Do the real work

Every other Thursday, I meet with my Courage to Impact community. It's a safe space where people can become more aware, encouraged, and leave with not only an insight but an action they can take the following day.  

Our topic last week was "Doing the real work," which was inspired by a post I read from Varian Brandon. Thank you, Varian.

I sometimes shy away from doing the real work because, often, it is the most vulnerable and risky option.  

I do the "other things" instead because at least I've done something, and it feels good to be in action.  

It feels good up until I remember that I'm lying to myself.  

I'm taking action that makes me feel good instead of taking the uncomfortable, unknown, and scary path; The path that I know will take me and my mission to the next level.

Maybe you know the feeling?

You want to do the real work, but you're choosing to stay comfortable, play small, safe, and delay.  

What is your real work? What have you been holding off doing because it feels scary and uncomfortable - you know that your life will change forever if you move forward with it?

What cost are you paying by avoiding? How long have you been thinking about it? 

Before I launched my Courage to Impact podcast, I thought about it for at least a year.

Growth, expansion, joy, abundance, truth, freedom, and impact all live on the other side of fear. 

The only way to get to the other side is by doing your real work.  

You can't think your way to the other side. Watching hours of Ted talks, attending conferences, and reading lots of books won't get you there either.

You've got to do the work.

It all begins with courage and then by taking a tiny intentional step forward. 

Stop thinking about it and take a step - then take another - and then another.

Here's a how-to guide I created to help you start to do your real work:

• Look inward: What is it that you want to do but have been avoiding? What's the one thing that, if completed, would change everything for you, your relationships, your finances, and your confidence?

• Summon up your courage: How will your life change for the better when you do this? What will this teach your children, peers, or direct reports? Why do you want to do this?

• Make it known: Tell someone that you love and trust about the work you're doing. They are not there to hold you accountable. They're there to hold the space and listen.

• Do it: Take a tiny step forward each day. Make it fun.

• Celebrate: Celebrate yourself however you wish.

Now that you know how you can do your real work, we're here if you want some help along your journey.

My real work involves telling you about my mission of helping the world be more courageous, and it involves inviting you to participate in what I've created to help you do your real work.

I've created the Courage to Impact Campfire starting on November 1st. It's a group program for up to 10 people that want extra support along their journey. You don't have to do it alone.  

Learn more about it HERE.

Be courageous.

God bless you,

Shermain.