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Courage - How to Get It!
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2000
We definitely need courage in our lives in order to be more successful, confident and happy. And while sometimes it just seems to be there, other times it seems courage is nowhere to be found.
So how do we access it when we need it?
Try the following idea: Slowly and methodically expand your comfort zone. All of us live within a defined space from which we make most of our decisions in life. While we're comfortable talking to "these" people, we might be very reluctant to even approach "those" people. We're comfortable asking for a $3,000 raise, but we wouldn't dream of asking for a $5,000 raise. We're willing to spend $50 on a nice dinner, but $100 would make us really uncomfortable.
Try this:
Each and every day do one small thing that you wouldn't normally do. Ask for something you need, something you've been quiet about for too long. Go to a movie by yourself. Buy a great book that's a little out of your price range but would help you learn something that could help you in your career. Start small, go at your own pace, but do one thing each and every day. Decide on what one action you will take for each day, just after you wake up, and before you get out of bed. Plan what you will do, and then visualize yourself doing it with ease and confidence. Feel the feelings you will feel as you move forward toward your goal. Notice the smile on your face as you applaud yourself for moving outside your comfort zone. Then step out, take action and watch your courage quotient begin to elevate. Remember, the point is NOT whether you are successful in your endeavors. Sometimes you will be and sometimes you won't. The point is that you will begin to feel an enormous sense of pride for having taken action in spite of your fear, and as you take more and more risks, your comfort zone gets larger and larger. Pretty soon, you can actually get more comfortable with - the uncomfortable! Your confidence level will rise and you'll start getting more of what you want and need from life!
Word count: 366
Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.
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