‘History in the making’, ‘an epic struggle’, ‘the need for courage’, all phrases being used this week around the world about UK Parliament and Brexit.
Following the UK Government massively losing the vote on Brexit this week, there has been much talk by MP’s and others about the need for courage. The likes of William Wilberforce and Winston Churchill have been quoted as the embodiments of courage. Don’t worry, this blog isn’t about Brexit!
It’s about what we do know – courage, and that it doesn’t have to be on the epic, making history scale, however it can make a positive difference to all of us. Courageous Success is a verb – it’s about maximising who you are and what you are capable of. It’s about being braver and standing up for what you believe in.
We love this quote by the Buddhist monk; Thich Nhat Hanh: “The longest journey you will ever take is the 18 inches from your head to your heart.”
Courage comes from the heart, from really listening to our gut and intuition and acting on it. And courageousness is different for different people.
We know, from taking a random and anonymous sample of iAM questionnaires, that the vast majority of us, along with the positives, use words like doubting, worrier, overthinking and lacking confidence, when describing ourselves. These negative thoughts act like barriers in our minds, stopping us being our most brave and courageous selves every day. We doubt ourselves and fear failure, so we stick to safe, or follow the crowd to fit in.
The consequences of not having courageous success is self-doubt, coasting, missing opportunities, watching other businesses and people do better than you – staying in the middle of the road, not fully engaging.
Imagine what you could achieve by applying courage, grit, the hint of a gutsy, adventurous feeling every day. All by being the best of you.
When did you last push yourself or even venture outside of your comfort zone? When did you trust, have faith and follow the clues rather than always sticking to set process? How many days do you spend achieving very little, yet still feel exhausted and busy? Want to change it? Then start today.
What would it feel like to step into your personal power and
unleash your amazing self?
What could you achieve today, this week, this year?
Make your own history!
Here are our key tips:
- It’s not all about you! You can’t expect everyone to like you, however much you’d like it to be so. Free yourself from self-consciousness and being scared about what people might think, and believe in yourself instead!
- Think of the last time you felt incredible, unstoppable, full of confidence – at your best.
Make a list of words that describes how it felt e.g. powerful, full of energy, daring, courageous, I can do anything. Look at this list everyday to inspire you. Choose to step into being this version of you. - Don’t let challenge paralyse you – in these moments get things sorted straight away. Change your mind-set – dig in and welcome the challenge.
- Challenge yourself at work, what have you been putting off? Now grab it and get stuck in! Get into the habit of doing first, those things you normally avoid.
- Keep your power: don’t let the mood of others affect you – who do you know at work that drains you? It’s their problem not yours, leave their mood with them and don’t take it on. Believe in yourself. Trust your gut, listen to your heart, believe in your ability to make the right decision – lead where no-one else follows – choose what looks and feels right.
- Believe in yourself and stay the course – you will win others over to your thinking.
#BeYourselfAtWork and have Courageous Success!