Today is the first installment of a fourteen-post/seven week series that will delve into the seven principles of an uncommon life. You’ve probably noticed the mysterious link hovering at the top of the page called “The Seven Basic Principles” since the site was overhauled last month and wondered what it was all about – well friends, prepare to find out.
In this seven week series, we will outline the seven principles and explore what they mean for our daily lives, how to incorporate them, and why they are important. These seven principles are born out of personal experience and also what I’ve learned this past year through my conversations with others who live uncommonly.
Two notes before we begin:
- I am interested in interviewing individuals who are in the process of forming their uncommon live, establishing their uncommon vocation, or already live the principles described in this series. If you have something to share or know someone I should contact, please email me at nacie(at)thelifeuncommon.net.
- I am very excited to announce that starting May 1, 2009 I will be offering one-on-one lifestyle design consulting. If you would like to pre-apply for consulting time and secure your spot, please send an email indicating interest to consulting(at)thelifeuncommon.net. An official information page will be up on the site shortly.
Now…let’s begin…
It may seem obvious to those of you who have been around The Life Uncommon for a while that the first principle is authenticity, however it is a point of such importance that it bears repeating. In fact, it is a point of such centrality that it not only needs to be repeated, but also should be placed as the flagship principle of the entire ideology.
According to my trusty American Heritage dictionary, authenticity is defined as the quality or condition of being authentic or genuine. Authentic, in turn, is defined centrally as not counterfeit or copied. Synonyms for authentic include bona fide, genuine, real, true, undoubted, unquestionable.
These words, especially the synonyms, help us to appreciate the real meaning of authenticity. Authenticity is the most basic principle of an uncommon life because it is what is real, true, unquestionable. Authenticity is who you are, what you stand for, and why you’re here. It is everything from what is important to you to what your favorite flavor of ice cream is.
Authenticity has always been a rallying cry of The Life Uncommon because in our modern world it is so easy to be everything but authentic. We are bombarded 24/7 by commercials telling us what to wear, how to cut our hair, what music we should like, what movies we should see, what kind of money we should be making, where we should live, what car we should drive…the list goes on and on. We are no longer appreciated for what makes us unique but for how we try to be like everyone else to fit in.
Over time we become complacent to the idea of “fall in line, do your part, don’t make a scene.” We grow into adults who give up on our dreams and passions because of the demands of the “real world” and teach our children that they will someday have to do the same. We become victims of the most ghastly phrase…the “should be…”
This is how I should be feeling. This is what I should be doing. This is where I should be working, should be living, should be at this stage of my life. I was a victim of the “should be’s” in life, and I can tell you friends, it is exactly what you should not be doing.
Getting in touch with what is innately important to you, what you enjoy, what you love, what you dislike, and owning it is being authentic. Even making simple distinctions, such as I like green more than I like red, is a small step to claiming your authenticity. Authenticity is essential because it helps you find a lifestyle and vocation that is fulfilling, meaningful, and sustaining to you. You cannot take another step forward into your uncommon future if you don’t have a strong sense of who you are, what your unique gifts and opinions are, and the fact that you are a worthwhile and distinctive being. There has never been and will never be another person on this earth with your exact constellation of personality traits, experiences, and dreams.
So it is your responsibility to embrace being yourself, being authentic for just that reason. Authenticity is the foundational principle of an uncommon life, because really there is nothing more uncommon than you.
For more exploration of authenticity, including exercises, analysis, and an awareness of its place in your life, be sure to check back on Thursday!
Can’t wait for more about authenticity? Check out The Life Uncommon: How to Leave the Rat Race, Pursue Your Passions, and Succeed Financially on sale now!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I think it’s a real tragedy that we are taught at a young age that being different in any way is “wrong.” In junior high and high school, there is so much pressure to fit in and be “normal” … by the time we’re adults, most of us have become so accustomed to denying our true selves that we don’t even question it. In my studies, I’ve learned that self-actualization is the cornerstone of a happy, fullfilling life. All the outer trappings add up to nothing if you don’t first embrace your true self and start living up to your full potential. Looking forward to reading more about the seven principles!
Twitter: evanhadkins
Very much looking forward to the series. I certainly agree that authenticity is the first step.