“Do not ask for fears to be removed; ask for courage equal to the fears.” – Jack Hyles

 When we think of someone being brave it is usually in terms of war or fighting a battle of some kind.  True that conflict brings out the warrior in many of us.  Courage is needed to stand up for what is right and to be willing to give our all for a just and true cause.  The U.S. Army Leadership Field Manual states: “Personal courage isn’t the absence of fear; rather, it’s the ability to put fear aside and do what’s necessary.”  Success-Minded People strive to be brave and to fulfill their duty at all times.  They also have great respect for those who do.

COURAGE TO SUCCEED

There is a different kind of courage that I would like to address here and that is the courage to succeed.  Nineteenth Century English Clergyman Sydney Smith said “A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage.”  Success-Minded People know that success is not for the faint of heart.  To succeed you need determination and a willingness to risk it all for your dream.  One must be brave enough to do what is needed to achieve what they know is their purpose in life.

BELIEVING IN A MOUSE

Success-Minded People have the courage to step out where no one has gone before.  They are willing to fail in order to succeed.  Success-Minded People have the fire in their belly and will face all the challenges necessary to achieve.  Walt Disney said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”  Disney was a man who knew firsthand the need for courage.  He was a cartoonist with an extremely creative mind who took a simple mouse cartoon and made it into the most recognized brand in the world.  It takes guts to look at an empty orange grove and see the Happiest Place on Earth.

 IS YOU DREAM BIG ENOUGH?

What is your dream?  What do you see when you close your eyes and think of what God placed in your heart?  Is it impossible?  Does it scare you to think what must be done to achieve it?  If not, it is too small.  God gives us impossible dreams to show us that we need Him to achieve it.  If you can do it yourself you don’t need God, and if you don’t need God you dream too small.

THINK BIG

Success-Minded People know that the first step to success is to take the first step.  Singer/Songwriter Dolly Parton said, “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.”  Be a parson of courage.  Do great things and change the world.  Yes you!  Why not you?  All great things have been done by ordinary people who were willing to do extra-ordinary things.  What is your dream?  Donald Trump said “If you are going to think any way why not think big!”  I agree.  I believe in you and I am certain you have the courage to be great.

© 2011 John Patrick Hickey