Courage is something that we see as a virtue. But, beyond running into a burning building and saving people, it is an everyday skill.
Every day we rely on our courage when we face challenges and risks. I am talking about the ‘everyday’ risks, like trying something new, putting your hand up for a new project or role, speaking up when you have a different point of view or asking someone on a date. The risk we feel anytime we feel uncertain or exposed, anytime we feel vulnerable.
To others, these may not seem like big things, but to us in the moment they can be confronting, challenging and downright scary. No-one else knows what we must overcome to step into action, though truth be told they too will have their challenges because even those who appear most confident have vulnerabilities; what if they don’t like me, what if I’m wrong, what if I fail, what if I don’t know what to do, what if they laugh…
Having courage is a skill, like being able to see the adventure in the unknown rather than the uncertainty of not knowing. And the awesome thing about skills is that they are something that can be learned.
Photo courtesy of Gwen Weustink – Unsplash
Clearly you are not going to step into situations where the risks are many, or the consequence of a fail is not something that you can come back from. However, playing the game of life with little or no adventure, well – are we truly in the game?
Waiting for the perfect moment before we step into doing something, is like waiting for our fairy god mother. Our mind can create a myriad of excuses to prevent our action; I’m not good enough, smart enough, successful enough, perfect enough… these are not good reasons to prevent us moving forward, and they will ever conspire to keep us from being our best selves.
Curious is the fact that courage is seen as a virtue and yet vulnerability is seen as a weakness.
Interesting is the fact that you cannot show bravery or daring if you are not at first afraid.
If we consider these facts, we can begin to see that we cannot have courage without first being vulnerable.
Brene Brown has done some wonderful work in this space. She has researched extensively and argues that vulnerability is actually a strength, and when we distance ourselves from sharing some of our true self, we distance ourselves from living a life with purpose and meaning.
Brene asks an awesome question that can help us begin to step in to action.
What is the greater risk? Letting go of what people think of me OR Letting go of how I feel, what I believe in and who I am?
Everything can be a little scary, however that fear may indicate it is something worthwhile. This knowledge is powerful.
You can’t get to courage without walking through vulnerability ~ Brene Brown
Knowing that you have some skin in the game can be scary or exciting. Acknowledge your vulnerability and discover an opportunity to show courage.
Go on, choose the adventure. Feel the fear and do it anyway.
I’ll be posting every weekday in August. Follow me to benefit from my Adapt in August series and build your capability for adapting to change.
Keep well,
Vicki
My business is helping you with yours…
If you would like further information or to arrange some support in building this skill please don’t hesitate to contact me. I look forward to helping you build your success your way.
Yours in success,
Vicki
