How to summon courage 

Dear Passionado, 

Do you ever read those "5 regrets of the dying" lists? You know, the ones that hit you with lines like "I wish I'd had the guts to do xxxx" or "I regret not living a life true to myself"? (It’s the idea of a life not fully lived that just kills me.) 

I also know how scary it can be to put yourself out there, even more so when you’re an established professional. You’ve spent years shaping an identity, of trying to “be better”, of playing by invisible rules. 

It often isn’t easy (let alone safe) to simply screw up with a broad grin on your face. We know there can be consequences to our “mistakes”, mistakes that can permanently affect us and those we love. 

So, I’m not here to shout at you to PLAY BIG!! and to “feel the fear and do it anyway.”

You’re a Passion Seeker, I already know you have courage inside of you. 

If you’ve ever heard me speak, you know that I believe that you don’t need to share your passions with anyone if you prefer not to. 

But, if you’re looking to do more of the things you love, you may need to take a breath and summon your courage.

Here are three things to try as you do so:

Filter your circle: 

What if people laugh? What if they judge? As much as we command and control our daily lives (especially working parents, hello!), we cannot control how people respond to what we do and the minute you stop trying the lighter you’re going to be. 

What I’ve learned after 10 years of helping people pursue their “passions” is that unless you’re a celebrity, many people will judge or criticize in silence. 

That kid you used to know from school who you’re connected to on Facebook? They more than likely won’t have the guts to troll your post of your hobby or work accomplishment. 

And if they do, here’s what you do: you unfriend them. 

They don’t GET to have you. 

Let me say that again: they don’t get to have you in their world.

Only the people you choose should see your magic and get to share in your progress. 

Treat every submit, post or share as another step in this filtering of your circle, and trust me, it will make you stand just a little bit taller each time. 

Remember who you’re fighting for:

Courage isn't about being fearless; it's about finding something worth fighting for. So, be honest: what's driving you to pursue this passion? Who needs to hear your POV? Who can you help feel less alone? Whose day can you lighten by making them laugh? Who will be proud of you? 

If you find yourself thinking “who am I to be their voice?” or “what if I don’t nail it?” or “what if I don’t help enough?”, just think back to a time when you experienced someone fighting for you. How did it make you feel? … See? 

Embrace the mess: 

Where did we get the idea that we’re going to be instantly brilliant at everything we try? Think about it – how many years have you spent building your career? Are you a perfect parent yet? Are you fluent in every language you’ve ever tried ordering an ice cream in? No! 

Instead, allow yourself to make a physical mess. Chuckle at your first or fifteenth attempts. Worry less about the end result and instead listen to what the process of pursuing feels like. Are you enjoying it? If yes, then keep at it! If not, then for the love of whichever God or 90s Boyband you worship, stop and try something else..!

This month, try these things, and let me know how you get along. Nothing would make me happier than to hear about your progress!