I’m fascinated and challenged by the idea of being and becoming brave and fearless. I pronounce loudly and often, these days, I want to be brave and fearless. It seems to be a reoccurring theme. Now I wonder why it’s so important and what is really behind this longing and desire.
I’m not talking about the bravery that it takes to jump out of planes or climb mountains, but the kind of bravery that has you stand up for who you are and what you believe in. Answering the call from that place that Sue Monk Kidd, calls ‘what is at the bottom of your heart’.
I have lived for many years following the safe and steady path that provides a reputable and reasonable life, where the expected is achieved and success is attained. But, something was missing. That alignment with my authenticity. That feeling that I was not really in the right place, not physically but emotionally. I have been down a road of seeking the truth for myself and have discovered that truth – this work, this path, is that thing that has been in the “bottom of my heart” and while the road is unknown, it feels like I’m in the right place.
I believe that we are at a crossroads in humanity. Where there is a spiritual vacuum that fills our world in every aspect of our lives. It is just as much in our personal lives as it is in our professional lives. I believe that it is only once you discover and align your true self to your external self that you find peace and I believe that those businesses that are run by, recruit those, empower others and live by, that philosophy, are the ones that will thrive in this ‘new’ economy.
As the leader in an organization, if you haven’t asked yourself the question Who Am I, and if you can only answer external qualifications like, I’m a mother, father, sister, brother, CEO, president, founder. Then I believe you are missing out at not only your own personal potential but at the potential success of your business.
Once you discover what the answer to that question is, then it’s the time to have the courage to announce it and live by that answer. “Courage is one of the most important virtues because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue” Maya Angelou.
Here is my challenge to you all - Stand up and claim it – say it out loud and set out to learn more about it.