W.I.N. Wednesday: The Most Courageous Act
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”
Coco Chanel
Read that quote a couple of times. Mull it over, reflect on what it means to you.
When I read it it caused me to pause and think about what it meant.
To me it is a caution against getting caught up in “group think”.
It is about having the courage to speak up and disagree at a meeting or in a conversation..
It is about speaking up for what is right when it is not what is popular.
It is about the willingness to say No, or vote No.
It is about addressing topics in your writings, your training or your presentations that may be contrary to popular or long held beliefs or historic ways of doing things and may upset some people.
You need to always be willing to explain why you believe what you do. What experiences information, research, evidence and knowledge are guiding your thinking.
It is about accepting the fact that not everyone will agree with you and some will get vicious in their opposition and attacks on you because of your courage to, “think for yourself. Aloud.”
In my presentations I share the definition of courage from Jack Colwell and Chip Huth. They define courage this way, “To act for what is right, at risk to self, when members of your social group do not agree with the act.” I believe the risk here is generally not a physical risk. It is the risk we will upset others, we will get labeled, we will get shunned, we will get talked about behind our backs, or others will lash out at us.
You also need to be open minded and continually reading, listening, learning and challenging your own beliefs. You need to have the courage and humility to say, “I was wrong.” and to change your thoughts and beliefs based on solid research and evidence to the contrary.
Be respectful of others who think for themselves aloud. If you think differently, then engage in a respectful dialogue to learn about the other person’s position and rationale.
What’s Important Now? Be courageous. Think for yourself. Aloud.
Take care.
Brian Willis
Maximizing human potential through Life's Most Powerful Question - What's Important Now?
If you found value in this post please share this with your friends, family and co-workers.