How do you qualify a “brave act”?
Some might define bravery as having a fear about something, but going ahead and doing it anyway. Using that definition, bravery comes in many forms, even in every day experiences. I’ve found that these simple braveries can be the most impactful, especially when it comes to moving forward in life. This story is about one of those braveries. Here goes.
Do you enjoy networking? I really don’t.
Although I have the skills to enjoy great conversations with people, I can be quite introverted and even get really shy at times. At networking events, it’s often awkward to walk up to groups of people and ask them to chat. Especially when it feels like everyone knows each other and it is cliquey.
But meeting new friends isn’t easy. If it was, we’d all have hundreds of them. Building a business isn’t easy either. We have to bravely put ourselves in situations that are uncomfortable.
To grow my business and meet new friends, one of my current goals includes attending 3+ networking events every month.
This is how I found myself on my way to a Networking Mixer last week. Alone.
Because of my strong dislike for networking events, I kept thinking of excuses to not attend, even up to the time I got into my car.
- I’m getting there late, it might be all wrapped up…
- I have a little headache…
- The weather might be getting bad…
However, something inside me said it was important that I attend this particular event. So, I mustered up some bravery and headed over.
During the drive to the Mixer, I kept saying mantras to myself, like:
- “People are lucky to meet me.”
- “I am accepted and safe.”
- “I belong.”
Long story short, I’m glad I went. Sure, it was a little awkward. I had to summon up the courage to talk to strangers. But I got through it and met some nice people. And someone even gifted me their raffle winnings (a composting bin) because I struck up a conversation with her.
The best part of all was the feeling of overcoming a fear and finding bravery within myself.
Image caption: here’s the compost bin I was gifted!
For you, networking might not be your source of fear. It could be something else that’s holding you back. Everyone has hurdles that they get to overcome on a daily basis. If we don’t, and we instead stay in our comfort zone all the time, we will never grow. And we certainly will never find the joy in our life that we deserve.
Happiness comes from having quality friends and experiencing new things in life. To have that, we need to choose bravery.
According to this article research shows that people who get out of their comfort zone (AKA find bravery in small steps) are more productive, have an easier time dealing with new and unexpected changes, and find it easier to harness your creativity.
If you are needing a boost of courage, try using these tools:
- Saying mantras related to your specific experience and are the positive side of your fear. For example, the mantras above are the positive spin on rejection from others.
- Find an accountability buddy to help you stay on track with your goals and cheerlead your successes
- Do an inward meditation or journaling activity to face your fears. Find the root cause of the resistance and then visualize yourself doing the brave thing. Feel what it’s like to overcome the obstacle.
- BONUS: Track your “successes” on paper. I have a big sheet hanging on a wall that lists the big (and small) things I overcome. It’s a great way to cheerlead for yourself and acknowledge your growth.
Have you done something brave recently? Comment below with your story. I’d love to hear it.
P.S. If you are hitting a wall when it comes to finding new friends, you may be ready for the Find Your Tribe program. In it, you’ll find healing tools to overcome hurdles, one-on-one practice to have quality conversations, and accountability with a Joy Guide.
