My friend, John Maxwell, has said there are six people within us that dictate our actions.
1. Who others think you are
2. Who you are expected to be
3. Who you were
4. Who you wish to be
5. Who you think you are
6. Who you really are
As a child we act without thinking. Then as we mature we try to act as we are expected. We want to fit in. As we get older and hopefully wiser, we begin to think deeper about our actions. We discover that the actions are a reflection of who we are and who we can become.
To know and act like how you truly are, you must know yourself, and have the courage to be that person. Each step grows our courage.
What percent of people live courageously? I would guess about 20%, maybe less. There is no easy measure, but most people are held back by fear – fear of what others might think, fear of the unknown, fear of losing what they have gained, fear of failure, just fear.
Living courageously every single day is nearly impossible. But knowing the edge of your comfort zone, and being able to cross it once a week, or once a month, can lead to authentic personal growth. It is a challenge worth the effort. I need to do it more often.
How often do you act courageously?