ABSTRACT

Never before have the pressures of a comparative and competitive world impacted on our sense of wellbeing, particularly among young adults. Building on the principles of Giving Voice to Values, which honors the complexity and difficulty of leading with our values, this book addresses the unique challenges faced by young adults. It provides a clear process that details how to harness natural wisdom to flourish through the relentless pace and pressure of today’s world. Moving beyond mere values clarification, Authentic Excellence helps the reader to develop a deeper relationship with their values and confidently express them, and builds effective coping skills to manage the relentless noise of our comparative and competitive world.

Authentic Excellence answers five primary questions:

  • How are young adults affected by this world of relentless change and pressure?
  • Why are young adults vulnerable to a plateau that can negatively affect their resilience?
  • What is the difference between fear-based excellence and authentic excellence and what role do values play in this distinction?
  • What is necessary to move beyond fear-based excellence and why is it so hard?
  • How do you train a deeper level of effectiveness that includes more consistent productivity, fulfillment and resilience?

part I|2 pages

Understanding the plateau effect

chapter 1|16 pages

Introduction

Flourishing and resilience in a relentless world

chapter 2|5 pages

Values

The ironic precursor to the plateau effect

chapter 3|10 pages

Stuck at good

The plateau effect

part II|6 pages

Understanding and training for Authentic Excellence

chapter 6|9 pages

Paradigm Shift 1

Shifting from values clarification to values relationship

chapter 7|9 pages

Paradigm Shift 2

Shifting from equity-minded to integrity-minded

chapter 8|11 pages

Paradigm Shift 3

Shifting from fear reduction to holding fear well

chapter 9|13 pages

Paradigm Shift 4

Shifting from avoidance of difficult emotions to confidence in managing difficult emotions

chapter 10|6 pages

Paradigm Shift 5

Shifting from a chronically evaluative mindset to an expressive mindset

chapter 11|5 pages

Putting it all together

Dynamic Blueprinting Action Plan

part III|2 pages

Special considerations for flourishing and resilience

chapter 12|6 pages

Values profile of young adults

chapter 13|7 pages

Sensitivity, giftedness, and values

The active-minded, active-hearted young adult

chapter 14|11 pages

Creativity and values

chapter 15|8 pages

Transition and values

chapter 16|6 pages

Leadership and team development

chapter 17|6 pages

Decision-making and values

chapter 18|7 pages

Conclusion

Redefining authenticity, trust, and compassion