Chapter 1: Understanding Authenticity

Recently, my friend Rita expressed her frustration in searching for a genuine male partner. She posed the question, "Why do men often seem so inauthentic?" This sentiment is not new; many women share this concern. I immediately understood her plight. It seems many men tend to embellish the truth, evade accountability for their actions, and shield their vulnerable selves at all costs.

In response to Rita's query about finding a more authentic man in relationships, I remarked, "That's the million-dollar question!" The reality is, many men who seek coaching are puzzled by their own struggles with authenticity and integrity. Unraveling the roots of our male conditioning, acknowledging it, and altering that mindset is no simple task.

Tony Porter, a prominent speaker, refers to the societal expectations and norms that trap men as the "Man Box." Like many, I have had to confront my own confines within this box. Escaping it demands time and perseverance, especially in overcoming the rigid messages we absorbed as boys, such as: "Boys don't cry!" "Man up!" "Don't be a wuss!" "Never back down!" and similar phrases.

While dismantling the stronghold of the Man Box is indeed a lifelong endeavor, it is achievable. It requires shedding our protective armor—a daunting yet necessary process. The journey toward authenticity brings immense rewards.

Authenticity invites us to delve deep within ourselves to uncover our true feelings and thoughts. It involves recognizing our physical sensations and emotions, then articulating them with clarity and maturity. Thus, authenticity evolves into a fundamental aspect of who we are rather than merely an action we perform.

Authenticity encompasses truthfulness, honesty, vulnerability, reliability, and genuineness. It demands self-awareness and the courage to disclose one's thoughts. We cannot communicate our truth if we are unaware of what we genuinely feel and acknowledge.

How can a man cultivate greater authenticity? Consider these six strategies:

1. Recognize your protective armor.
2. Seek a safe environment to shed that armor.
3. Identify the misconceptions you’ve internalized about your identity and rewrite those narratives to align with your truth.
4. Embrace constructive feedback from fellow men.
5. Maintain integrity with yourself and those around you.
6. Be accountable—align your actions with your words.

Each of these steps presents its own challenges. Here’s the truth: this journey cannot be undertaken in isolation! It requires the support of other men who are also committed to this transformative work. The benefits, however, are immeasurable. Many individuals, including Rita, are eagerly waiting for authentic connections.

This video explores the #1 strategy to attract genuine men, highlighting the unexpected ways to build authentic connections.

Chapter 2: The Seven Elements of Authenticity

Authenticity encompasses various critical aspects. One insightful discussion focuses on the seven fundamental elements that define an authentic person and why they are essential in our lives.

This video delves into the seven key elements that contribute to authenticity and explains their importance in personal growth and relationships.

About Rick Broniec

Rick Broniec, MEd., is a celebrated author, speaker, and international authority on men's issues. He has received numerous accolades for his contributions to education and men's work. Over the years, Rick has conducted over 200 training sessions and seminars across 11 countries on five continents, impacting thousands of men. His forthcoming book, co-authored with Leonard Szymczak, is titled "Power Tools for Men: A Blueprint for Healthy Masculinity," set to release in April 2023.