The Logical Conclusion of Authenticity

Posted on August 11, 2011 by Michael Schechter • 6 Comments

From Tamsen McMahon:

The path to authenticity isn’t action. It’s acceptance. Of who you are, what you stand for, of what your beliefs and values are. It’s understanding that not everyone will like you — and being okay with that. It’s about standing firm.

John Falchetto made a rather excellent point on this blog last week, explaining that we can’t really hide our true selves online. Coincidentally Tamsen took this idea even father, going all the way to its logical conclusion: the mission isn’t to discover what you believe, but to accept what you already know to be true. Even if that means losing those who feel differently along the way.

Filed Under: Creativity
  • Anonymous

    I love all the top guns admitting they are not authentic lately.  At least they are honest. But you are who you are, and this is inescapable. Even in intentionally filtering to make a buck, you reveal who you are.

    • http://michaelschechter.me MSchechter

      Nice to see a moment of reflection. Although I think Tamsen’s always been one for reflection. Sadly I couldn’t agree more, being me is inescapable :)

  • http://www.late-bloomers.net Barbara Klein

    How true, it is necessary to be shaken out of your own complacency from time to time and lean back to reconsider: did I just say that to make somebody like me or did I write this to make an extra buck? And am I not the closest person to myself? So, how can I delude myself and act against my beliefs and values (though it might be tempting at times!)?

    • http://michaelschechter.me MSchechter

      Just the ability to be shaken out of that complacency is something! We know ourselves better than anyone, sadly that is often well enough to fool ourselves…

  • http://www.expatlifecoach.com/blog John Falchetto

    Did you Brian Clark’s recent statement? The real you is incompatible with your business goals. People might like you but not like what you are selling.

    I am still trying to figure that one out :) Thoughts?

    • http://michaelschechter.me MSchechter

      I haven’t seen the exact statement (but have seen some of his links). As for Brian’s words… not sure of the exact context, but based on what you are saying, it seems somewhat true. People want to do business with people they like, but they still have to want what you are selling. I’ve always believed the best thing you can do is seek the crossroad where who you are best meets what the the world needs. Then again, I’m probably missing a good amount of the picture here :)