Category Archives: Courage

We can choose to be courageous whether we are ready or not

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We can choose to be courageous whether we are ready or not.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Freeclassicimages.com

Today’s thought reminds me of Hugh Laurie’s quote, “There is no such thing as ready. There is only now.”

How much of the time do you find yourself in a state of preparation before you shoot, ship, or act? When we wait to actually feel ready and 100% confident on our success, we are probably too late.

We recently saw and enjoyed the new Elvis movie. I was surprised to learn about how nervous and fearful Elvis was before getting on stage to shake things up in his unique and controversial style.

EXERCISE:

In what parts of your life are you waiting to be ready?

Where is it time to shake things up?

How would choosing to be more courageous help you realize more of your full potential?

It may be Now or Never.

Daring to set boundaries is having the courage to love ourselves

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“Daring to set boundaries is having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others.”

—Brene Brown

Image from Unsplash by Ralph Katieb

Over the past couple of years, I’ve become increasingly aware of various types of boundaries that people apply and often cross in our day-to-day activities.

Consider how Covid-19 has shaped our lives with social distancing, the use of masks, and a wide variety of other approaches to stay safe.

Before the pandemic and especially today, most of us have a sense of personal boundaries regarding our own bubble of comfort when at social gatherings. We can all feel the awkwardness and discomfort when someone entered our “no fly zone.”

EXERCISE:

Where in your life have others crossed the line and breached the walls of your well-being?

How can and will you find the courage to protect and love yourself when this may disappoint others in your various communities?

“I would like to die on Mars, just not on impact.”

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“I would like to die on Mars, just not on impact.”

—Elon Musk, CEO, at Tesla and at SpaceX

Image from Unsplash by Nicolas Lobos

Elon Musk probably lives by the credo “No Risk, No Reward.” He has clearly pushed the boundaries of entrepreneurship to their limits, and in many cases, come out on top. Although financial success is used on many occasions to demonstrate achievement, Musk’s shoot-for-the stars approach almost always focuses on making a difference and leaving a contributing dent in the universe.

Clearly venturing into space safely and reaching the red planet in one piece is pretty high on his list.

Exercise:

What impact do you wish to make with your personal and professional life? How can you more courageously go where you’ve never been before to explore and reach new levels of your potential?

The glass ceiling doesn’t apply when you’re building your own house

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“The glass ceiling doesn’t apply when you’re building your own house.”

—Heidi Roizen, American Venture Capitalist and Entrepreneur

Image from Unsplash by Kyle Brinker

Did you know that if you place a bunch of fleas in a jar with a glass lid they will eventually stop trying to jump out even if you remove the lid?

Glass ceilings — and ceilings in general — seem to be a fact of life where the world and even we, ourselves, place limits on how high and how far we can soar.

What do some of these limitations sound like when you hear them from family members, friends, colleagues and even your own inner voice?

In recent years, people have pursued their own personal and professional paths, cleared of many of these ceilings, letting new horizons and sunnier futures of their own creation occur.

EXERCISE:

Where in your worlds are you limited by glass ceilings?

How can you courageously break through these barriers to have a custom-made house, built just for you?

“How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them!”

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“How few there are who have courage enough to own their faults, or resolution enough to mend them!”

—Benjamin Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States

Image from Unsplash by Adi Goldstein

We can all be a bit judgmental and critical from time to time. When things appear wrong with the world in general or specifically with others in our various communities, it is pretty easy to point the finger at the mistakes and shortcomings we observe.

It is natural to hold our observation up against our own beliefs and values and see those that do not align as bad and wrong.

Most of us, on the other hand, do not look at ourselves with a lens of complete objectivity to see our own shortcomings and faults as worthy of our best efforts to mend them.

EXERCISE:

The next time you point your finger in the direction of the faults of others, consider that there are three fingers in your palm pointing right back at you.

What is one fault that you are resolute to mend in the days and weeks ahead?

 

“Follow your heart but take your brain with you.”

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“Follow your heart but take your brain with you.”

—Alfred Adler, 20th Century Austrian MD & Psychotherapist

Image from bbc.com

As a child, The Wizard of Oz was one of my favorite movies. Given its length and the fact that you had to watch it live with no way to record it, my mom would let us eat dinner carefully on those tacky plastic trays in the living room, gathered around our only TV.

As Dorothy traveled the yellow brick road with her little dog Toto, she teamed up with the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion — they were hoping the Wonderful Wizard would give them a brain, a heart, and courage, respectively.

EXERCISE:

Where is your life calling on you to follow your heart and use all of your brains to courageously pursue your dreams and find your way home?

 

“Following the crowd never gets you very far.”

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“Following the crowd never gets you very far.”

—Robin Sharma, Canadian Author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

Image from Unsplash by Chuttersnap

It is human nature to want to belong to our professional and personal communities. We tend to thrive and live longer, happier lives due to the supportive relationships around us.

Following the crowd and group think, however, is rarely associated with extraordinary levels of achievement and excellence. When one looks at the subject of personal mastery, important relationships with role models, mentors, teachers, and coaches are always involved. And yet, they evolve and change over time, to propel people forward, often leaving once valued relationships behind.

EXERCISE:

Where in your life have you and are you following the crowd? How has doing so held you back from going even further in either your personal or professional life?

What bolder, more courageous actions can and will you take to realize even more of your fullest potential?

“Revolutions are ideal times for soldiers with a lot of wit – and the courage to act.”

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“Revolutions are ideal times for soldiers with a lot of wit – and the courage to act.”

Napoleon Bonaparte, 18th Century French Emperor and Military Leader

Image from Unsplash by Jessica Felicio

I recently saw a video keynote speech by David Burkus on the topic of how great teams find a purpose around which to rally.

In addition to using excellent examples of well-known organizations to make his points, he also used a few historical samples of powerful revolutions that galvanized communities, countries, and the world.

He suggests that we can all dig deeper than the core values or mission statements hanging in organization headquarters or above executive desks to discover our sacred values worth fighting for.

We are all allies in the sacred crusade to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, and combat racism around the world.

EXERCISE:

Where and how are you and others soldiers in your various communities bringing your wit and courage to act in these fights? How can and will you rally even more allies in these efforts?

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”

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“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”

—Louisa May Alcott, 19th Century American author of Little Women

Image from Unsplash by Bobby Burch

If you enjoy good stories with wonderful characters, please go see the movie Little Women, or by all means, read the book.

In our daily lives we can all be coached by the times we see others face and overcome their challenges and obstacles. Doing so can instill the belief that we, too, can do the same.

EXERCISE:

Where in your personal or professional life are you facing considerably rough waters?

In what ways can and will you face these challenges boldly and courageously to chart your course toward a brighter future?

“Surprise yourself every day with your own courage.”

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“Surprise yourself every day with your own courage.”

—Denholm Elliot, 20th Century English actor

Image from Unsplash by Mitchell Griest

Who is your favorite superhero? Which Marvel or DC character could you see yourself playing in the next blockbuster film?

For Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory, it was The Flash, and of course, we all know he had a thing for Mr. Spock from Star Trek.

Somehow, we often look at courage as a trait exhibited by others, such as those in law enforcement, the military, and emergency service professionals.

Consider for a moment where and when you came to the rescue of a family member, friend, or even a stranger in need. Think back to times in your life in which special people helped you.

EXERCISE:

What current life situations require a bit more courage?

When have you surprised yourself and put on your own cape of courage?

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