The Root, Volume 4, Issue 2: Stepping into Courage

This issue will focus on Courage. The Courage we all face when trying something new led by our values, beliefs and purpose. During this time in our lives, we are choosing to be, act or do differently, to show up with more clear purpose than ever before.

But, it’s not always that easy. It takes courage.

Off the Shelf – My Book Pick

The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action

I was recently introduced to to the Book “The Courage Gap: Five Steps to Braver Action” by Margie Warrell, PhD. From her website, she states she is “energized by helping people connect head and heart to take braver action, pursue a bolder vision and live into their fullest potential.”

Right away, I was hooked. This aligned with her vision as part of my career pivot away from large corporate life.

What is your fullest potential?

You may be knee deep in raising a family and climbing the career ladder(and that’s great!).

Or maybe you are ready to make a pivot, realizing a greater need.

Or maybe you are facing the existential question:

What is my purpose?

What is my purpose, now?

Self-Preservation or Self-Actualization?

From page 1, Dr. Warrell reminds us that we are programmed for self-preservation not self-actualization.

If you can remember one bit of advice, this is it.

Am I responding this way because I want to stay safe?

When we are stuck doubting ourselves, most of the time, this is based on fear of the unknown.

The feeling of flight, fight, freeze or fawn all are meant to keep us safe in dangerous settings. They are related to our mammalian brain.

Are we in real danger? Maybe not.

And so often, we are stuck in one of these states so deeply, we can’t recognize it, name it and move on. We get stuck.

Two dimensions of courage

Dr. Warrell mentions there are two dimensions to courage.

Management of fear
Willingness to act in the presence of risk (real or perceived).

It’s that simple.

What are the fears we have about moving toward our purpose?
And are the risks or fear real?
If so, how important are they?
Are there ways to mitigate risks?

Her 5-step framework is this:

Intention
Belief
Connection
Action
Learning

So, if it’s something new you want,

Clarify what is your intention? What’s your purpose? [Intention]

Identify what makes you scared to move toward that purpose. [Belief]

Reframe or rewrite your own mental model of what is holding you back to understand the gap between your fear and your courage [Connection]

Step into the discomfort of the newness. Where there is discomfort, there is typically growth. [Action]

Learn from the mis-steps or lessons along the path. Growth is not a straight line. Lessons are data to inform adaptation. [Learning]

Courage Quiz

Consider taking her Courage quiz to see where you are courageous (or not quite yet) in certain domains of your life.

You may have Courage in one area of your life and not enough courage in another. This may impact your score. ❤️

There is not better time to be brave. 🌿

Image Source: QuoteFancy.com

Stream On – My Podcast Pick:

How To Enhance Your Leadership with “Personal Power” with Chris Lipp

Tulane’s Freeman School of Business professor, Chris Lipp talks about his book “The Science of Personal Power”.

In this episode, he speaks about his belief that our personal power is our own belief we have ability to make an impact.

Wow. 🔥

He goes on to say Personal Power has three foundations:

Sense of Control
Sense of Our Own Agency
Focus on Action

He mentions that as we consider control, it may be impacted by our environment.

We may have less control in larger organizations. He suggests we reframe what control we may have in gaining personal power in our lives.

How can you have an impact on this?

As we look to our capabilities, Lipp reminds us to stay rooted in our values.

If we can be confident and firm in our values, it can help us see ourselves in the bigger picture of the situation.

When we are aware of our strengths and values, we emit our personal power.

Once we are clear on values, our environment (and impacts we can make), it’s time to take action.

How can we add value to our situations?
In consideration of courage and being more brave,
What is holding you back from feeling more sure of yourself to take action?
Are you clear on what matters to you (your values)?
Are you clear on what you can and cannot control?

Armed with this information, what action can you take (or not take) to ensure you are moving toward your purpose with bravery?

Thank you

Thank you for reading.

Wishing you the very best for a courageous, healthy, safe and meaningful 2025.