Be Courageous

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela ~

In 2009 the United Nations General Assembly declared 18 July as the Nelson Mandela International Day.

On their website the Nelson Mandela Foundation, affirms that, “Mandela Day is an annual international day of humanitarian action in celebration of Mr Mandela’s life and legacy. It serves as a catalyst for each and every person to realise that they have the ability to change the world through action”

Yes, action!

Oh... in case you missed it… the sentence reads each and every person to realise…

“But what has Mandela’s life got to do with your life, or my life?”, one may ask?

Well in my experience as a Coach, I keep realising that the difference between success and failure is action.

It could also boil down to the notion of having or not having courage.

The online oxford learner’s dictionary defines courage as: “the ability to do something dangerous, or to face pain or opposition, without showing fear.”

So when Mandela expressed his experience on courage, could it be that he had understood that one has to stand up against cruel injustice without showing fear?

It is easy to ponder about Mandela, as he is out there. He is a global figure and a hero.

But what about you? What fear are you facing that is paralysing you from doing what you need to do – and have wanted to do for years?

Mandela said, “Courage is not the absence of fear…” So he acknowledges that fear will always be there.

He advises… that you have to conquer that fear: … to step out and do what you have always wanted to do; write that book; start that business; lose that weight; marry the person of your dreams; write that business proposal; approach potential clients; talk to that investor; give that talk. Do it anyway. Confidence will come as a result of the action.  

What amazes me, is that Mandela made the now-famous statement while he was imprisoned physically.

But for most of us, it is just the perceived fear that imprisons us – even when we are walking around freely.

“What will they say about me?”, you tell yourself. “Won’t they say that I am an imposter?”, you continue in this conversation of negative spiral and self-doubt.

As a Coach when I work with clients, we go on a journey of discovery where we can identify any particular fears that may be holding you back.

As your partner, I help you to work towards conquering that fear. This is what coaching is really about, giving you the right tools and power to gain the courage to overcome. In that way, you are able to zoom in towards your goals courageously, in a way that would also make Mandela proud. Do what you need to do today. Be Courageous.



Comments

  1. AtimFebruary 18, 2023 at 12:11 AM

    Wonderfully said,fear is an indication that you have a conscience. Fear will limit because of how we view it. It OK to scared but it's not OK to stay scared.

    ReplyDelete

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