“God will not have his work made manifest by cowards” 

Ralph Walder Emerson. 

Whilst throwing steak down my gullet post-gym session I eavesdropped on a conversation between Terry Crews and Tim Ferris. I know little about Mr Crews but his words on courage struck with the clarity and timing of a grandparents advice. 

The Emerson quote above is his favourite. He gave its meaning context… 

“You don't get born unless your Mother has the courage to have you.  Courage breeds more courage and fear breeds more fear”

As a coach I don’t see much difference between who I am and what I do.  I believe that how I live my life and the ideas and philosophy I encourage in my clients should be susynced with one another.  When my behaviour is in conflict with my philosophy I feel like a fraud. And after an indulgent weekend I’ve asked myself some serious questions.

On the subject of courage Mr Crews went on to make the suggestion that one should identify what they are afraid of and then attack it.

So I ask myself, Oli , what are you scared of? 

The answer; Failing in public pursuing what I have committed 100% toward. 

Back to the first quote “God will not have his work made manifest by cowards” . My ideal life will be made manifest by the ideal me. Therefore my commitment to being the ‘ideal’; in my actions, attitude and being, will decide whether I find my paradise; the ideal me in his ideal world. 

When Terry quotes God I hear ‘ideal vision’ and the courage is seen when I drop all the choices, attitudes and goals which exist outside of this ideal vision and have the courage to commit all of myself to this ideal or God. 

How do I spot the ideal amongst the actors? By committing my time and attention to what is most meaningful to me. My work with clients. Loving my family. Faith. Fulfilling my responsibility to my health and abilities. Meaningful pursuits feel different at the time and afterward, they create a different type of memory, the sorts of memories I have thread the tapestry of my life.  

Identify memories which are meaningful and inspire pride, then identify memories which seep guilt and shame.  Ask which you would like your life to made up of and muster the courage to commit to what makes you feel proud and to attack what brings guilt and shame.