What do you need most? I know this is a loaded question, but it’s one that I reflect on often . . . What do I need most in this situation, to embrace an opportunity, or engage with someone new? Of course, there are many qualities and traits we must cultivate in order to create the kind of life and work we dream of. The answer, COURAGE, keeps surfacing in my journey. There are so many things I would not have experienced and learned had I not pressed through the unknowns and fears often associated with taking the bold new steps we all deeply desire to. What about you?

I shared the following poem in a recent blog post featuring one of our authors. I truly believe it takes a lot of courage to live this way. Then, what other way is there?

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured or far away.”  Thoreau

How do we develop courage, and other qualities, so they become second nature?

  • We recognize and acknowledge ourselves when we are or have been courageous; and we notice and pay attention to what it feels like to be this way.

In case you could you use some assistance, an exercise from my NLP studies, called mapping, is an excellent tool to reinforce this—so it becomes easier and easier to step into the experience each time. In my book, Working From Home & Making It Work, there is a great selection of individual NLP exercises including a written mapping exercise. Here it is as well, in a blog I wrote a while back (even though the focus in this post is on mapping creative states, it is the same exercise simply applied to courageous states).

  • When we are exploring new opportunities, setting new goals, or even adding to the proverbial bucket list, remember the wisdom in asking questions and being prepared.
  • Create ways that resonate for you, like actions you can take or words you can say to yourself that will help you take the first step. My assistant and I use this phrase often—how hard can it be? Then we laugh (sometimes shake our heads), and go about consulting the appropriate experts or doing the research we need to expand our knowledge on that particular subject or task.
  • List all the benefits of taking action to manifest what you want (we’re good at listing the negatives). And to that, add how you (and others in your inner circle of support) will feel when you accomplish your goal.

When I think of what practicing COURAGE has given me in my life, the gifts are limitless. It’s helped me in my:

  • Relationships, including marriage and parenthood
  • Ongoing study and education, which can be scary and exciting at the same time
  • Community and non-profit work, where your one voice gets blended with many
  • Entrepreneurial journey of over thirty years, where I have needed to be courageous in sharing both my story and all my learning so it can serve my clients in the best way possible

I have had the privilege of working with, mentoring and coaching hundreds of small business owners, entrepreneurs, and authors. over the last few years. My efforts in my own personal and professional development have paid off many times over, and I am humbled by the respect and trust my clients continue to extend to me (and of course, my great team too).

Personally, I now have the courage to enjoy my success less reservedly, embrace more quality time with family, and live and work in the moment. I love it. I love the freedom.

What about you? Share in the comments section below or email me personally. I would love to hear from you.

Life is precious, so be courageous!

Warmest regards,

Sheri