Vision, Heart and Courage

In every one of my coaching quarterly retreats and 1-on-1 sessions the topic of vision, both personal and professional, is emphasized as a key to driving success and balancing life. To be an effective leader, the demand for courage is a constant. Did you know what the word 'courage' comes from the French word Coeur, which means heart? It follows then that leaders must have heart-the heart to put forth their vision, to communicate it, no matter how absurd it may sound to others. The leader with courage/heart is up to the challenge to risk defeat against bitter odds. A leader's courage and heart gives him/her the fortitude and the resilience to out their reputation on the line. In order to give others the confidence to join the courageous journey to achieve and realize their vision the leader's courage and heart must be transparent. A leader without heart is a leader without direction, without a plan and ultimately without success.

Take a moment and think: What gives you courage? What supports your vision? What strengthens your heart? Whatever your answers, embrace, nurture and appreciate them. What aspects of your leadership role require the most courage and heart? What, who and how is your vision challenged? When you are challenged, draw upon what nurtures you and the confidence it gives you. Remain courageous and steadfast to achieve your vision for professional success and personal life balance.

Perhaps this blog might best be summed up by the words of Thomas Paine when he wrote, circa in 1820, these words,"I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength for distress and grow brave by reflection. Tis the business of little minds to shrink: but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his vision unto the end."