Authority is the principle derived from truth and power. Truth without power accomplishes nothing. Power without truth generates wasted action. The principle of authority teaches you to purposefully blend knowledge and action to produce intelligent results.
When you live without authority, your default behavior is to squander your time. You may acquire some knowledge, but you won’t apply it well. You may take some action, but your movements will be chaotic and unfocused. You have the potential to live a powerful, self-directed life of your choosing, but until you step into your true authority, this potential remains a fantasy.
With authority, you not only assume responsibility for your life, you take complete command of it. Your control won’t be perfect and total, but you’ll be strong enough to achieve the important goals you set for yourself. You’ll have the clarity to identify the kind of life you want to live, as well as the power to actually create it.
Let’s explore the principle of authority by considering its five key aspects: command, effectiveness, persistence, confidence, and significance.
* Source: Personal Development for Smart People by Steve Pavlina