Congruity is a really good word. It’s one of those $25,000 words that pack a powerful punch. It means that all the visible parts reflect the whole. For example, every part of an apple say apple, no matter which perspective you may be in when you see the fruit. An apple is an apple, and you always know what you’ll be biting into whether you see it from the front, the side, or the back. It’s an apple.
Life is not nearly so direct, because people are not apples, I’m sorry to say. You know this. You’ve known people you thought were friends, only to have one of them stab you in the back with malicious gossip or participate in some shady behavior that burst your bubble. People are multi-faceted, unpredictable, and downright dishonorable at times.
But are we not meant to transcend beyond that level of behavior? Being human doesn’t have to mean just being human in the sense of accepting sleazeball behavior. Living a congruent life begins with a simple maxim: Say what you mean and mean what you say. Put self-interest and flattery aside. Be real. Be genuine. As you learn to think before you speak, and as you begin speaking congruently, you’ll see something shift inside your head.
Did you ever see The Matrix with Keanu Reeves? Do you remember the scene where he suddenly saw the lines of code and could see past them? Congruency offers you the gift of being able to see it in others. You’ll begin to pick up on the dishonesty, pettiness and small-mindedness of others, learning to avoid risky business deals and false promises. It comes naturally with living a congruent lifestyle.
What are the values of being congruent? Psychololgy Today suggests that you will engender the trust of others. Your own intuition will increase. You will be a happier person. When you are on the outside looking in, seeing another person forsake instant gratification for the value of being real doesn’t sound all that attractive, but believe me, it is.
As a matter of fact, certain things begin to happen when you live a congruent lifestyle. In Live Your Legend we find that people who practice the simplicity of just being themselves are happier, more successful and more self-confident. They assume an inner peace that proves elusive for those always striving to be something they are not.
More, your congruent lifestyle will be noticed by people who want to give you their money. That’s right. Bosses, investors, counselors, educators will see that cream in your lifestyle and want you on their teams. Congruency begins with being its own reward, but it doesn’t end there. The integrity of being the same person in every situation, in every conversation, in every business dealing makes you a bit of a rarity. And you know the value of that rare painting or piece of pottery, don’t you? Be an original.
