How do I know I'm getting more courageous?
Great question, right? It can be so difficult to be able to tell when you're growing as a person.
Sometimes when you're growing in character, it can feel like you're regressing. Growth comes when you do more of what makes you uncomfortable and afraid.
So, here's how I know that I'm growing in courage.
1. Do I have hope in others? It's called Faith.
It takes ZERO courage to be cynical. No hope = no courage.
It's not an either or, but more of a spectrum. This is internal, but can be seen in how you treat others.
Do I have positive thoughts about others? Do I see the best in them or am I irritated?
Courage starts with believing the best in others, even when you have proof to believe otherwise. Leaders who believe in others raise more money.
If you struggle with believing the best in others:
Sometimes we don't see the best in others because we don't see the best in ourselves.
Write down a list of wins you've had, things you did lately that took courage, anything that you need to take stock of.
Bonus: Write down a list of things that are great about your co-worker, boss, friend, partner, etc. Whoever that person is that you're thinking of.
2. Do I think I'm better than others or am I here to serve them? It's called Humility.
You cannot truly serve someone when you think you're superior. When you are "serving" them, you are really "serving" yourself, your ego.
Humility is about taking action to love others, even when it's risky. You're not worried so much about how you appear, what you will feel, or what others will say. You're concerned with serving others and so that's what you do. Period.
Hear me when I say this: The most courageous people ARE the most humble. They are willing to put the welfare of others above what may come their way.
If you struggle with humility:
Ask one person close to you "How can I be a better [co-worker, friend, spouse, partner, boss]?" and get ready to listen.
Then implement what they say to you. And if they have a list (LOL) then let them know you can work on at least ONE thing to start.
3. Am I using my UNIQUE gifts to make an impact? It's called Owning Your Genius.
Or am I trying to be something or someone else in the work I do to change the world?
This is one of the most courageous acts: to be one's self.
Those who use their strengths 80% of the time are some of the most courageous leaders.
What are you truly great at? What comes so easily to you and adds tremendous value to others? That's your GENIUS.
Your genius is not just for you to feel good about yourself, but to make major change in the world. This is what the Courageous do.
If you struggle with owning your genius:
Take the Gallup CliftonStrengths assessment which evaluates your greatest talents and is a such helpful tool to put words to what you're great at.
If you've already taken the CliftonStrengths, go through your Top 5 results again and read through the ways to incorporate using your strengths in your work.
If you need support in navigating your StrengthsFinder results, let's talk! I'm happy to help. I'm great at helping people see what gifts they have and how that can help them become a better fundraiser and leader.
Which of these three is your greatest opportunity for growth? I'd love to know. Comment and let me know your thoughts.
I'm here for you! I'm on this journey, too. I don't have all the answers and I'm constantly growing in courage as well.
This quote guides me often in my journey to prioritize courage:
"Courage is the most important virtue, because without courage you can't practice any of the other virtues consistently."- Maya Angelou
