Why You Need Courage to Reach Your Goals Part 2

In my previous blog, I discussed five courage activators from the work of my colleagues, Merom and Louise Klein, along with the story of Melissa in her recent position at a new pharmaceutical company. She had ambitious goals to improve a product launch and faced some difficult obstacles. I illustrated how the first courage activator, purpose, helped Melissa focus on her lofty goal and share it so that reluctant stakeholders “got” what she was trying to achieve. In this blog, I will focus on strengthening will.

Will is about generating a “can-do” spirit and igniting a sense of urgency in others. It also involves engaging diverse personalities, cultures, and professional backgrounds and adapting to conditions that will further your purpose. Using will requires you to assure reluctant partners that you will hang in there with them.

Step 1: Generate a can-do spirit. Choose a way to get yourself going. It might be an inspiring quote, or the pep talk you got from a parent, coach, or friend. Pick whatever emboldens you when you feel fearful. You may benefit from replacing a sense of threat with a sense of adventure.

Melissa faced her fears about raising an unpopular concern by remembering a quote that inspired her: “Courage is not the absence of fear; it is pressing forward when you feel afraid.” She mustered her desire for adventure and made appointments with stakeholders.

Step 2: Engage diverse personalities and backgrounds. Visit with others who may have a different point of view and practice looking at the situation from their perspective. Examine the various ways others are motivated and think about your goal and purpose and what might get them jazzed to join your cause. Look to offer an answer to the question, “Why should I?”

Melissa met with many key influencers who were outside her department to discuss her goal and ask questions about their perspectives. As she did, she began to see different ways to frame the challenge that might motivate those in her group who had similar personalities.

Step 3:  Assure reluctant stakeholders that you will hang in there with them. Listening with empathy to those who are facing their own fears about taking on or supporting your ambitious goal will give you the foundation for helping them join you.  Fear often is a signal that there is a clear and present danger. The key is to approach that danger tactfully – not to pretend it isn’t there. When you experience fear, it’s wise to step carefully and skillfully as you stick out your neck, reach out your hand and make your voice heard. By listening to the concerns of others, you can shore up your plan as you reassure them that you will be there for the duration of the journey.

Melissa listened with empathy to those with whom she spoke and ensured that the concerns they expressed were met with careful consideration. She maintained communication and partnership with them throughout the process.

Use will to bolster your sense of urgency, encourage others to go beyond their collective comfort zones and insist on ambitious goals. Will can also help you to stretch yourself and others, take pride in accomplishments and renew each others’ energy. In the next blog, I will discuss risk. Stay tuned…

-Andrea Zintz, Career Coach