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Understanding and Utilizing the Power of Sincerity in Action · Sri Aurobindo Studies

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  If we reflect on our own efforts to change things in our lives,
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  whether a resolution to follow a diet, exercise regularly, create
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  a work rest balance, spend more time with our families, or carry
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  out some effort in our religious or spiritual focus, we will
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  quickly see that our resolve does not always get carried out
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  in our lives. We berate ourselves for lack of
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  willpower without fully working out why that seems to be the
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  case that we cannot follow through.
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  We feel compelled in many cases to do things that are self
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  defeating. Of course willpower can be
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  practised, strengthened and developed.
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  Yet there is an underlying issue that actually is a primary
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  causative factor in this failure, which the mother terms
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  lack of sincerity. What is sincerity?
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  In this context we first need to explore and understand the
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  different parts of our being and their different demands and
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  desires. The psychic being is focused on
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  our spiritual growth and development.
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  For most people it is quiet behind the veil of the external
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  being and rarely shapes our their lives.
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  When it comes forward and takes a leading role, then it can have
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  an influence to both guide and direct the other parts of the
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  being and harmonize them around the central focus.
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  The mind, the vital being and the physical body each have
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  their own needs, wants, desires, and cherish directions, and they
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  will tend to assert themselves. They undermine the will whenever
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  they are not aligned for the same purpose and direction.
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  The body may crave certain foods.
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  The vital may seek the fulfillment of certain desires
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  and they have a way of Co opting the mind to agree and provide an
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  excuse or rationale for the outcome they desire.
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  Sincerity is this process of bringing all the parts of the
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  being to agreement about the goals, purposes and actions to
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  support the central purpose of the being and the life, the
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  mother observes. Quote There are people who tell
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  me I don't have the willpower to overcome desire.
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  That means you are not sincere, for sincerity is an infinitely
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  more powerful force than all the wills in the world.
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  It can change anything, whatever.
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  In the twinkling of an eye. It takes hold of it, grips it,
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  pulls it out, and then it's over.
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  But you close your eyes. You find excuses for yourself.
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  Sincerity is the safeguard, the protection, the guide, and
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  finally the transforming power. Reference Sri Aurobindo and the
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  Mother Powers within Chapter 7 Attitude, page 66.