So there you are, standing on a
cliff at the mouth of a cave. In front
of you is a giant dragon, too large to fit in the cave, but stoking his fire, getting
ready to toast you like a bonfire marshmallow.
Behind you is a precipice, a 500 foot drop. Your only weapon is a sword (tastefully bejeweled
to match your outfit, of course). You
have a choice to make. You could just
say your prayers and hope for a quick end.
Or you could make a run for it around the dragon to the safety of the cave,
slashing as you go. Or you could slip
over the cliff edge - there are ledges and trees that you could grasp to make
your way to safety. What to do, what to
do?
Fortunately, despite all our current
troubles, we have no mythical dragons. The
literal ones, however, remain, blocking the cave and forcing us toward the
precipice every day. But here's the good
news: we always have options. Say it
with me, "I always have options." Will the
options take courage? You bet. Will it take more courage than you have? Only you know for certain, but there are
tools to boost your courage. Like a bowl of Wheaties every morning, these will
fortify you with dozens of essential vitamins and minerals.
Courage Tool #1: Later is officially over. We have become masters of procrastination
when it comes to doing something tough. It
NEVER gets easier by putting it off.
Whatever your dragon, admit it's there now and prepare to do battle.
Courage Tool #2: Identify the enemy. I've said it before, step out of
your fear and look at it closely.
Pretend it's a unique object d'art
(that's French for an "artsy thingy") and examine every inch of it. Ask yourself, "What's the worst that can
happen?" Deal in reality not fantasy.
Courage Tool #3: Get over yourself.
We think the social spotlight shines more brightly on us than anyone
else and if we mess up, EVERYONE will know.
They've got their own troubles and don't have time to focus on yours.
Courage Tool #4: Life is a mystery.
We think we need all the answers; we think we must know the end
before we begin. And we expect things
will be the very worst possible (leading us to repeat #1). Life is intrinsically
unexpected. Prepare for possible
adversity, yes, but don't let it paralyze you.
Courage Tool #5: Elephant for dinner.
Another of my favorites, take things one step at a time. You can even eat an elephant one bite at a
time. Don't rush, don't get ahead of
yourself and don't be overwhelmed by the whole.
Make a list if you need to and cross items off as you tackle them.
Your future is a choice not a
fate. You always have options. Go are courageous, now go slay your dragon!
