| Most leaders talk about courage like it’s a feeling. They wait for it to show up before they take action. That’s the mistake. Courage isn’t a feeling—it’s a decision. And often, it’s the decision to turn left when everyone else turns right.The Trap of Safe Decisions When the path ahead is unclear, most leaders default to what feels safest: ✔️ Follow industry trends instead of trusting their instincts ✔️ Wait for more data instead of making the call ✔️ Say what’s expected instead of what’s true But safe decisions aren’t always smart decisions. And they’re rarely courageous ones. Courageous Hurdles: The Moments That Define You In a recent coaching session with a high-level leader, I coined the term “courageous hurdles”—those pivotal moments when you feel resistance, fear, or doubt… and you have a choice: 👉Play it safe, stay in your comfort zone, and follow the crowd 👉Step into discomfort, take the risk, and trust yourself One of my clients faced this exact moment: stay small in her impact, or say yes to a global opportunity that required international travel and visibility. She chose courage—and that decision led to her becoming the face of a global movement in transportation safety. These hurdles are where real leadership happens. The question is: How do you respond when you hit one? What Courage Looks Like Right Now While many leaders are pulling back, the bold ones are doubling down—especially on their people. It’s not the obvious move. But it’s the smart one. Because in retreat, others lose momentum—while your investment builds loyalty, pace, and long-term advantage. How to Build the Courage to Turn Left 1️⃣Recognize the Hurdle – Fear, doubt, imposter syndrome? Good. It means you’re at the edge of something important. Pay attention. 2️⃣Decide Fast – Courage isn’t about feeling ready. It’s about moving forward despite uncertainty. The longer you hesitate, the harder the decision becomes. 3️⃣Own Your Choice – Turning left means some people won’t get it. That’s okay. Leadership isn’t about being liked—it’s about being trusted. 4️⃣Surround Yourself with the Right People – You need challengers, not cheerleaders—people who sharpen you, not just support you. Where’s Your Next Courageous Hurdle? Maybe it’s a bold business move. A conversation you’ve been avoiding. A decision that scares you. Whatever it is, know this: The leaders who stand out are the ones willing to turn left. If you’re ready to build unshakable certainty in yourself—and elevate the people around you—let’s talk. |
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