"Authenticity is self awareness + action" is an incredibly simple yet mind blowing concept.
The writer Teju Cole quit Twitter over 5 years ago and never looked back despite having hundreds of thousands of followers and being a top influence in the community at the time. I realized I could take this formula and apply it to anyone who I thought was 'authentic' and would small find actions and situations in their life that prove it. These little, finite pieces of audacity.
Another word that strikes the mind is originality. Especially as an artist or creative. What does it mean to be original? Original writer. Original artist. Original thinker. I think you've cracked it Ojuolaope. Originality is authenticity + skill², or whatever mathematical model that conveys the both.
Thanks for sharing. This part — "But we often ignore our own rich internal world. How often do we stop to examine our reactions, interests and feelings?" — reminded me of the introduction to Marcus Buckingham's Love + Work where he asked "When last did you take time to study the extraordinary uniqueness of you?". I journal and try to ask deep questions about myself, my desires, feelings, and reactions, but there's always room for more depth, more intentionality. I plan to pursue that next year.
P.S: Love the new logo (and if it's not new, then I'm just noticing it 🙈)
I really enjoyed this. So recently I had kind of like an Aha moment where I realized that what makes us uniquely who we are, is the decisions and the actions we chose to make. I love how you say authenticity is self awareness+ actions. Happy almost new year Ojuolape 🥳
Splendid! While reflecting on 2023, I too was just thinking about how introspection and emotional awareness helped me a lot with my struggle with anxiety. Spending conscious time with oneself settles a lot of uncomfortable emotions in the long run. Thank you for writing this!
"Authenticity is self awareness + action" is an incredibly simple yet mind blowing concept.
The writer Teju Cole quit Twitter over 5 years ago and never looked back despite having hundreds of thousands of followers and being a top influence in the community at the time. I realized I could take this formula and apply it to anyone who I thought was 'authentic' and would small find actions and situations in their life that prove it. These little, finite pieces of audacity.
Another word that strikes the mind is originality. Especially as an artist or creative. What does it mean to be original? Original writer. Original artist. Original thinker. I think you've cracked it Ojuolaope. Originality is authenticity + skill², or whatever mathematical model that conveys the both.
This was a satisfying read. Happy holidays.
Thanks for sharing. This part — "But we often ignore our own rich internal world. How often do we stop to examine our reactions, interests and feelings?" — reminded me of the introduction to Marcus Buckingham's Love + Work where he asked "When last did you take time to study the extraordinary uniqueness of you?". I journal and try to ask deep questions about myself, my desires, feelings, and reactions, but there's always room for more depth, more intentionality. I plan to pursue that next year.
P.S: Love the new logo (and if it's not new, then I'm just noticing it 🙈)
I really enjoyed this. So recently I had kind of like an Aha moment where I realized that what makes us uniquely who we are, is the decisions and the actions we chose to make. I love how you say authenticity is self awareness+ actions. Happy almost new year Ojuolape 🥳
Splendid! While reflecting on 2023, I too was just thinking about how introspection and emotional awareness helped me a lot with my struggle with anxiety. Spending conscious time with oneself settles a lot of uncomfortable emotions in the long run. Thank you for writing this!