“Wow! So you’re a published author. That is really cool!”
Those were the words of a lady that I know on a very surface level at best. I must admit when she said those words to me a couple of weeks ago, “you’re a published author,” I was a bit taken aback.
It is one year ago today, September 23, 2018, that my book, Cultivate Courage: Face Fear. Fulfill Dreams, officially launched. I still struggle to think of myself as an author, a writer of a book. That’s something other people do, not me. Even a year later when she made that statement it was as though she was talking about someone else.
Over the course of the past year I have been learning to step into that title, published author. A year ago, when someone would make a statement similar to this lady’s, I would discount the comment with something like, “well it’s really a small book. There’s not much to it.”
My first thought when she said that to me was to offer the discounted version of my accomplishment to her. I am learning to step into my title. I simply said, “Yes, I am a published author.” That is growth.
Now, I am preparing to have a second printing of my book done. Yes, I’ve sold enough that I need to print more. This is more confirmation that I am a published author. I am becoming more comfortable with that title and learning to step into it and embrace it.
It’s interesting to speak about fear and courage and have those emotions play themselves out in my life every day. Courage is a journey. Sometimes courage requires us to act fast. Other times it’s like Bill Murray’s character, Bob Wiley, in the movie What About Bob? It’s all about baby steps.
Often times I have people tell me they think I’m all about becoming fearless. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is that if we wait to become fearless to act, courage requires action, we’ll never do anything. We can always find a reason to wait just a bit longer.
So, on this birthday of my book, are you any closer to your dreams than you were one year ago? Are you still letting fear hold you hostage rather than courageously stepping into your fear?
Being courageous doesn’t always end up the way we hope. But, at least we know what didn’t work and can try another way the next time. Taking even a failed step is a victory over fear and that in and of itself is a big accomplishment!
What’s the first baby step you can take today towards your dream or your goal? Do you have the courage to take that step today? It’s time to embrace who you are and courageously step into the future for which you were created!
Looking for a speaker for an upcoming event? I’d love to be that guy. You can reach me at dave@cultivatecourage.com or 952-200-7499.
You can now buy the book “Cultivate Courage” on Amazon! https://amzn.to/2N2PBVJ
