Comments on: A Moment of Courage – Part I

By: semazza

semazza — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:01:01 +0000

@GwynT Moving forward (vs. staying stuck with the status quo) can be a powerful motivator and reward. I posted an example of that on the Add Your Stories tab today. Your comment was what had me recognize the example as an Act of Leadership so thank you for that!

@Henie Great point that every time you choose safety you perhaps reinforce fear. You and your grandma are wise.

@Jay Looking forward to you post. Please place a link here when it’s up so others can find it from here. Thanks!

@Jerry I can relate to your squadron of butterflies. It is often in those situations that I am now awake to the similarity between the feelings of fear and the feelings of exhilaration. Including dealing with fear in Stress Mgmt education is a really good idea.

@Liara Thanks for introducing hope as an important context – it can truly be the source of limitless possibility.

By: Liara Covert

Liara Covert — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 22:47:53 +0000

Hope is more compelling than fear. As people evolve to recognize they have choices, and delibertely shift their mindset, there is not limit to what they can learn and accomplish.

By: Jerry Roberts

Jerry Roberts — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:24:00 +0000

I’ve trained thousands of people, given numerous speeches, delivered sermons, and been the master of ceremonies for hundreds of events — and after all that, I still get butterflies as I prepare to stand before a group.

Sometimes it’s only a few and sometimes it’s a squadron. I take it as a reminder that I need to do my best, that it’s important enough for me to be “in the moment.”

I love Ken Blanchard’s take on how he approaches this. He says, “I know what I know, and I’m glad that you’re here.”

I want to do well for the audience, to make them glad they came, so I prepare to do well. Preparation reduces fear, but doesn’t get rid of it entirely. As stated, the remaining nervousness is a positive.

All this said, fear can be debilitating, going far beyond the butterfly stage. I’ve seen people paralyzed by it, unable to perform.

If we trained workers in how to recognize what is real and what is not, and how to proceed accordingly, much of this would fall by the wayside.

Perhaps stress management should be expanded to include controlling fear.

Good job with this post, Susan.

By: Jay

Jay — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:27:49 +0000

Fear must be in the air this weekend. Inner Noodle will be tackling the emotions that bind us this week including of course fear. I love your post- take action regardless of fear. People should realize that fear of fear is worse than the fear itself and that it always dissipates once you punch through it with action.

By: Henie

Henie — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:17:59 +0000

So true what you write about fear and how we allow ourselves to be paralyzed by it. Every time we choose safety do we not reinforce fear?

My grandmother was fearless! She always said: If you don’t go out and face everything, how would you even know what you’re afraid of? (or something like that)

Great post Susan! Thanks for sharing!

Best Always,
Henie

By: Gwyn Teatro

Gwyn Teatro — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:35:14 +0000

Great post. I think you are absolutely right.

Looking back, it is only at times when I have dared to take a risk that I have made a move forward.

Sometimes the journey has been bumpy but it seems at the end, I come out much the better for it.

It doesn’t make me braver necessarily but certainly makes me aware of who I have to look at if things are not what I’d like them to be.

Thanks for the reminder !