I work in the science-based field of natural resource conservation. In any science-based field, the empirical knowledge that provides the foundation has served us well.
Because we look to studies, research, well-developed and tested hypothesis to gain insight, we’ve developed a habit of looking outwardly to find our answers. This ability to digest proven information is essential, yet there is a missing link – the ability to look inward.
Authority is the power to influence people, including oneself, especially because of one’s recognized knowledge about something. Looking to an authority figure solidifies that the information given comes from a place of intelligence and correctness. Turning to an authority gives a person confidence that the answers are “right”.
Outward authority, however, often assumes there is one right answer. It is the search for what is true. Truth, however, changes with further scientific discoveries, learning more about human nature, or seeing social injustice. Truth grows and changes as humanity grows and changes.
We all possess the ability to choose what is truth in our lives. Clear in the variety of political or religious beliefs, for example, we each choose in our lives what truths to support and believe in and which ones to promote. We must all accept that our belief in our own truth is equal to others’ belief in theirs, even when we disagree. It follows, then, that truth is in the beholder’s eye.
So who is the authority on what is right for you given your unique set of experience, skills, talent, and abilities? Who may tell us what we believe? Who has the answer on our truth?
Authority on self can only come from self. Regardless of how much others have studied human nature, delved into the inner workings of the human mind, none of that science is exact to you.
In my life, I’ve been told many harmful things. These are truths other may hold and they’ve told me through their words and actions. Through cruel comments, harsh looks, and rumors circulating behind my back, I’ve been told that I am not worthy. If I looked only to this outward authority, I would be the victim of my own life story.
I decided it did not serve me to listen to those voices. Those voices are not true to me, for I am my authority. No longer do I look to others to inform my opinion of myself or what I value or hold dear. And once I stopped looking to others, I began finding evidence that not everyone else’s opinion is so bleak. I had ignored many positive outside voices until I could first listen to my own voice.
Life is one big experiment. When conducting an experiment, a scientist must keep an open mind to analyze the data gathered objectively and avoid jumping to conclusions. Trusting someone else’s opinion on us or on how we should live our lives is akin to predetermining the results of a scientific inquiry.
The next first step is to embrace YOUR authority. In your life, only you can determine what is right for you. In order to do so, you must first get curious about your life and thoughts. What are the thoughts you believe to be true and examine it wholly to determine if that is actually true.
For years I believed I was a failure, despite massive evidence to the contrary. I didn’t know this was a loop playing on a record in the background. When I uncovered it, examined it, and was open all the evidence, I determined it was so far from true it was laughable.
And while I still struggle with this as I work to undo years of programming, I’ve seen the evidence that embracing my authority on myself has led to even greater success than I could imagine.
