It takes courage to be a leader, but even if you have fears that kept you from leadership roles, it doesn’t mean you can’t overcome them and take up a position in leadership.
Every decision you make in life is a testament to your courage. Something as simple as refusing a rich dessert because you want to stay fit takes a certain amount of courage if you have gnawing cravings for sugar.
Other decisions you make may be monumental and require the courage of a samurai. A decision to quit a high-paying job to follow your life’s dream is a major decision that takes courage and planning. Some decisions may seem unimportant at the moment, but later you will realize they were life-changing.
Courage promotes confidence and builds a framework in which you can accomplish pretty much anything you plan to do. Think of the genius, Stephen Hawking, and how much he has overcome to become one of the leading scientists and writers presently.
It must have taken a tremendous amount of courage for Professor Hawking to confront his physical disability and manage to maintain his passion at work. Another great leader of courage was King George VI of England who overcame his stuttering problem to give one of the greatest speeches in Sept. 1939 when his nation needed a leader – a voice.
Overcoming your greatest fear and taking the courage to do something remarkable can lead you to the success you have been longing for. Here are 5 steps you can take and start implementing in your life, which will help develop the courage you need to lead:
#1 Establish A Positive Environment: Surround yourself with people who are positive and believe in you. Developing courage requires those who can boost your self-esteem.
#2 Maintain A Positive Attitude: Dealing with issues that challenge you can be turned into an opportunity for success. Each challenge you face will provide you an opportunity to apply your optimism to overcome it.
#3 Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone: You will never cultivate courage if you are in a rut. Each day, find something you usually wouldn’t do and try it. When you open yourself to different circumstances, you will grow.
#4 Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back: People can really feel insecure of anything. Even situations that are supposed to be uncomplicated can turn into fearful if you over-think them. Get rid of those ‘what ifs’ in your mind and reinstate them with positive thoughts.
#5 Take Pleasure In Struggles: Yes, you can enjoy the challenges that life bring if you understand that it could help to spur you into bigger and better things. Life’s challenges unquestionably can help to prepare you to be a stronger and more courageous person.
Each time you accomplish a difficult task or overcome a fear, your confidence will grow stronger. The qualities of a good leader are achieved by taking baby steps rather than conquering one BIG challenge. So, take your first step and develop your courage today!
