Years ago, I drank the Kool-aide of the great motivators; Norman Vincent Peale, Anthony Robbins, Maxwell Maltz, Wayne Dyer, Paul Persall, and Jay Palmquist, just to name a few. I am grateful and indebted to them for the value each one has added to my life. They have been masters at helping me to re-program my thinking to be a happier person who looks forward and upward, most of the time.
However, the extremes of positivity have their blind spots as well. Sometimes positivity can overshadow authenticity, and our preferred situation loses touch with our actual circumstances.
Case in point; When people ask you how you are doing, you say, “Fine”, or “Great!” but in reality, things might not be so great. We say these things as a pleasantry, but not as a reflection of authenticity.
Notable author and financial motivator, Dave Ramsey always responds with, “Better than I deserve.” which gives vent to view into his heart and mindset of humility.
Another person I love and respect says, “Blessed. I’m just Blessed!” Again giving a view into the gratitude that lives inside her.
Authenticity must always trump positivity. Authenticity must temper my positive attitudes lest I become a legend in my own mind, or live in a vision of grandeur. Positivity that overshadows authenticity lends to one being perceived by others as being fake, or at best, out of touch with reality.
So to all my positive friends out there; Remember to let your authentic-self temper your positive motivations and learn to speak from the heart. Embracing authenticity with a positive attitude will serve you well, as you seek to make a difference.
