After doing an online self assessment, I was noted to have scored high in the category of encouragement. When I paused to think about my high appreciation for hearing kind, compassionate and encouraging words from those that love me, I realized that encouragement not only feels good to me, it also gives me courage. This may have already occurred to you, but prior to this ah-haaa, I never noticed the word “courage” was within “encouragement”.
Although I can be a bit of a risk taker and love surprises, and even an occasional challenge, what I know about myself is if I don’t have encouragement, the chances I’ll be successful are slimmer.
If you’re thinking we can all encourage ourselves rather than depend on it from others, you’re right, we can, and it is very wise to practice self affirming thoughts. What I have found, however, is having someone outside my own mind share words that express a sincere wish for my success, my belief in my abilities as well as in the power of trusting my heart, gets a boost. Although I may trust my intuition and believe I am following my heart in whatever action I’m taking, receiving affirmation from a friend, mentor or family member takes me to a higher level of courage.
Imagine what amazing actions would be taken by more people (including you) that would ultimately change your life and others for the better if you received encouragement. It is simple to provide, it costs nothing and does not have to entail providing advice. Encouragement is simply a display of love and concern which can prove to be exceedingly helpful when fear gets in the way.
Having courage does not necessarily mean fear is absent. It means we take action even when we’re scared. When my supporters can help me see beyond my self limiting fears and encourage me to step, plunge and sometimes leap into the unknown (if that is what I am feeling called to do), somehow my courage grows and I move into action.
In light of the power of encouragement there is no doubt why coaching has been such a booming business. Much of what I do as a coach is to simply encourage my clients to look deeper, to breathe, to explore another perspective, to be self compassionate, self loving and to get ‘real’ with themselves.
The bottom line is we can all forget we already have everything we need to take whatever the next step on our path might be. Receiving encouragement simply reminds us we are not alone and that someone else sees something in us that we may be too afraid to see for ourselves.
When we live our lives with courage we will always receive the rewards.
Remember……YOU GOT THIS!!