“People who cease to grow can’t inspire others. Leadership begins with challenging oneself.”-Daisaku Ikeda
In my many years leading elite teams, I’ve learned that courage in leadership is profoundly misunderstood. It’s not about the absence of fear but the resolve to face it head-on.
And courage isn’t just for the battlefield; it’s found and cultivated in quiet moments – owning up to the fact that we have screwed up (again), admitting that you are uncertain of the way out of a particular situation, or recognizing and apologizing and for saying something unnecessary and unkind. For me, this is where true bravery shines.
Courage develops and evolves through practice. You do not inherit it. It must be regularly cultivated. Courage demands that you not be the lone ranger but that you seek counsel and include your team in finding solutions. When you are informed of the team’s interests and challenges, you are more likely to avoid reckless gambles.
Embrace these truths, and you’ll uncover the heart of genuine leadership.
Justin Wren is a humanitarian, author, journalist, former MMA fighter, and founder of the Fight for the Forgotten charity. After overcoming depression and addiction early in his MMA career, Justin embarked on a life-changing journey with the Mbuti Pygmy people of the Congo Basin rainforest. Inspired by a transformative vision, he founded Fight for the Forgotten to combat the global water crisis and expand its impact to serve the Batwa Pygmies of Uganda.
Justin’s work empowers communities by providing them with the tools and knowledge to develop sustainable livelihoods and access clean water, healthcare, and education. Through his dedication to purpose-driven service and self-mastery, Justin demonstrates the power of an individual to make a meaningful difference in the world. His storytelling has been showcased on the Joe Rogan Experience, Hotbox with Mike Tyson, TEDxTalks, and he is a globally recognized keynote speaker.
Podcast Highlights:
Justin Wren and I had a great time unpacking the power of personal practices to foster resilience and positive transformation. As an activist, Justin advocates for collaboration between organizations to tackle pressing global issues like the water crisis and indigenous displacement. At the core of his message lies the profound truth that meaningful change begins from within and then echoes out through self-love and mastery.
I had a powerful conversation with a friend about simplifying areas or tasks in my life that I already thought were not complex. As I investigated this theme, it stoked a fire in my belly to clarify and create more simplicity in my daily routine. The levity of reengaging with simplicity inspired a few new habits and perspectives.
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That’s all for now! See you next week.
Hooyah!
Mark
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Mark Divine is a New York Times best-selling author, leadership expert, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Commander. He is also the founder and CEO of Unbeatable and SEALFIT.
