COURAGE

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.

Courage is the ability to act despite fear. But it doesn't need to be impulsive. After all, it's likely a fear exists for a reason and courage depends on whether or not you think the action is worth it. One reason we work too hard is that we are using that hard work to make up for lack of courage. Let's take an example, instead of firing the team member who is dragging down the project, we work harder to make up for them. Firing them takes courage. Choosing to work less because we are confident in our own productivity time, even if that means having a five-hour workday. It is having an awkward conversation with someone at work.

If we lack courage, it may cost us as look our brains are wired to discount the cost of inaction, overestimating the probability of things going wrong and underestimating ourselves. However, researchers have found that bravery is a skill, and like all skills, it can be learned, strengthened and mastered with repeated practice. 

Courage as a mindful response to fear. Fears can propel us to new heights if we choose to respond to them mindfully instead of reacting to them blindly. Doing this allows us to become more significant than our fears and act thoughtfully despite them. Vulnerability is an act of courage because you merge with your authentic self, instead of hiding behind a facade to appease others. To embrace vulnerability as your greatest strength, you will need to become aware of your pain points. As the paintings of Rembrandt are no less beautiful because of its flaws. It is upon examining it up close that you recognise the defects while ignoring the complete picture. 

To heal your pain requires undertaking a process of self-examination. You must become curious as to why you react when your pain buttons are triggered. Suffering ensures when you focus on your sorrow, instead of appreciating the beauty and richness of your complete self. Become a student at vulnerability by taking small risks. Lean into your weaknesses with openness and compassion.

Build the courage to accept your failures. This is how you demonstrate personal responsibility. So, developing mindfulness means practising a kind of unconditional courage. you are always willing to experience reality exactly as it is when it arrives. Identify the things you are afraid of. Fear is a product of the unknown, and if you are able to accept the unknown, fear will have less of an impact on you. People who inspire us to be better are not weak, scared or stuck. They're bold and have the courage to push through their fears, and take a stand on what they believe. They've figured out that if you want to make a difference in the world, you have to address your own demons first. 

The longer you wait before taking action, the less courageous you'll feel. The only thing that will help you feel more courageous is taking action, stepping outside your comfort zone, and sending yourself the message that you are a courageous person.