Courage or fear?
What will lead your decisions in 2026?
We were in San Antonio on the River Walk with some of Elliott’s teammates. The restaurant manager provided us with complimentary guacamole because we had just lost to his son’s soccer team. Our goalie had never tasted the glory of a quality guac. Was he going to let fear continue to limit him, or was he going to finally step into a better life?
He’s now hooked on guac.
There are moments throughout our lives that require courage. Otherwise, we continue to miss out on opportunities due to fear.
During the morning drive to school with Alice, she began talking about an upcoming project for her EAST program. I started asking questions to understand, but she didn’t know where to start because she was afraid of not winning. Fear was paralyzing her from even beginning. She’s 8!
There are moments throughout our lives that require courage. Otherwise, we continue to miss out on opportunities due to fear.
A few years ago, an executive leader was hoping to make an internal change within his organization. He was miserable in his current role and saw where he wanted to make an impact. During our first coaching session, I asked him, “How come you have not let the leader of that department know you have a unique background and are interested in making a move over there?” After the coaching session, he sent the message. The leader he messaged was ecstatic, and the career change was successful and fulfilling.
There are moments throughout our lives that require courage. Otherwise, we continue to miss out on opportunities due to fear.
At some point, we have to ask, what are we really afraid of? What’s the worst that can happen?
It’s amazing how fear can limit us. It’s inspiring how courage can uplift us.
How many opportunities have been lost due to fear? How many moments have you missed due to fear? How many mistakes has your team made due to fear? Fear can ruin our opportunities for positive impact.
Fear keeps good leaders from speaking up.
Fear keeps good team members from asking the right questions.
Fear keeps good organizations from reaching their potential.
Fear keeps good athletes from taking the shot and being great.
Not all fear is bad. But at work, fear often limits the quality of our impact. Fear limits our ability to lead aligned with our purpose.
Have you found yourself in a meeting, staying quiet out of fear of hurting someone’s feelings?
Have you found yourself in a meeting, staying quiet out of fear of sounding like you don’t belong in the room?
Have you found yourself in a meeting, staying quiet out of fear of appearing too ambitious?
Not all fear is bad. Sometimes fear can help us make a wise decision.
There’s a reason my Yamaha 650 is for sale. I’m one of the few riders who has not crashed, and I intend to keep it that way. The joy of riding is not as strong as my love for my family and work.
However, when we play out the worst-case scenario for every decision, we limit our impact and opportunities. We irrationally rationalize letting fear overrule our courage.
What are the important decisions you need to make in 2026?
What will be the impact if you let fear rule your decision?
What is the opportunity if you allow courage to drive your decision?
Here are two self-reflection questions to help us determine whether we should have courage or fear.
Will what I’m about to do or say be helpful and make a positive impact?
Do I trust my team?
Leaders allow fear to take over when fear overrules trust. Courage is normal when trust is present.
If you have a trust problem, you have a relationship problem. If you have a relationship problem, it’s time to have the courage to begin building your team.
There are moments throughout our lives that require courage. Otherwise, we continue to miss out on opportunities due to fear.
Lead with Courage during 2026.
