And the first prize goes to ....... I set out to find the most sought after human attribute of all times and about 15 books and hours of videos later I found the winner. It is courage. Courage is a quality of spirit and conduct. It is a willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty and intimidation. It is moral and mental strength. The best thing about courage is, you can cultivate it.
I brought a piece of art back from Texas in 2011 with the quote on it and I see it every time lift my head in my studio. It is one of my self-priming tools.
Lessons from history tell us that, entire civilizations perished because their leaders lacked courage. Championships have been lost because of the lack of it. Crushes have remained crushes because of the lack of it. Some of the most powerful and wealthy people in the world past and present struggled and struggle to cultivate the spirit of courage.
Its absence is debilitating because we are designed to pursue destiny and the pursuit involves risks which can not be conquered without courage. Life has a way of being cruel to those who fail to cultivate courage.
Failure to cultivate courage keeps the door wide open for fear to inhabit the soul. As the lock-down continues, it is wise to let go of the old and focus on building a new toolbox of mental attributes to help you adapt to the new world. Courage is a good one to start with.
MYTHS ABOUT COURAGE
YOU EITHER HAVE IT OR NOT
Some individuals believe courage can not be acquired. It is flawed thinking. I used to be a wreck but taught myself the art of courage and have spent the past 17 years coaching individuals with varied abilities how to cultivate the spirit of courage. I have had articles written on my work in this field. I have also taught, guys with severe learning disabilities and mental health issues how to be courageous. Previous clients include sportspeople, politicians and businessmen. Anybody can become as courageous as they want if they desire to do the work required. Your mind can be rewired through the process of Neuroplasticity in as little as 63days. Courage is developed by making certain choices every day until the habit is formed.
FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT
Sounds cool, doesn't it? It's toxic though. This is a popular myth which held most of my clients back. There is a marked distinction between believing in your abilities and faking your abilities. Belief says this is everything I have to offer but faking it says I have more than I am telling you I have, but its a lie. Belief breeds authenticity and faking it breeds self-doubt.
COURAGE IS PERMANENT
Courage is not a permanent attribute. It is a spiritual muscle and can suffer atrophy if not exercised regularly. I'm sure you have heard of performers losing their edge after an injury, heartbreak or something as simple as a comment. The pursuit of courage is a life long endeavor.
This is courage
1 Assertiveness
2 Structure and boundaries
3 Listening
4 Honesty
5 Believing you can master a skill
6 Taking action
7 Finding a challenge
8 Welcoming a challenge
9 Taking risk
10 A sense of enough
Over the next 10 days, I will like to give you my 10 best tips for cultivating courage. They will be delivered as short articles with practical applications. Reading the tips and taking no action won't do your mind any good but if you commit, you will see the benefits in due course.
"Life is like golf. You can not let the fear of the ball ending up in the trees prevent you from taking the shot"
Nukuna Halle
(Photo credits to the incredible Andrew James Lunn)