This is the final installment of my three-part series titled "Relentless Truth: Stepping Away from Self Promotion." If you've been with us through episodes 71 and 72, you know we've been journeying through the philosophical landscapes of Jean-Paul Sartre, Kierkegaard, and now, Martin Heidegger.

Consider how social media can subtly transform us into mere observers in our own lives. By curating online personas, we risk losing sight of our authentic selves, becoming preoccupied with how we're perceived rather than truly participating in our own experiences.

As I examine Heidegger's ideas, it's crucial to acknowledge the distinction between the "they self" and the "authentic self." The "they self" conforms to societal expectations, dictated by external validation—an all-too-common phenomenon on social media platforms. In contrast, the "authentic self" aligns with personal values and convictions, independent of external approval. The journey toward authenticity is about embracing our unique values, even if it means going unseen by the masses.

It's about valuing the experience itself, rather than its perception.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Heidegger's Philosophy: Being an active participant in the world, as opposed to a passive observer, is central to living an authentic life. Social media can shift us from this engagement to being mere spectators in our own lives.
• The "They Self" vs. the "Authentic Self": The former conforms to societal norms, while the latter lives by its own values, regardless of external validation.
• The Value of Presence: The importance of prioritizing real, meaningful interactions over curated online personas is emphasized. Are we making noise to prove we exist or engaging in genuine communications?
• Breaking Free from Societal Norms: Embrace your authentic self through self-reflection and individual responsibility. Live your life based on personal values rather than societal expectations.

Key Moments

00:00 "Choosing Presence Over Performance"

03:23 "Being Present Over Online Perception"

07:02 "The 'They Self' in Social Media"

10:05 "Meaningful Communication vs. Idle Talk"

13:38 Authenticity Over Visibility

17:47 Inherent Human Value

21:58 "Value in Unseen Work"

23:27 Hearing the Music

Perry Maughmer believes the world deserves better leadership; that in every human interaction there is the opportunity to either build others up or tear them down; and that leadership is the choice we make in those moments.

These beliefs led Perry to create the Potential Leader Lab. He wanted to offer those who share his beliefs the space and safety to explore transformative ideas, experiment with new behaviors, and evolve into the leaders they were meant to be and that the world needs.

This is a framework he has used again and again with his Vistage peer advisory groups and companies like Turn-Key Tunneling, Convergint, Haughn & Associates, I Am Boundless, Ketchum & Walton, LSP Technologies, and Ahlum & Arbor.

Perry lives and works on the shores of Buckeye Lake in Ohio, in the mountains of northwest Georgia, and on the beach in Anna Maria, Florida with his amazingly creative wife Lisa. They have 2 rescue dogs and are intermittently visited by their 3 wonderful children throughout the year. Perry & Lisa are living life in crescendo and focused on exploring, experimenting, and evolving their vision of a life they have no desire to retire from.

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