Courage and Fear

At Greenstone Mosaic, we are wondering: How did you find wisdom and new found courage in the face of fear?  I have been interested in talking to people about their fears in this past year. I asked them to tell me how fear challenged them to face things differently. People discovered new reservoirs of commitment and courage to do the right thing. Sometimes that was hard. For instance, fearing being undermined led one young leader to have that all important “courageous conversation.” Another person moved throughfear of Covid-19 to seek help and regain balance and equilibrium. Rather than fail, people are asking new questions.

I have a friend who says that “fear is a great motivator.” Our fears challenge us to reach higher, strive further, and imagine more. Where has courage led you and your organization in the last year?

I love this quote from Rollo May In his book, Man’s Search for Himself. “The opposite of courage is not cowardice — its conformity. After all, even a dead fish can go with the flow.” In her Ted Talk Cara E. Yar Khan speaks of the The Beautiful Balance between Courage and Fear. Fear informs courage. The courageous soul steps forward in the face of fear.

When Brené Brown asked leaders what was the most important trait that leaders need to possess for the future, the answer was overwhelmingly, Courage.  Leaders need courage for the times ahead. We must think  differently and to do the right thing even when some other pathway seems expedient or easier. What you have learned as well? The more we share our learning with each other the more we all grow and do more, better.