Which are your sources of courage?
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Which are your sources of courage?
Which are your sources of courage? This question leads us to a main reflection: Does courage come from within us or is it external?
I have been researching this topic. Opinions differ. Many people struggle to answer the question at all, which is fair enough. It sounds kind of philosophical. If you ask me, I believe courage comes from within, but it is influenced by external factors. It is a mixture of both which makes thing happen at the end. Let me explain why:
First of all the inner desire to achieve something or make something happen is key the WHY, the motivation and the reason behind something is the driver for actions. It is this inner urge which mobilises the necessary courage to go for it and do it any way, despite the fear.
The starting point of any journey is the magic WHY. Why do you want to achieve something? Why face the fear and take the hassle? Why is that thing so important to you? What is going to be its impact? What would you win by doing it and what would you lose if you didn’t make it?
Having worked with hundreds of professionals on designing their career path, I can tell you that those who know their WHY or focus on finding it out, are usually the ones who can cultivate their courage and move forward.
This is where courage comes from within.
On the other hand we often also need others - those externals, so to speak - in order to be able to mobilise our courage. Those who support us and give us sometimes a little less and sometimes a little more of a push to go and do it. Knowing that those externals will be there for us in case things didn’t work out the way we expected, gives us also the needed comfort, so we go and do it despite the fear of failure. This is how courage becomes external.
Now let’s look at some ‘practical’ sources of courage:
Belief in yourself
If we look at successful leaders, they do not let their success to happen by chance. They decide and believe that they will be successful. No question marks, no doubts and uncertainties – pure belief in themselves and their abilities.
So if they can do it, you can do it too. Believe in yourself and your abilities. One of the best ways to mobilise your self-confidence and courage is to look at past stories. Where was a similar situation, a similar challenge which you tackled? How did you do it? How did you mobilise your courage? If you could do it then, you can do it now. By the way, if you start believing in yourself, you give others the reason to believe in you too and support you.
Vulnerability
As much as a strong self-belief and an absolute can-do attitude is necessary to cultivate courage, so is vulnerability.
Brené Brown, the US storyteller, author, researcher and public speaker defines vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure.” She says that “vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy and creativity.” So allow yourself to be vulnerable. Self-belief does not mean to put yourself in the cage of Mr. and Mrs. Perfect. It is about showing up despite the fear of being imperfect and the uncertainty to expose yourself.
The eagle eye
Having understood your fears and considered any hidden risks, which you might want to avoid, you need to develop a broad vision. Changing perspective and looking at the entire picture, recognising all the connections, understanding the overall impact and feeling the entire energy make you powerful. By doing so, you enable yourself to experience the greatness of that achievement. The eagle eye will nourish your courage.
Helping hands
Nobody says you need to go through it alone. Mobilise your courage while asking for help and support when you need to. Accept the helping hands and let them carry you to the courage arena. You do not have to be courageous and look the fear in the eye alone. Only make sure those helping hands belong to people you trusted; the ones who will be there for you in case you fail and fall.
Imperfect start
A lot of people fail to take the courage to move forward by waiting, thinking they are not ready enough, not prepared enough, and that they need to know more and so on.
Courage is to start even if you are not ready 100%. Waiting until things are perfect discourages rather from starting. Real courage means starting even when things are not perfect, jumping into the cold water, trying, correcting mistakes, moving forward one step after the other, gathering experiences and celebrating first small successes. Your starting courage will create more courage and enables you to progress.
Role models
Your role models can help you to become the master of your own actions and thoughts. Role models can serve you as an example and guide you through your path and encourage you to keep going. Look around and get inspired by those who are courageous, are moving forward and are achieving what they want to achieve. Or simply those whom you look up to for their one or other achievement, success, personality and so on. Find them, observe them, learn from them, get inspired by them. If possible, get in touch with them, talk to them and make them your supporter, your helping hand.
Your role models could be some renowned people whom you could follow on social media, or you can simply find them among your colleagues, friends and family members.
I am sure if you reflect, you will find also your own sources of courage which you can add to this list and draw benefit from them while you are moving forward.
Still, not sure how to find your sources of courage? Let’s talk (Contact me)