I enjoyed this book in how it really helps one to realize that there is “power” in being yourself, and frustration in trying to be (or please everyone else) everyone else. Here’s an overview that’ll give you a good idea of what to expect and how this book can possibly help you in your life. Check it out!
Chapter 1 talked about “Our Resistance to Authenticity” and why we are sometimes fearful of that. Think about this, “You were born an original, why die being a copy?”.
It also explained why we go out of our way to avoid being made fun of, or our fear of not being included. This is why things such as, organized religion, politics, media influence are so important to us.
The Disease to Please – saying or doing just about anything to be considered a good boy or girl. “Shut up and stay quiet!” “Why can’t you be more like…..?” “Calm down.” “It’s better to look good then to feel good.” any of these things sound familiar to you?
How about, “understanding and owning your own persona”, “comparing ourselves with others”, “criticizing our bodies in appearance”?
There’s so much that goes on in each and every one of us… every day, every moment of our lives. It’s no wonder that so many of us “self medicate” and resort to “self destructive” behaviors at times.
NBA great, Michael Jordan once said “You will miss 100% of the shots you do not take”. You’ve got to keep pushing yourself forward in life and take your best shot.
Of us have fears that we face. It’s different for everyone, and what I fear, is not necessarily what you fear. Some of us have a “fear of failure versus fear of success”, “rejection and fear of loneliness”, “disappointments”, “we face judgments about ourselves and from others as well”.
Here are The Five Principles of Authenticity that the author shares with us in this text:
(1) Know Yourself
(2) Transform Your Fear
(3) Express Yourself
(4) Be Bold
(5) Celebrate Who You Are
And also, the author shares with us, Simple Practices in Discovering The Real Authentic You
(1) Create a “Daily Awareness” Practice
(2) Journal Regularly. This is a great way to open up your eyes and discover your journey.
(3) Take a Personality Assessment.
(4) Work with a coach or counselor.
(5) Take a Self-Development or Self-Awareness Workshop.
In this crazy “day and age” of everything that can go wrong, seems to be going wrong (globally and domestically), it’s refreshing to have a book that is uplifting, positive and a reminder of the “greatness that we all have within”.
Read this book. Remember how great you are, no matter what you’re going through or have been through.
Enjoy!
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
