Purpose

The Other Kind of Courage

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When we talk about courage, we usually talk about action.

  • Speaking up.
  • Taking a stand.
  • Having the difficult conversation.
  • Going after what you want.

But lately, several conversations with clients have had me thinking about a different kind of courage:

The courage to let go.

  • To say goodbye when every part of you wishes things were different.
  • To stop fighting for an outcome that isn’t going to happen.
  • To disappoint people you care about because you know what you need.

Many of us have spent years being dependable, accommodating, and helpful. We become so focused on not letting others down that we forget to listen to ourselves.

But there are moments when taking care of yourself means someone else won’t get what they want.

I don’t think that’s selfish.

That’s courageous.

Holding on isn’t always a sign of strength. Sometimes courage and strength look like acceptance. Like letting go. Like trusting that ending something isn’t the same thing as failing.

What are you holding onto—not because it’s right for you, but because you’re afraid of what might happen if you let it go?

This article originally appeared at WeAreComvia.com and is reprinted here with permission.

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Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.

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Lost and Found

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Every time I veer from my purpose as a teacher and coach with a passion for helping others be better communicators, I get lost. 

It seems easy to look back and pinpoint exactly where I’ve gone off course in the past. Reflection is powerful, isn’t it? There were times when I was making a decision based on what I thought was the “right” move but that was not necessarily what was true to my purpose, or vision for my future. Sometimes I even made decisions based on what other people wanted me to do. We’ve all done that, I know. The problem was that I couldn’t clearly articulate my purpose to myself, let alone others, until I did the work to define it clearly. Then I was able to stay on course more easily. 

Nobody’s path or story is straightforward. One of the only things we can guarantee in life is that things will change. However, your path might feel quite haphazard at times. Mine did for years.

When you find your purpose, your path has a guide that keeps you on track even if the track changes.

Finding Your Purpose and a Clearere Path Forward

If you feel a lack of purpose, or if it’s been elusive and you can’t quite define it, I encourage you to start by writing a few things down and pondering them for a bit: 

  1. Your passions
  2. What you value
  3. The value you bring to others
  4. What you really want in life, and in your career

Do you see any common themes? Is there a thread that keeps emerging? 

I know the feeling of being lost so well that I can see it coming from 30 miles away. The good thing is that now, I can get back on track without missing a beat (most of the time — I’m still human).

Do the work to find your purpose and claim it. If you need help, I’m here for you.

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