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One Person With Courage Is A Majority!
Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities…because it is the quality which guarantees all others – Winston Churchill
Courage is fear that has said its prayer – Karl Barth, Swiss Theologian
Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared – Eddie Rickenbacker “Ace among Aces”
As you approach the tough decisions that challenge you, recognize these four truths about courage.
Courage Begins With An Inward Battle
Every test you face as a leader begins within you. The test of courage is no different. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is doing what you are afraid to do. It is having the power to let go of the familiar and forge ahead into new territory.
Courage Is Making Things Right, Not Just Smoothing Them Over
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. declared, The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
Courage deals with principle, not perception. If you don’t have the ability to see when to stand up and the conviction to act, you will never be an effective leader.
Courage In A Leader Inspires Commitment From Followers
Courage is contagious. When brave men take a stand the spines of others are stiffened. A Show of courage by any person encourages others. But a show of courage by a leader inspires others. Leadership is the expression of courage that compels people to do the right thing.
Your Life Expands In Proportion To Your Courage
Fear limits a leader. Roman historian Tacitus wrote, “The desire for safety stands against every great noble enterprise.” Courage has the opposite effect. British theologian John Henry Newman stated, “Fear not that your life will come to an end but that it will never have a beginning.” Courage gives you a good beginning but also provides a better future.
To improve upon your courage, do the following:
Face The Music – Do something stretching simply for the sake of growing in courage. It does not matter what you do so long as it causes you to face a genuine fear.
Talk To That Person – Most people are avoiding conflict and speaking to THAT person. Go ahead and talk to that person this week – do not delay any longer. Speak the truth in love. If you have already stretched yourself, this should be pretty easy.
Take A Giant Step – Maybe you have been afraid of making a big career move. If you have known that you start a new business or change jobs, now is that time. Talk to your spouse. Talk to your mentor. If it is the right thing to do, then do it!
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Music: “Gratitude Mood” by David Arivett. You can learn more about his music by clicking on his name. THANKS DAVID!
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