Fortune Favors The Brave
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to go aboard and explore the museum ship, Pinta. It is an replica of the ship on which Columbus sailed across the Atlantic on his three voyages of discovery to the new world beginning in 1492. In fact, Rodrigo de Triana was the first to see land aboard the caravel, Pinta. My visit to this floating museum inspired me to do a more in-depth study of Christopher Columbus. I asked the crew members of the Pinta if they had any book recommendations. They did and recommended Columbus’ own journals and Admiral of the Ocean Sea: A Life of Christopher Columbus by Samuel Eliot Morison. I am reading the latter now and it is incredible. In my reading this morning, Morison wrote, “Fortune always favors the brave,” meaning that those who are willing to take risks and be courageous in their actions are more likely to be successful and receive good fortune.
Furthermore, fortune favoring the brave suggests that being bold and decisive can lead to positive outcomes and opportunities. Fortune, here, encompasses so much more than just a financial trope. Sure, this phrase “Fortune always favors the brave” can refer monetary gain, which did happen for those involved in Columbus’ voyages of discovery, but it can also apply to personal growth, relationships, and other aspects of life where taking risks and being courageous is important for achieving success and fulfillment. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of being proactive, confident, and willing to take on challenges in order to be significant in our lives of leadership.
20 Seconds Of Bravery
“What if it is about creating your vision, developing your plan, and taking one bold step after another, just twenty seconds of bravery at a time?” (p. 313) I had to begin my post on Chapter 45, “Boldness & Bravery” in Mindset Mondays with DTKby David Taylor-Klaus (DTK), with this quote from DTK. Having just launched my new business last week, Leadery Global, I needed this little pep talk to get my week started. I am “…step[ping] boldly into what’s present, and danc[ing] with whatever’s on the field” (p. 312). Choosing to be bold is what DTK was talking about in this chapter. He also reminded us, however, to be responsive, not reactive – no knee-jerk reactions.
Now, back to my favorite part of the chapter – 20 seconds of bravery. DTK is referring to a movie his wife, Elaine, saw claiming that it only takes 20 seconds of true bravery to overcome obstacles. If you think about those things we put off instead of doing what Brian Tracy called “Eating The Frog,” it makes sense. The more we avoid something, the more it controls our life. Just as first responders run toward the danger, we need to face our fears instead of being controlled by them. All it takes is 20 seconds!
What can you choose to be bold for 20 seconds of bravery about today? It may just change the entire trajectory of your life!
Byron's Babbles 
leave a comment