Psychologist's Advice on Kickstarting the Life You Desire
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In a groundbreaking study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology in 2025, Prof. Pninit Russo-Netzer explored the concept of existential authenticity, a path towards living with a clear awareness of life's fragility and taking responsibility for one's choices. The study, authored by Dr. Emily R. Bennett, delves into the three stages of living life authentically: recognising assumptions taken for granted, embracing situational freedom, and actively choosing intentionality and meaning.
At the heart of this study lies the understanding that fear of failure, being alone, or disappointing others are not signs to ignore but rather signals to pay attention to and respond to. Prof. Russo-Netzer draws upon the works of Martin Heidegger, one of existentialism's central figures, who described two central states of "Being" within life: forgetfulness of Being and mindfulness of Being.
Forgetfulness of Being, as explained by Prof. Russo-Netzer, is a state of operating on autopilot, absorbed in routines and cultural expectations. Conversely, mindfulness of Being refers to stepping back, confronting life's uncertainties, and deliberately choosing one's lifepath. The study introduces the concept of "bad faith," a term coined by existentialist thinker Sartre, which refers to fleeing from freedom by pretending that all choices in life are predetermined.
The study also highlights five ultimate concerns in human life: Identity, Mortality, Freedom, Meaning, and Isolation. To engage with anxiety and dread more effectively, Prof. Russo-Netzer suggests staying open to uncertainty, creating frameworks of meaning, and using values as anchors.
Anxiety, according to the study, is framed as freedom in disguise. By treating it as information, one can harness it as a source of energy and direction. Transformative life experiences, such as bereavement, illness, or war, or less explicit events like migration, moments of awe, or major life transitions such as parenthood or retirement, can help individuals achieve existential authenticity.
Authentic coping, as proposed by the study, demands staying curious about one's life and oneself, making the meaning one wishes to feel, and treating anxiety as a source of information about needs and wants, rather than as an illness or symptom. In essence, the study suggests that existential authenticity can be achieved through transformative life experiences, which disrupt the taken-for-granted narratives within our lives.
The Brief Resilience Scale, a science-backed test for assessing one's ability to stay strong in the face of adversity, could potentially serve as a valuable tool in this journey towards existential authenticity. By understanding and embracing the concept, individuals can strive to live more authentically, finding purpose and meaning in their lives.
