Since this is my last installment in the series we’ll finish with a long-term change: let’s commit to being more courageous in our professional and our personal lives.
I know, I know. Hear the word “courage” and you probably think of physical bravery, but there are many other forms of bravery — after all, bravery is not the absence of fear but a triumph over fear.
And that’s why bravery is an element of success in business and entrepreneurship. Taking a chance when others will not, following your vision no matter where it takes you, standing up for what you believe in especially when your beliefs are unpopular, or simply doing the right thing even though easier options exist — those are all forms of bravery.
Take a look at this list and see how many apply to you — and how many you want work to make sure can apply to you in the future.
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1. You’re brave enough to believe the unbelievable
Most people try to achieve the achievable. That’s why most goals and targets are incremental rather than massive or even inconceivable. Incremental is safe. Believable is safe.
Why? Because you’re less likely to fall short. You’re less likely to fail. You’re less likely to lose credibility and authority. A few people do expect more from themselves and from others.
But they don’t stop there. They also show you how to get to more. And they bring you along for what turns out to be an unbelievable ride.
2. You’re brave enough to be patient
When things go poorly, giving up or making a change is often the easiest way out. It takes more courage to be patient, to believe in yourself, or to show people you believe in them. Showing patience in others also shows you care.
And when you show you truly care about the people around you, even when others clamor for a change, they may find ways to do things that will amaze everyone, including themselves.
3. You’re brave enough to say ‘no’
Maybe you wouldn’t have the courage to say no to $3 billion, but do you have the courage to say no to requests for unusual favors, for unreasonable demands on your time, or to people who are only concerned with their own interests?
Saying yes is the easy move. Saying no, when you know you’ll later resent or regret having said yes, is much harder — but is often the best thing to do, both for you and for the other person.
Don’t be afraid to say no.
