4 Ways to put Courage in Action

Platitudes in times of uncertainty, seem to come thick and fast in our digitised world. Memes about courage often feel out of our reach and impractical. They feel like the domain of the exceptional icons of our time like Nelson Mandela. People who are inspirational, yet leave us wondering how we can put courage in action ourselves when everything feels like it is constantly shifting?

The word courage comes from the old Norman French ‘coeur’ or heart and I love David Whyte’s description from his book Consolations:

“it is our heartfelt participation with life, with another, with a community, a work; a future.”

Heartfelt participation requires us to override our wiring as humans to love safety and certainty. I believe there are four ways we can put courage in action. 

Let Go of Being Right

Are you addicted to being right? Chances are the answer is yes. As humans, our brain gets a hit of the feelgood chemical dopamine when we think we are right. I come from a long line of being-righters (no names will be mentioned – including my own!) yet letting go of being right and instead, choosing to explore other possibilities and beliefs, is a practice required to shift out of the status quo and lead. 

Listen without Judgment to Connect 

Exceptional leaders are always learning. They understand the need to override their natural instincts to categorise people as ‘in or out’ based on their similarity to us, by replacing it with curiosity. We have brain receptors in the heart that make these non-conscious judgments in less than a second – are you someone who is with me or against me?

Upon doing a photography tour of Hoi An last year, a statement from one of the guides has always stuck with me on why they use fixed frame cameras.

“Stop zooming in from the edges and get in close. Get to know the people, talk with them, connect with them.” 

The shift on that early morning walking tour in the quality of my images was remarkable. I reckon the shift in your leadership if you apply this would make a big impact too.

Live your Values

As Brene Brown quotes, “courage is contagious…we can’t live into values that we can’t name.” My own decision to start my own practice 8 years ago was from getting clear on my core values – my preferences and priorities in life and work.

I knew the easier path of finding another job at that time was no longer an option. I had to take risks, despite the doubts and level up. Yet, I couldn’t do it alone which leads me to my final way to be courageous. 

Ask for Help

I still have to call on my courage frequently to ask for help. There are so many moments when I’ve wanted to throw the towel in (hello 2020 anyone?!), yet my motivation to move forward despite the fear, is the reward of living a life of freedom on my terms. Asking others for help is one of the greatest ways to build trust with others as a leader.

I’m curious. Which of these four could have the greatest impact on you and the people you lead?