Authentic Information

So, what exactly is authentic information? I believe the best way to describe authentic is the word real. Deciphering real information as it relates to the process of your personal change is necessary to get to the root cause of the change challenge. The information does not have to be labeled as good or bad. It is just true and accurate information not skewed by emotion.

For example, let us take the senario that you want to begin an exercise program. Remember, you fall into one of three categories: Fear (I believe I lack the strength to get my program started), Jumpstart (I just need to figure out how to get started) or the Change Thief (I will never be able to get started because - excuse, excuse, excuse - will not let me.) Regardless of which category you at this time, at this very moment you are hindered by the "stuff" that is blocking your ability to change. Until you identify your "stuff", you will continue to fail.

Begin the process of authentic information gathering by asking yourself two questions:

1. What are my personal limiting factors? Example may be time, support, emotional state or lack of knowledge

2. What are you physical limiting factors? Space, money, weather or transportation

The list is very individual to you and to the change that you want to happen. Starting an exercise program will have very different data points than wanting to change jobs. But regardless of what you want to change, you must truthfully answer these two questions before moving forward.

You have most likely come to this page looking for empowerment to create the change you want. I 100% believe that starts with the foundation of authentic data. I bet you have already begun to answer the two questions above. Let's put those thoughts into action.

Step 1: Get out a piece of paper or any method you use to capture your thoughts.

Step 2: Write two columns. Label one Personal Factors and the other Physical Factors.

Steps 3: Write down everything that comes to mind that is standing in your way. Remember, do not categorize these into good or bad, just roadblocks that you determine are making change a challenge.

Step 4: Ask yourself, "Are these authentic"? This is a hard question that you may have to think about for a few minutes. In the example of exercise, a physical factor may be recent knee surgery. That is real. That is something that cannot change and therefore is most likely limiting (to an extent). A personal factor may be that you believe you do not have enough time. That is NOT real. There is always time to take care of your health and well-being. So what is the honest root cause(s), or in other words, what is the authentic information? I challenge you to dig deeper. Question. Is it lack of planning? Are you just struggling to find the right time? Once you identify a root cause, you are ready to put in work on a solution. (Please note, this exercise will be especially painful and possibly emotional for a change thief. A change thief's list will usually contain names of people as a limiting factor. If you have done this, I will re-emphasize that YOU own your change. Repeat step four. Is this authentic? Is this real? Or am I creating an excuse?

Once you have this list, look at each item and determine which you feel you can attack, change, own or dismiss. The goal is to have a clear picture of what is standing in your way. Only then can a plan be made. If you are a #1 (fear) you might be afraid of what you have written, not sure what next steps are or that you have faith to conquer them. If you are a #2 (jumpstarter) you are either excited because you know where to start or wanting more information on how to get moving. If you are a #3 (change thief) you probably think this exercise was not worth your time because... excuse, excuse, excuse. This exercise can be used to determine how, what, when to get change started. When you gather authentic information, you have empowered yourself for change.