How can “creative fidelity” help you envision the man you want to be.

In this article, I want to reveal why practicing creative fidelity is not just important, but truly essential for leading a fulfilling and meaningful life as a man. The term “creative fidelity," beautifully coined by the renowned French philosopher Gabriel Marcel, encapsulates the profound commitment to something beyond oneself, whether it be a cherished marriage, a dedicated pursuit of meaningful work, nurturing family connections, or fostering invaluable friendships. Although creative fidelity is not a well-known concept, its manifestation is always found in deeply committed persons.

When we immerse ourselves in the practice of creative fidelity, we recognize the immense power and significance of wholeheartedly committing and dedicating ourselves to these vital aspects of our lives. It is through this unwavering commitment that we discover a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.

However, failing to embrace creative fidelity can lead to feelings of disconnection, vulnerability, and even rejection by others. When we are not fully committed to our work, relationships, or passions, it becomes evident to those around us. Our lack of dedication can result in a loss of trust and intimacy in our most cherished connections, ultimately making us feel isolated and misunderstood.

On the other hand, practicing creative fidelity allows us to show up authentically and completely invest our energy, time, and love into our commitments. By doing so, we not only honor our own values and aspirations but also create an environment that fosters growth, love, and harmony. Through creative fidelity, we build the foundation for lasting, fulfilling relationships that stand the test of time.

In essence, embracing creative fidelity is an invitation to live an inspired life, driven by authenticity and purpose. It is a path that leads to profound connections, personal growth, and a deep understanding of ourselves and others. By fully committing to the things that matter most to us, we can cultivate a life filled with love, joy, and unwavering support. So, keep reading to gain a better understanding of a concept that defines a mentally strong man.

The ingredients of a committed man

Making a commitment is a big deal; It's not just a simple thing we say and forget about. It's a whole package deal that requires a lot from us. We're talking about fidelity to a commitment - staying true to our word, no matter what. This becomes really difficult if you are dealing with depression, anxiety, or mental distress.

First off, there's constancy. That means we have to be consistent, always sticking by our commitment. We can't just change our minds or give up when things get tough. It takes some serious determination to stay on track when you are expected to be the “head of the family.”

Then there's courage. Commitments aren't always easy to keep. Challenges and obstacles can pop up along the way, and we have to face them head-on. It's about pushing through the tough times and not backing down. Many of the men I see tell me this is the most difficult part because they are biting down through the mental distress to get things done.

But dedication is the real key here. It's all about investing our time, energy, and resources into fulfilling our commitment. We gotta be all in, giving it our all. That's what it takes to keep our word and honor the commitment we made. Unfortunately, you become depressed due to the self-blame of not being dedicated.

And let's not forget about perseverance. Man, this one is essential. Sometimes, the journey can get rough, and the path seems never-ending. But we can't just give up. We have to keep going, even when it feels like we're dragging ourselves along. It's about pushing ourselves to keep moving forward no matter what. For many of clients, their anxiety about the future inhibits the needed perseverance.

And hey, sometimes things get really crazy, and we need a little heroism. Yeah, we might have to go above and beyond our limits to honor our commitment. It's about stepping up when it counts, even if nobody's explicitly asking us to. That's how we show our true dedication. At this point, you can say the resolving your mental distress in therapy while attending to the responsibilities of the world is a heroic act.

These qualities are not always spelled out for us. Nobody's keeping tabs or reminding us on every step of the way. But that doesn't mean we can slack off. When we make a commitment, we take on the responsibility to live up to these expectations. We have to show constancy, courage, dedication, perseverance, and maybe even a little heroism, all on our own. For many of my clients, lack of commitment to important dimensions of their lives (work, marriage, friendships, etc.) is a real problem.

What does “creative fidelity” do for me?

Why so much weight on fidelity to a commitment?  You can find the answer on the words of Marcel: “The fact is that when I commit myself, I grant in principle that the commitment will not again be put in question…It at once bars a certain number of possibilities; it bids me invent a certain modus vivendi which I would otherwise be precluded from envisaging.  Here there appears in a rudimentary form what I call creative fidelity.  My behavior will be completely colored by this act embodying the decision that the commitment will not again be questioned.  The possibility which has been barred or denied will thus be demoted to the rank of temptation.”

Marcel is emphasizing the importance of a clear belief for us to succeed in our relationships. To overcome anxiety or depression, you need to fully commit to your recovery. Once you commit, there should be no doubt that you will heal and become mentally strong.  To follow Marcel's philosophy, I recognize that your emotional struggles might make you want to hide from others; this is the temptation part.

Many of my clients find comfort in isolating themselves and withdrawing from social interactions. This inclination to retreat from the world is a natural response to the pain and uncertainty they experience. However, it is important to acknowledge that true healing and growth can only occur when we step out of our comfort zones and confront our emotions head-on. The first step towards this transformative journey is finding the courage within yourself to make a change.

The final message

You must apply this principle of commitment to every aspect of your life, whether it's marriage, a promise to fulfill a certain job, parenting, or simply offering your help to someone in need. In order to find true joy in a marriage, it's crucial for both partners, the woman and the man, to remain faithful and dedicated to the shared mission that they have undertaken. So, perhaps today, your commitment lies in embarking on a transformative journey, stepping beyond the confines of your worries, fears, and anxieties, and fully committing to becoming the best version of the man you have always envisioned yourself to be.

This commitment will not only bring fulfillment and happiness, but also strengthen your relationships and bring about positive growth in all areas of your life. This is the creative and transformative process of discovering your true self hidden beneath the mental issues; this is “creative fidelity”!