The Top Ten Steps for Tapping into Courage
Author: Robert Knowlton

Aristotle believed that courage is the first of human virtues
because it makes the other virtues possible.

Courage is a muscle that can be strong and established
through exercise or it can grow flaccid through lack of use.
Here is an exercise to help you build your courage.

These steps will help you tap into the natural
courage in you. Courage is defined as, "the quality of
character which shows itself in facing danger undaunted or
in acting despite fear or lack of confidence." (Shorter
Oxford Dictionary)

1. Find a specific experience in your life when you
acted despite the fear, or when you went ahead and
did something even when you felt a lack of
confidence.

2. It is very helpful to identify a specific time this
happened. For a moment, or as long as you like, re-
live the moments of courage. Success or lack of
success in the endeavor is not important. Your
moments of courage are the points you are after and
to which you want to connect.

3. If you like, you can put your hand on the place in
your body where the courage seems to originate.

4. Take a breath and feel the power of your own courage.

5. Think of a recent time when this courage might have
helped you decide something or do something.

6. What possible outcomes may have been different if you
brought forward your courage? (Remember, release any
anger, regrets or blame if they come up.)

7. Staying with the courage that is truly part of who
you are, imagine a time in the near future where you
may want to have more courage.

8. See yourself and your courage giving you the strength
to decide or to do that which you fear. How does it
feel?

9. As you are feeling empowered and connected to your
courage, notice how it will flow in so many more of
your future actions. Notice how it is truly part of
who you are and contributes to you living on purpose
as a fully alive, whole, authentic person.

10. Remember, this is part of who you are and is always
available to you.

Take heart. Have courage.

?2000, Robert Knowlton








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Robert Knowlton is an Executive Success Coach.
Coaching in leadership development, communication
strategies, and realizing your purpose and personal vision.
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