What would you do with 20 seconds of insane courage?
What would you say ‘YES’ to?
What might you say ‘NO’ to?
Imagine with me your life right now. Boy, has it been a tough few months. There is so much uncertainty, constant change and lots that we are missing. And that is before we add in the health and financial implications, and the impact on education, of the Covid 19 crisis.
All this uncertainty can leave us feeling more fearful and anxious. Add to this, the weariness of mental gymnastics to keep all the what-if’s at bay, and the combination of the too can deplete us of any courage we might otherwise have had.
There are tools that we can use to combat anxiety – mindfulness and gratitude being two powerful ones.
But how about this:
20 seconds of insane courage to do that thing that you find scary.
The quote comes from the 2011 film We Bought a Zoo, based on a true story. Matt Damon (be still my beating heart…) is speaking with his teenage son, about the potential the son has to speak to the girl of his dreams if he can find the courage to say those first words.
It is a favourite film of mine, always reduces me to tears (MB won’t watch it with me!). It covers themes of grief and loss, family, appreciating others, potential and communication, redemption and transformation.
In our world today, there is so much about this pandemic and associated restrictions that is outwith our control. I am not therefore advocating using 20 seconds of courage to do something rash or foolish. Nor am suggesting that this will be a solution to all our ills.
But all of us face situations where we could use a little extra courage.
Perhaps it is speaking to that person.
…Or asking for that change at work.
…Maybe it is letting go of something.
…Or asking a contact for a referral.
Big changes or small, I believe all of us are extraordinary holders of potential because we are each extraordinary people. Unique in our skills, passions, characteristics and desire to know and fulfil our purpose.
But fear can hold us back, keep us trapped and prevent us making that first small step towards what we know we CAN do or we desire to do – for ourselves, for others, for our communities perhaps.
My grandfather was a great one for asking for what he wanted, especially when it would benefit others. He would say:
What’s the worst thing that can happen? They can say no. But they might say yes.”
But his point was that you always ask kindly and politely and show respect, and if the answer is no then you have not lost anything and you have not caused any harm.
That 20 seconds of insane courage is often enough because that is all that is required to open our mouths and say that first sentence. Once those words are out there, the box has been opened and it is generally easier to continue.
We take action before the fear kicks in.
In my previous place of work, a large and busy physiotherapy department (physical therapy), patients were sometimes encouraged to take a bravery pill. This of course was metaphorical – if only!! although methinks physical bravery pills might be a tad illegal….
Anyway…the idea is the same, that short burst of courage needed to do something that you fear is going to be difficult or scary. It might indeed turn out thus, but you will never know until you try. And as Matt Damon put it, something great might come of that embarrassing bravery.
And if the step requiring courage is to take hold of your life and make it what you want it to be through engaging a life coach, get in touch for your FREE taster session!
20 seconds of insane courage can lead to astonishingly exciting change. More on what we could do with that courage in coming weeks.