The conversation about Courageous Leadership on October 13th with Daniela Mardarovici and Amber Williams was inspiring (well worth watching the replay if you missed it). Their vulnerable stories of struggle and triumph left me wondering what I can do to take courageous steps in the right direction.
“The right direction” is a loaded statement. What’s right for me may not be right for you. Courage by definition is “the ability to do something that frightens one.”
If you need some motivation on how to know what to chase, watch this video of Matthew McConaughey’s 2014 Oscar acceptance speech for inspiration.
Once you know what (or who) you’re trying to become, how are you going to get there?
I challenge you to identify and start to take the courageous steps today to move you towards your goals. What one thing can you start to do today that may be uncomfortable but in support of the person you are inspired to become?
Almost two years ago I committed to something that scared me.
On New Year’s Eve in 2018, I resolved to listen to and follow my heart. That may seem like an obvious approach to life, but it wasn’t natural to me. I was (and still am) very type A, rational, logical, I did what I was “supposed” to do and focused on quantitative success and winning as defined by everyone but me. In other words, I was focused on doing rather than being.
At 36 I was professionally “successful” but very lost.
Committing to following my heart felt like a courageous action to take. What I found in listening to my needs and intuition was that I had a lot to say and learn. I continue to work to create space and trust my intuition. The more I get quiet and listen the more I learn about myself, my values and gain clarity on the “right” next steps.
As Daniela stated, “Your why shapes your version of courage.” Courage is personal and comes from within, from being willing to be honest with yourself and others to influence your actions in support of what matters to you.
I challenge you to take courageous action today with these 3 steps:
- Know your why – what goals, values, future version of yourself are worth chasing?
- Identify a courageous commitment in support of your why
- Share your commitment with at least one person
Here’s some inspiration to get started, commit to one or more of the following:
- Being more authentically me by…
- Doing something that scares me daily
- Listing and posting my values in a place I can see them daily
- Speaking up, especially when it feels risky
- Slow down and create space for recovery
- Ask for help from…
- Receive what is given to me
- Speak up for those who can’t by…
- Use my strengths and privileges to support others by…
- Live a life of passion by pursing my dream to…
- Live a life of purpose by…
- Own my value and not settle for what other tell me I’m worth by…
- Celebrate failure daily
- Follow my heart
Where is your passion greater than your fear? Start there.
Stories like Daniela’s and Amber’s are important to hear because they fuel confidence, hope and action – “If she can do it, I can do it.”
Please share more of your real self, your stories, your failures and accomplishments. Now more than ever, take courageous action for yourself. I cannot wait to see the impact.
I partner with financial professionals, asset managers and small businesses looking to unlock potential by getting intentional and comfortable with business strategy and sales. Growth strategist and coach, accountability partner, change maker – those are some of the names I’ve been called over the past 15 years. Access business best practices and learn more at www.shaunamace.com or contact me at [email protected].
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