Finding the authenticity within
On becoming your true, authentic self
Finding the essence of authenticity through consistency
In the trenches
Rise and shine 6er,
You must assume accountability for your mental and emotional well-being if you want to live an authentic life. Be consistent in your actions and in your words. Keeping a journal is a great way to get into the habit of doing this.
In addition to helping you explore your own feelings, writing in a journal helps you clear your mind by allowing you to jot down all of the thoughts that are bouncing around in your head. When you're able to understand the "why" behind your emotions, the process encourages you to slow down and think through your response to whatever life has thrown at you.
Strength of character is also required for authenticity. The ability to face difficult situations with confidence is one of its many benefits. Admitting your mistakes and doing your best to put things right is a crucial part of this process. It means being open and truthful in your communication, while also respecting the views and needs of others.
Honesty and authenticity go hand in hand with personal accountability if you want to live a happy life. Being vulnerable and gracious in the face of mistakes and failures means taking on your own self-consciousness and having the fortitude to engage in meaningful relationships. It's putting self-expression ahead of worrying about what other people think.
Let’s make it happen!
The INSUM
Intelligence summary of insights from this week’s podcast
Consistency is the key to being authentic. Simply put, it means that rather than acting in accordance with social expectations, you live every day according to your own set of personal values and needs. You'll feel better and be better able to achieve your full potential as a result.
In this week’s episode of Got Your Six podcast, we are joined by by Chaveso Cook, Phd, currently the speechwriter for the Secretary of the Army and the Executive Director and co-founder of Military Mentors, a platform that aims to build a community among military professionals by educating and facilitating mentoring and upholding integrity.
Authenticity is built on a foundation of consistency. Here are three implementable ways from Dr. Cook’s journey of tracking emotions through journaling that helped him go fully authentic in his business and in his personal life.
1. Give yourself some grace.
The goal is not perfection, but authenticity. It's ok to make a mistake, admit your error, and move on without allowing guilt to consume you. Do not feel guilty about taking a break from your daily routine. Self-criticism deprives one of the joys of being human. So don't be afraid to be yourself.
2. Practice vulnerability.
When we allow ourselves to be seen by others, we open ourselves up to the possibility of being seen as vulnerable. Because it involves emotional disclosure, many of us view it with trepidation. You will gain self-acceptance and confidence, feel more connected with your values, and build stronger relationships if you're willing to be vulnerable on a regular basis.
3. Track your emotions.
Over the course of several days or weeks, you'll be able to gather actual data and see patterns or trends in what sets you off. To better respond and address specific triggers, this can help you focus your efforts.
It's difficult to manage something you can't quantify. The same applies to business as it does to life. Keeping track of your emotions is akin to compiling data. It's possible to organize this data in a way that enables you to better focus your energy and take action on the things that are most important to you.
Vulnerability and authenticity are what we at the Got Your Six podcast believe is necessary for us to begin living a meaningful and fulfilling life and it all starts within. Putting up barriers to keep others out is a form of self-denial that can lead to internalization or worse, believing your negative self-talk.
After learning about the benefits of tracking your emotions as a way to assess yourself and manage your emotions, having meaningful conversations and being honest becomes easier. Even though it isn't always a smooth road, it is the only way to truly live.
Help a battle buddy overcome their fear of vulnerability, share this newsletter and remind them that expressing their authentic selves is the only way to build a meaningful and fulfilling life.