Well, COURAGE SQUAD, we made it! Go us! 2020 was a doozie of a year, but the hard work's not over. Every year we need to reach down deep and cultivate new courage for the next. So to kick us off, we've put together a little primer on how to face forward into the New Year with courage.
Why does it take courage to face forward?
Let's consider these factors. The transition from 2020 to 2021 seems circumstantially unchanged. This might be the case for other years as well. And even though this is true, we can still choose to be intentional with our attitude and actions. With the growth we've experienced by getting through the challenges of 2020 we can face our current challenges with the courage we've acquired. Here's how.
A short list of different strategies to help you face forward.
1. Find time and space to be intentionally thoughtful to reflect. This can be an hour of alone time. Or a full day or even a retreat away from your everyday ordinary life. When you push back from the noise you can gain a broader perspective of what was, is, and could be in the future. No one is courageous when they are weary, busy, or frustrated. It's critical to celebrate the highs, mourn the lows, and acknowledge that the vast majority of your days aren't as bad as you may be claiming them to be.
2. Set some goals. Setting goals and putting deadlines on the calendar in areas that are not necessarily work or productivity related. YOU ARE A HUMAN BEING. NOT A HUMAN DOING. When you are intentional about caring for yourself in every area of your life, you will fostering personal growth which aides in humaning well. Pay attention to areas that need rest, care, and enjoyment. Physical, creative, and learning goals are important to your overall personal growth.
3. Fly a banner. Choosing a WORD as a theme for your year can aid in focus and inspiration.
4. Create a growth plan for yourself. It doesn't have to be a hard driven goal. Small steps can lead to consistency and consistency leads to long term growth. Create a plan to read more or learn a new skill. Maybe you need a plan to get your finances in order or begin to journal. Start small and practice daily. You'll be surprised how much you can grow in just a year when you start small and keep to it.
5. Develop a personal motto. A sentence that affirms what you're committed to and helps you hold yourself accountable when you want to quit!
Any or all of these strategies will help you move forward into the New Year with intention. Whenever we align our intention, emotion, and effort we will see growth which feeds our courage. Remember, courage is anything that requires "strength of heart." As we face forward into a New Year and new season of The Cost Is Courage Podcast, we're excited to bring some new voices into the conversation. We hope you choice to stick with us as we all move into 2021 with courage!
Some additional encouragement and resources to help you face forward with courage can be found by listening back to these episodes from our first Season. Visit : www.TheCostIsCourage.com
Episode 06 : Courage in Uncertainty
Episode 08 : Courage in Imperfect Action
Episode 09 : Courage to Try Again
Episode 18 : Courage to Hope
Episode 29 : Courage to Pivot
If you're interested in life planning or goal setting tools from Michael Hyatt, you can find those resources at www.MichaelHyatt.com
Don't forget to JOIN our Courage Squad and received our Favorite Books List for cultivating courage and our 14 Days of Courage daily devotional. And stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram too! @CostIsCouragePodcast
