Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage.
Literally. Twenty seconds of brazen bravery!
And, I promise you something great will come out of it!
This quote comes from the movie – We Bought a Zoo – and I have to say, since I have watched that movie and heard that quote, I have been putting this theory to practise and I encourage every single person to do the same. It’s truly magical.
In this blog, I am going to give you four circumstances in which you can use the ‘20 second of insane courage’ principle, to literally change your life.
1 – What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
I know – that question has been asked many times. But it’s a good one to ponder. Because we don’t often think about what scares us – we shove it to the back of our minds. But…. But…. But … If whatever your answer is scares you that much, then it might be a good thing to give it a go, right?
This, my friend, is where the difference between living and existing lies.
How often have you held back from asking for help just in case someone thought you were not capable? Or, how often have you just settled with what you have when you know you deserve so much more, like a pay raise? Or, how about when you have feelings for someone else and you’re not certain if they like you back so you keep your feelings to yourself?
Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire…
Bravery is vulnerability. And vulnerability is truth.
Brene Brown tells us how – “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they are never weakness.”
Being vulnerable with someone, although most of the time it’s incredibly terrifying, it is one of the bravest things you can do. What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Personally, something that I have struggled with for a really long time, is asking for help. I am still not 100% comfortable with it… because somewhere in the greater part of my unconscious mind, someone taught me a very long time ago, to ask for help is a sign of weakness. It has taken some practice to move forward from this – but bit by bit, I’m more comfortable to ask for help when I am feeling overwhelmed. I’ll admit, it can still be a sticking point, despite the fact that for the most part I have shifted my mindset to think of it as courage and strength.
So – take 20 seconds of insane courage – do what scares you. Or, do something you ordinarily wouldn’t do … and then watch what happens next!
2 – Own up to what you didn’t do right…
The wisest of individuals in this world today are those who can admit when they are wrong. And these people set an amazing example for all of us, because they’re not afraid to own a mistake. And you know what? A mistake means you ‘tried’ to begin with. And you were offered an opportunity to learn from it.
Lies, cover-ups, blame – it all just makes it worse because – this is always the case – the truth comes out eventually. And most people can pick the ‘lie’ vibe anyway and even if they don’t say it, you will have certainly damaged your credibility. Because none of us like a ‘fibber’… Under any circumstances.
But, when you have the courage to own a mistake? Well, then it’s easier for others to understand and, by consequence of understanding, forgive.
3 – Don’t sell yourself short…
Another area of life the ‘20 seconds of courage’ can apply to is self-confidence! I know so many talented, creative people who just don’t want to tell people about their ‘superpowers’ for fear of coming across as egotistical – and to coin a good Aussie expression ‘up themselves’.
The truth is that most of us find it hard to recognise our own strengths, let alone be able to talk to others about them …. But this is truly one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Know what you’re good at. Rock it! And know that you’re unique … and because there is no one else like you, the world needs you, so you better let everybody else know why you’re here!
I know that sounds simplistic. But if you view us all as players on a team – then you’ll understand we need your special skills, so let us know what they are!
It’s certainly not easy selling yourself, but sometimes, this is where ‘20 seconds of courage’ can really make a difference. It’s only 20 seconds … take it, play it, and be amazed at what comes next!
You’ll be amazed at the reaction you get – people will see you as confident and secure, and that does amazing things for your personal brand.
4 – Walk away from something that no longer serves you…
There’s also one other place the ‘20 seconds of courage’ rule is really effective. And it’s something that most of us have struggled with at one time or another – to confront the person who has hurt us the most.
Forgiveness is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself. But for you to be able to forgive, you must know your own boundaries. Secondly, you must stand by them. There is nothing wrong with calling out unacceptable behaviour, because honestly, we really do teach others how to treat us.
But, when you start to practice self-love, self-worth and self-esteem and stop all that negative banter that we’re not good enough or clever enough, or don’t deserve it enough, then you’ll see people begin to respond differently because what you accept for yourself has changed.
Here’s a really big challenge: Use the ‘20 seconds of insane courage’ to stand by your principles and boundaries is one of the greatest acts of self-love. The next time someone doesn’t treat you the way you’d like them to, or when you’re thinking about past hurts – be brave. Stand up for yourself.
As Brene Brown nicely puts it “Be daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves even when we risk disappointing others”.
I’d love to know how you go!
Share your stories with me: support<at>catherineplano<dot>com<dot>au
