I’ve interviewed about a dozen guests for my podcast, Discovering Courage, so far, and I’ve noticed that there are a two common denominators that each of these boldly courageous souls embody. First they stop ignoring that nagging feeling that tells them that they were meant to do more with their lives; then they take action, working in the direction they are compelled to, to hush that nagging voice so that they can feel truly satisfied and be happy.
There is a cartoon that I saw many years ago. It depicted the difference between managers and leaders. In the first image there was a person who was overseeing the work of others in a forest. His team was hard at work cutting down trees. This manager was on the ground and hadn’t taken time to assess the situation or understand the real mission. In the second frame the person in charge is also in a forest, but has climbed to the top of the tallest tree in that forest and is peering through binoculars into the distance. Perched high atop of this tree he sees something crucial to his team’s success and shouts down to them, “Wrong forest!”
In many ways when we are not clear on our purpose in life, when we continue doing the same thing despite being dissatisfied with the outcome, we are like the person in the first image, the manager not the leader. We are busy and might even be productive in what we are doing, but we aren’t productive in a way that brings true abiding peace and contentment. In order to find greater meaning in life we first need clarity about who we are and what is most important for us to have, experience, and be. Then we need to fully accept these things about ourselves. We can only come to this realization and acceptance when we stop being busy, face the mirror, and turn inward to do self-reflection. It is through this assessment that we can get clear on the non-negotiables in our lives and move forward into the arena that was made for us.
But it goes farther than merely figuring out ourselves on a deep level and determining what we truly were meant to do. In order to be truly fulfilled we must take this knowledge and despite the fears and self-doubt that surely will surface, we must take action in the direction we are called toward.
The combination of finding, knowing, and joyfully embracing our true selves, finding ways to honor this authenticity, and taking action to share it with others is when we cross over and discover our courage. Experiencing this clarity and taking action based on it is where the magic happens. It is where we begin living in our true potential and know that life has meaning.
Patricia Brooks is a speaker, life purpose coach, and the author of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life you Live. She is the host of the Discovering Courage Podcast where each week she explores how ordinary people have managed to live extraordinary lives. Patricia is currently living in France, pursuing her dreams.
Photo Credit: Nashad Abdu