2006 - A Shot at Taking Your Courage to the Next Level

Recently, I invested a day with Franklin Covey, to start the year focusing on “Courageous Leaps” with Coach Pam Walsh, their former Executive VP for HR. Her unique coaching focus is on building courageous leaders.

I discovered some fresh encouragement and perspective, which I hope to pass on to you.

On her website (www.thatquietvoice.com), you can find her workbook, with the written exercises we followed

As we hunker down for 2006, many have found that this is a good time of year for these kind of messages. Could be incorporated to strengthen whatever goals you have set for your self. Here are some paraphrased excerpts and select quotes that you might run with.

Pick something you are ready to strengthen your courage muscle for and simply be braver. For me, what would be more bold and undaunted, that I would be willing to stick my neck out for and would require some phenomenal conviction, possibly be unprecedented, and would be playful, challenging and producing meaningful results?

Aristotle called courage the greatest of all virtues. Another criteria? If it’s scaring you to death and you can overcome it, it’s courage – you don’t get a t-shirt unless it possibly frightens you and fully challenges you.

Look for elevating reasons for being who you are and doing what you are doing, something that inspires your soul and that will expand you. And realize that there are no guarantees.

Know that you can choose to be quite average, mediocre and ordinary and no one will care. In every moment, we can change who we are – people step in our path and inspire courage. Look for them and those opportunities.

Root word of “encourage”? COURAGE. Given the one life I have to live, can I live with not challenging myself?

(a quick re-cap of a story from me - in a conversation with our 15-year-old son recently, we were talking about some studies from over 10 years ago, where the researchers asked people in their 90’s what they most wanted to pass on.

Their responses were:

 #1) Risk more #2) Reflect more #3) Do something that would live on)

 As he and I discussed, why not strive to be that way now and live full out , with no regrets?

 As one other participant said “Life isn’t really for sissies if you are going to take accountability for your own happiness”

When you’re being courageous, there is likely to be a struggle. Good to create your own “secret sauce” (your own personal and private recipe) for being courageous, versus living in a way so the crowd thinks it’s great.

Get to the point where you feel ready for something that expands your life, something that energizes you and that you want to see what happens (and realize that it might get messy) – that’s part of the creative and pioneering process.

You may be overcome with fright – disturbed beyond disturbed – know the energy of fear and excitement are two sides of the same hand – it’s a matter of transforming and re-directing that energy. Don’t expect the heavens to open, the angels to appear and the music to start. Courage is a personal experience & you need to find yourself “good company”

What is “good company”? It is a tight little team that knows you can get it done. Also known as a reference group. We need to be aware that we become like the people we hang around with.

Be responsible for how much you can handle. Create a “what do I want in a friend” list.

Also know that you attract better when you are an encourager. Courage is contagious

Increase your energy. Be sure to clear out a space in the next 7 days. An office. A closet. A garage. A file cabinet. This all releases energy and makes room for something new.

May this be a time to rejuvenate, revitalize, resolve, re-commit and re-activate.

 The year is well underway and now is your time to get a fresh grip and start 2006 well.

By the way, what are you reading these days for fresh inspiration and perspective??

Love to know that – here are a few books/audios that other clients motivated me to read:

The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization by John C. Maxwell – this is John Maxwell’s latest offering to understand his 30+ years of leadership insights. http://www.maximumimpact.com/

 E-Myth Mastery: The Seven Essential Disciplines for Building a World Class Company, by renowned business author and consultant Michael E. Gerber – www.emythmastery.com

Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time
by Keith Ferrazzi – excellent book about networking. http://www.ferrazzigreenlight.com/

Mastering Influence Audio Program by Tony Robbins: A 10-Day System for Strengthening Emotional Impact and Increasing Your Influence - integrates proven methods that will help you better understand, persuade and influence others to ultimately partner around your most important objectives. A lot of effective ideas and practical guidelines – Tony’s style, of course. www.tonyrobbins.com

The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be: Jack Canfield – a comprehensive book about fundamental success principles. www.thesuccessprinciples.com

Looking to serve you with productive and revenue generating ideas.

Til the next time, I am

Enthusiastically yours,

Coach Don

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