Advice Column

Dear Sandra:                                                                                                             I am “off my path.” After receiving a graduate degree in education, I seem to be unable to twist and turn what I have learned into a career that fits my personality. I feel too burned out to take a job that doesn’t fit me, so I am gardening and doing other odd jobs. I get paralyzed when I think about taking the next step—as though I have no idea what step will get me back on track. How can I utilize “courage” in this situation?

Dear “Off My Path:”                                                                                   Receiving a graduate degree is hard work. If gardening and odd jobs are nurturing your burned out soul, then you are doing what you are supposed to be doing—that takes courage! The Roman philosopher Seneca wrote, “Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”

You are paralyzed in a defining moment—do you step up, step down, or stay where you are? My favorite Ancient Chinese Proverb answers that question: “He who hesitates before each step spends his life on one leg.” Here are a few points to help tap into your natural courage:

1.    Think of a situation where you were proud of yourself. Relive the event. Which behavior of courage was applied the most from the “Source Wheel?”

2.    Think of a situation that reveals lost courage. Which of the twelve behaviors of courage was not applied? In hindsight, what actions needed to be applied to “step up to the next level?”

3.    Take an “aerial photograph” of your life. Reflect and list some of your major contributions.

4.    Write down what doesn’t fit your life anymore.

5.    Make a list of 10 things that drain your energy.

6.    Think of a woman who has courage. Who would she be? What does she look like? What does she do? What are her actions, manners? Why is she courageous? How are you unlike this woman? In what ways are you similar? Identify the courage in her that you can relate to. Celebrate those behaviors of courage in both of you.

Hopefully, if you choose to take action, these tips will help you harvest your vision, and you don’t want to miss your harvest!

Sandra’s Summary: When it comes to personal courage or courage leadership, you’ll never step up as long as you’re willing to be stepped on.

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Dear Sandra: