England Coaching

There’s a book I am currently listening to, Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday.

Although it is significantly easier to listen to audio books while driving, I like anyone make the attempt to commit a quote to memory only to entirely forget any quote by the time I arrive at work. What I can recall is the concepts to that can be taken away from the book.

There was one quote that I do recall and it conveniently is added to the title of the book: “Fortune Favors The Brave”.

Ryan brings light to the most common phrase used in the Bible: “Fear Not” and “Have No Fear”

Some of the amazing examples shared within the book consist of those whom we may all know the name of:

• Hercules:

Hercules stands at a crossroads. In the absence of guidance to separate the identical paths before him, Hercules decides to pick one at random. As he steps forward, two goddesses manifest beside him. One is Kakia, the other Aretê. Both goddesses reign over a path, intent on convincing Hercules to choose theirs.

Hercules is promised a life of luxury, one devoid of hardship, should he follow the path of Kakia.

The second goddess, Aretê tells Hercules that her path will require discipline and courage. Men cannot achieve great things without some effort and application, she says. Aretê emphasizes to Hercules that tests will be laid upon him, he will suffer hardships, and he will endure great losses. Aretê promises Hercules the opportunity to demonstrate his courage and discipline, which will earn him true happiness when reflecting on his honorable deeds.

Hercules chose the path of Aretê, avoiding the enticement of Kakia. He suffered more pain than any man before him, eventually dying in the most extreme agony imaginable. His father, Zeus, was so impressed with Hercules’ sacrifice that he brought him back from the underworld, elevating him to the status of a God.

• Martin Luther King Jr. and John F Kennedy

In October of 1960 Martin Luther King Jr found himself in a jail cell as he was in DelKalb County Georgia. Prior to this Dr. King had previously connected with both John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon. Although he had a perceived closer relationship with Richard Nixon, it was a Nixon whom feared helping Martin Luther King Jr. due to the potential retaliation of losing the southern votes. It was John F Kennedy whom followed up with the governor of Georgia, Ernest Vandiver. After that phone call, Martin was released. Despite the possible fear of losing the southern votes, it was John Kennedy’s courage to do the right thing that helped Dr. King. In turn, it only helped Kennedy attain a support and a stronger following as he outstripped Richard Nixon in the 1960 presidential election.

Although one fiction and one fact, both stories have learning experiences that can be taken away.

Throughout life we en counter intimidating situations where we may be fearful or apprehensive to make a decision. If we do not make a decision, a decision will be made for us. We will never then stand out or find out what our true potential could be. If we embrace challenge and step towards the unknown, it could dramatically change our life story and how we were remembered.

Quote I’ve appreciated: “Tell me the facts and I’ll learn. Tell me the truth and I’ll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever.” — Ancient proverb.

Question: What is it that we are hiding from or avoiding due to the fear of standing out or fear of being perceived as against the grain?

Actions: At the next cross road you come across, take steps towards what you feel is truly the right thing to do. Not the easy route, or the route commonly taken. But the path that you can pave to better those who follow you.