Much of what I talk about in my work has to do with the power of authenticity. My definition of passion - "the energy that comes from bringing more of YOU into what you do" - is inherently about tapping into the potential that comes with aligning what you do with who you are. As I'm fond of saying, you can never be anybody else half as well as you can be yourself.
In my interview with Bob Burg (co-author of the Wall Street Journal best-seller The Go-Giver) for next week's M.A.P. Maker Podcast, Burg echoed that sentiment while talking about Law #4 of the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success.
Number four is the law of authenticity. And the law of authenticity says the most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself...This is really in a sense a tie-in to when you talk about making a difference, making a personal difference. When you’re making a personal difference, when you’re doing something you’re passionate about, well obviously you’re more authentic...Authenticity, there’s a genuineness to it, and that genuineness has power.
Another way of looking at it is that an authentic approach to your career, and your life, brings with it a level of intrinsic motivation that energizes you and fuels your efforts.
Take a look at your life. Does it feel authentic? Does what you do day in and day out feel aligned with who you are? Does it come naturally, or is it a constant strain to maintain the facade?
Try this. Take a look at your work and make a list of things about it that really align with who you are, what inspires you, and how you naturally operate. Is there any way to incorporate more of that into the picture?
Now make a list of things about your work that are at odds with who you are. Is there anything you can do to eliminate or minimize those things?
Your career isn't static and unmoving. Everything has the potential for dynamic movement and change - sometimes dramatic change, sometimes continual refinements. The more insight you have about what aligns with who you are and what doesn't, the more potential you have to steer your career in a direction that continues to energize and inspire you.
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Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst TM
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