Every person has hardships in their life story to overcome. Some big. Some small. And some have more to deal with than we can even comprehend. Courage at the crossroads will see us through these difficult phases.
As you consider paying attention to the four tires of affirmation, fulfillment, growth, and achievement, don’t get stuck in a constant posture of hesitation. Waiting for the right timing is good. But over-waiting keeps you stuck circling the target area without ever making the leap. Just like choosing not to jump when you’re parachuting. When you remain in this holding pattern too long, a deep disappointment grows from not being able to step into the life you know you’re made for. This creates a disconnect between who we are and how we are living.
Courage is what aligns us.
If you find yourself stuck, there’s no shame. We’ve all lived disconnected lives at one time or another. The trick is to learn how to recognize it sooner so you don’t keep circling the jump zone without ever taking action.
Here’s an extremely hopeful thought: None of us is meant to live differently from the life we were made for.
Pause. I’ll say it again.
None of us is meant to live differently from the life we were made for.
Do you believe that statement? Does it sound too good to be true? Perhaps this is where you first need to engage your courage. To simply hope.
But what about the tough spot you’re stuck in? I get it. I’ve been in tough, seemingly impossible situations. I know how life comes up out of nowhere and surprises us. Eventually, though, we are given opportunities to do it differently. To get out of the holding pattern. And the way forward is always through courage. We need courage at the crossroads to move out and level up.
How do we grow it?
Simply put, by surrounding ourselves with brave, audacious souls. Because courage is contagious.
In my research, when I asked participants what inspired them to level up, their responses were universal. Getting the right people in their corner. And specifically, they identified three things they needed from those people: the permission to fail, guidance based on personal experience, and faith in the process.
Wouldn’t we all live more bravely if we had these types of people in our corner? You can see how this naturally and synergistically grows courage. And here’s the good news, now that we know this, we can go find them.
Cheering you on!
PS For more on this, check out my book, The Life You’re Made For, Chapter 13 Level Up. You can go deeper with The Life You’re Made For Coaching Companion.