The Power of One Word: Authentic
Navigating the New Year with Confidence and Humility
Squeaking by with a Resolution
We are nearly one full month into Year 2024, and I am squeaking by to meet my new year’s resolution, which is to write at least one Substack article each month. A monthly article is my one and only resolution for the year. However, I do have my One Word for 2024, and that is Authentic.
The One Word Challenge
Ever heard of the One Word Challenge? It's an idea where you choose a word to steer your year, and it’s based on the book "One Word That Will Change Your Life" by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page. The One Word Challenge offers a distinct advantage over traditional resolutions. Instead of a checklist of tasks, it provides a thematic focus, a guiding principle that influences your actions and decisions throughout the year. I'll admit, my past engagements with my yearly word have been far from flawless (some years I’ve forgotten my word by June). But this year, I'm committing to 'Authentic' and sharing this journey with you for accountability.
My choice of 'Authentic' was inspired by two key experiences. Firstly, workplace discussions about diversity and inclusion emphasized the importance of bringing our true selves to work. Secondly, my participation in Braver Angels, particularly their 1:1 Conversations, has been enlightening. These dialogues encourage deep connections, not just with others, but also with oneself.
Confidence and Humility Polarity
In these conversations, the interplay of Confidence and Humility emerges as a fundamental polarity. Confidence empowers us to voice our truths, to stand firmly in our beliefs and perspectives. It's about having the courage to share our own thoughts, especially when they diverge from mainstream opinions or those around us. This kind of confidence is vital in authentic dialogues, as it allows us to contribute our unique viewpoints to the conversation.
However, Humility is equally crucial and perhaps more challenging to embody. It's the humility to acknowledge that our beliefs, no matter how deeply held, are not the definitive view of the world. This form of humility involves an openness to the idea that we could be wrong, or at least, that our perspective is not inherently superior to that of others.
True humility in conversation means actively listening to others, not just to respond or refute, but to understand and absorb. It's about admitting that, despite our convictions, there's always room for growth, learning, and adaptation. This humility doesn't diminish our confidence but rather enriches it, making our confidence more informed, compassionate, and inclusive.
In practicing this duality of Confidence and Humility, we open ourselves to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the world. We learn to appreciate the complexities of issues and recognize the validity of multiple perspectives. This balance is not just the essence of engaging in polarities; it's a cornerstone of meaningful, authentic dialogue. By embracing both Confidence and Humility, we not only enhance our conversations but also foster a deeper connection with ourselves and with others.
Braver Angels One to One Conversations
Why not try a Braver Angels 1:1 Conversation? You might be surprised at the connections you can form, even with those who seem worlds apart.
A significant aspect of Braver Angels workshops, like the 1:1 Conversations, is the combination of structured and free-flow conversation (another polarity). Reflecting on a past workshop, a participant remarked on our society's need for structured settings in order to have meaningful conversations as evidence of how far we have fallen. But I see it more positively – structured environments foster more authentic, profound discussions by breaking our usual patterns.
Bill Doherty, a co-founder of Braver Angels, touches on this in his introduction to the 1:1 Conversations. The format, which initially feels restrictive, is actually liberating, allowing for real, uninterrupted exchange. In the introduction, Bill also touches on another interesting polarity: Being Prepared and Being Spontaneous. Bill suggests thinking about your answers to the questions in the worksheet ahead of time while being open to answering the questions differently once you get into the discussion. This blend of being prepared and being open to spontaneity can lead to a truly authentic experience.
Conclusion
So, as we navigate the complexities of 2024, I invite you to join me in embracing authenticity, not just as a concept, but as a lived experience. It's about being true to ourselves and open to others, whether in a structured workshop or a spontaneous chat over coffee. And as for my resolution, I'm keeping it simple but significant – one authentic article at a time. Here's to a year of meaningful conversations and connections. Let's make it count, together.