Courage is a muscle that needs flexing.
If you’ve lost some of your gumption over the years, fear not. Just like working out, courage is a muscle that gets stronger the more we work it. Like anything, we start with small risks and build your capacity for bravery. Here’s how we work to find our guts each day:
- A PURPOSE. What calls you to be healthy in mind and body? When we get trapped in temporary goal-based behaviour like losing ten pounds or holding a two-minute plank, we’re more likely to stay on a failure cycle. But having a WHY means there’s a driving force that fuels your daily fire. Think showing your kids what a healthy lifestyle looks like, or having strong legs so you can take that dream trip cycling across France. One of my favourite “whys” from one of my clients was this: “After recovering from stage four cancer and getting my life back, I’m celebrating my health every day for the rest of my life.”
- A REASON. Doing squats is one thing. But doing those reps because we’re determined to improve back and knee pain? Now that’s a reason to get into the zone and push out strong reps each and every time. Stay focused on why your movements matter in your life.
- A GOAL. Randomly climbing hills from time to time might seem arduous and pointless, unless of course we have a set GOAL to eventually climb a mountain. Setting goals puts us into the zone, helping us unleash the grit we need to go a little farther each day and stay the course.
- A COMPETITION. There’s nothing wrong with competition. Wanting to win is a killer motivator to find the courage to go farther. Love to win? Make your goal part of a competition.
- A CREW. When it comes to courage, there’s strength in numbers. Align with like-minded people, living daring, brave lives.
Your compass.
The same part of us that pushes us outside our comfort zone is the same one that can keep us safe. Part of being GUTSY is learning how to trust our GUT, because sometimes the best (but ballsiest) thing to do is bail. Here are some ways we check in to see if it’s fear or danger that’s holding us back.
WHEN WE’RE ON THE WRONG TRACK:
- Are we in emotional or physical risk?
- Are we trying to make someone else happy?
- Living by someone else’s rule-book?
- Looking for praise or recognition?
These are great signs that we’re not on the right path. We come back full circle and need to find the courage to create change. This is the rebellious path – doing the best we can through highs and lows, and pushing ourselves to do what’s right even when fear is a factor.