Do you remember the movie ‘Forrest Gump’? There’s a scene in the movie where Cameron, a big storm is approaching, and the town is worried. The TV weather reporter announces the impending storm while, in the background, sailors are seen securing and anchoring their boats to protect them from the storm. Then we see Forest and Dan in the middle of the storm, Dan yelling at the storm, and letting it know that it will never take them down. The following day, the reporter returns to the dock to report on the aftermath. As the camera pans across the scene, it reveals a bleak sight: boats are destroyed and strewn along the shore. However, there is one exception, “Only one shrimping boat survived.” We see Forrest on his boat out in the cannel, waving with joy!
Navigating the turbulent waters of leadership in today’s ever-shifting landscape can indeed be a daunting challenge. It’s like trying to steer a ship in a storm. You might sometimes feel disoriented, a bit overwhelmed, and yes, even a tad discouraged. I’ve chatted with many pastors and leaders who’ve shared these very sentiments, teetering on the edge of saying, “I’ve had enough.” But here’s a little nugget of wisdom – hang in there!
hang in there!
Losing sight of your passion, drive, and vision is like a ship losing its compass in the vast sea. Remember, if you’re not steadfastly sailing towards your vision, fear is often the anchor holding you back. Questions like “What will people think?” or “What if something goes wrong?” are the waves of doubt rocking your boat. But remember, fear is a natural part of the journey. It’s not about eradicating it completely; it’s about learning to sail through it.
Consider this – boosting your courage by just 10% could radically transform your leadership journey. Courage is the wind in your sails; it propels you forward and, in turn, fills your sails even more.
So, how do you navigate through these stormy waters of fear? Let’s look at some strategies:
Seek God: In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to focus on the negatives. The Message translation of Proverbs 29:18 beautifully reminds us, “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.” When fear attempts to board your ship, look for the Lord’s direction.
Visualize Success: Fear often stems from anticipating the worst. Counter this by envisioning a positive outcome. Immerse yourself in this vision, feel it, live it. Regular practice can help steer your ship away from the island of fear.
Be a Role Model: Ever noticed how an audience can spur you to act bravely? Now, imagine your child is watching you. You wouldn’t want to show fear in front of them, would you? Set the example you’d want them to follow.
Channel Your Inner Superhero: Remember those superhero games from childhood? Harness that energy. Before a big moment, strike your best superhero pose. Stand tall, breathe deeply, and walk into that moment with confidence.
Think Like a Brave Person: Ask yourself, “What would a courageous person do here?” If you know someone brave, reach out to them. Sometimes, imagining a week left to live can also put things in perspective – fear seems trivial then.
Face the Fear of Inaction: Instead of dwelling on failure, think about the regret of not trying. It’s often said, “What if I fall?” but oh, my dear, “What if you fly?”
do it scared
And lastly, do it scared If you wait for fear to completely vanish, you might never take the leap. Remember, it’s not about the absence of fear; it’s about leading despite it.
Is fear shaping your leadership? Imagine the paths you could explore without it. Remember, a small increase in courage can set you on a new course.
When fear rears its head, try these strategies. Take action, and you just might discover a new way of leading – fearlessly!
1 response to “7 Ways to Boost Your Courage Instantly”
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