At what times in your life have you made a choice that required bravery? What brave actions have you seen in others? Here are a few bravery-related posts you may have missed.
“I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says: Turn Back!”
“The man who runs may fight again.”
Image from Unsplash by Fran Hogan
In times of considerable uncertainty, I have noticed tremendous bravery in people.
We expect bravery in our armed services men and women, our police force, firefighters, Emergency Medical personnel, and other first responders.
These days medical professions and the array of other “essential” workers that support them are also putting themselves on the line.
What brave conversations must be had to mobilize the dramatic decisions and bold actions taken to protect and serve one another and all of our communities?
What conversations in your personal or professional community are to be had that will make the difference you wish to make?
Select one such conversation in which you will summon the necessary level of bravery today.
Image from Unsplash by Raul Cacho Oses
From an early age, we are repeatedly exposed to messages such as: “Be brave!”, “Never Give Up!”, “Winners never quit and quitters never win!”. There are countless stories, shows, and movies that play off the “feel good” tale of victory and coming out on top.
I’m all for being an optimist on most occasions, however, many times a far more realistic and objective perspective may be the wiser way to go.
What fights and battles are occurring in your professional and personal worlds? Where do you see progress and have a sense of hope that you will prevail? In what situation do you feel and know deep down that it’s time to “fold’em,” like a losing poker hand?
How would using your head, heart, and gut help you know when it is time to run versus stand your ground, so that you may fight another day?
Image from Unsplash by Jörg Angeli
The majority of people I know don’t normally consider themselves as particularly brave and courageous. Many might look at the amazing firefighters in California and say, “That’s not me” or “I could never do that.”
I’d like you to consider that you might be at least a bit more courageous than you give yourself credit for. Examine times in your personal or professional life in which you stepped up to a particular challenging, heart-pounding situation and moved forward through the fear. Your commitment was far bigger than your comfort.
Where and how can and will you use the signal of a pounding heart to step forward rather than back to more fully realize your most important and valued commitments?
One of my favorite and most recommended books on effective communications is titled “Fierce Conversations” by Susan Scott.
The word “fierce” can be defined as robust, intense, strong, powerful, passionate, eager, and unbridled – all of which point to the impact the conversation can make if held with positive intent and mastery.
The problem on many occasions is that most of us avoid such conversations due to the fear that often accompanies high-stakes situations.
Where is it necessary in either your personal or professional life to summon the courage to have more fierce conversations?
Consider reading and studying Scott’s book to tackle tough challenges, tap into your deep aspirations, and enrich the relationships that matter most in your life.
Photo from Flickr by stollerdos
Most people would acknowledge that strength, intelligence and bravery are all admirable qualities. The beauty of today’s quote is in the delicate balance between the three, based on the situations and circumstances we face.
Knowing the right amount of each is critical to optimal success. Too much of one or the other can sometimes backfire.
Examine some of your highest priority commitments and projects to see whether success is dependent on your strength to stand your ground or the wisdom and bravery to invite others along to achieve a collective victory. Perhaps some blending of all three in various amounts would be even more optimal.