t matter which way you do it. Just pick a way and do it, and you will turbocharge your motivation.

What have you done to get in touch with that authentic aspect of you? Please share your strategies with your fellow readers.