The self and the world are always talking. The interface between these two interdependent systems? Expression.
Every single thing we do is an act of expression, an imprint of our self on the world. Whether it’s the manner in which we tie our shoes or the way we carry ourselves during the most important presentation of our lives, everything we do is a communicative act.
When we think of expression, we usually think of intentional things—hobbies or art. But our expression is often unconscious. Consider a facial expression: we’re generally aware of the emotion, but we don’t consciously control the subtle muscle movements that broadcast that emotion anyway.
In short, every second of our lives is a moment in which we engage in the act of expression.
Action and Desire
In our previous exploration, Desires and Outcomes – An Interface for Altering Reality, we noted that:
- We have true desires, which our embedded in our authentic selves.
- Action is the mechanism through which we communicate to the world what we want.
With those concepts and the notion that expression is constant, we can synthesize these ideas to form a model for how we interface with reality.
This model flows from four fundamental Assumptions:
- Action is Constant Expression: Every action, conscious or not, is a non-stop broadcast of the self (an act of expression).
- True Desire is Internal: The authentic Self is the only source of genuine wants.
- The Signal Communicates Desire: Our constant expression is the means by which we attempt to transmit our wants to the world.
- The Signal Must Be Sent: Communication is the prerequisite for receiving outcome.
When we synthesize these four truths, the entire model hinges on a single point of failure: signal clarity. When our actions and external expressions are not rooted in our deepest, authentic desires, we send a mixed signal, making it impossible to receive what is truly meant for us.
The Resulting Model
If these four assumptions are true, then a simple, powerful model for life emerges:
Our constant dialogue with the universe is one in which we tell the universe who we are. Only by staying true to our authentic selves—ensuring our constant expression is an authentic signal—can we really receive what we want from the universe.
My Commitment: Living an Authentic Expression
So, how do we shift from simply understanding this model to actually living a life that is more true to our authentic selves?
The model demands that we make the unconscious conscious. This week, I am committing to three highly specific activities to actualize this concept:
1. Presence in Small Actions
- The Principle: Our actions never stop communicating with the universe. I want my expression to be one of meticulous presence.
- The Action: Every day, I am going to be entirely present when I tie my shoes. Instead of engaging on autopilot, I will focus on the process to ensure I am executing this small, routine task perfectly. This builds the muscle of intentionality.
2. Strategic Reflection Alignment
- The Principle: My reflection must ensure my tactical actions are expressing alignment with my strategic priorities, not just adherence to a to-do list.
- The Action: At the end of the day, instead of judging my performance solely against my small daily plan, I will reflect on that day’s actions against my weekly strategic priorities for Steps Co. and Stride. This ensures my expression (my time) is communicating the big future I desire.
3. Micro-Expression of Space
- The Principle: Our environment is a constant, quiet form of expression. I want my immediate space to express clarity and creative potential.
- The Action: I will perform a “Clean Sweep” of my primary working surface before leaving it each day. This involves clearing everything unnecessary and leaving out only one item that represents my next day’s biggest priority for Steps Co. or Stride. This small act expresses, “I am a person who finishes cleanly and is prepared for tomorrow’s key outcome.”
If every action is a constant signal, then the challenge isn’t to stop communicating—it’s to ensure the communication is intentional.
For those of us working to build, create, or lead (whether it’s scaling a business like Stride or simply perfecting a craft), the cost of an inauthentic signal is too high; it leads to profit leaks of time, energy, and focus.
The model demands that we move beyond just understanding the concept and start the hard work of turning Authentic Expression into a low-effort, high-impact habit. It requires practicing intentionality until that which is authentic becomes automatic.
Just as a great QSR operation relies on a perfected, standardized system, we must design our own lives to ensure our daily actions automatically express our strategic, authentic selves.
The dialogue with the universe has begun. Your job is simply to keep your signal clear. What is one small, everyday action you can reprogram for authenticity this week?
