Fortune Favours The Brave
Courage is a word that often evokes images of knights charging into battle, explorers venturing into uncharted territories, and everyday heroes standing up for what they believe in.
But what does it mean to be brave, and how does courage lead to financial or otherwise fortune?
In this article, we'll explore the concept of courage through the lens of Dr. Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator.
We'll also examine how taking bold risks has led to fortune for some of history's most well-known figures.
Dr. Peterson says you must "look where you least want to".
It reminds us that growth and opportunity often lie outside our comfort zones.
He encourages individuals to confront the aspects of their lives they may be avoiding or neglecting. It's about facing your fears, embracing uncertainty, and taking bold risks to pursue your goals and aspirations.
And nowhere is this principle more evident than in the stories of those who have found fortune by being brave.
From explorers like Christopher Columbus and Amelia Earhart to entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, those who dare to dream big, take bold risks, and defy convention are often rewarded with success, fulfilment, and fortune.
Let's look at a few examples:
1. Oprah Winfrey
Oprah was born into poverty in rural Mississippi and faced numerous challenges and setbacks throughout her early life.
But instead of succumbing to despair, she found the courage to pursue her dreams, eventually becoming one of the most successful and influential media moguls in history.
Oprah transformed her hardships into opportunities by taking bold risks, embracing vulnerability, and staying true to herself, inspiring millions worldwide.
2. Steve Jobs
After being ousted from Apple, the company he co-founded, Jobs faced an uncertain future.
But instead of giving up, he found the courage to start over, launching a new company called NeXT and eventually returning to Apple, where he revolutionised the tech industry with products like the iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
By embracing failure, taking bold risks, and refusing to settle for mediocrity, Jobs found fortune and left an indelible mark on the world.
3. Malala Yousafzai
Malala Yousafzai is a Pakistani activist who defied the Taliban's ban on girls' education and became a global advocate for children's rights.
Despite facing death threats and violence, Malala refused to be silenced, speaking out fearlessly against injustice and oppression.
By risking her life for the cause she believed in, Malala survived and thrived, winning the Nobel Peace Prize and inspiring millions of people to stand up for what they believe in.
4. Michael Jordan
Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players ever, Michael Jordan's career is a testament to the power of courage and determination.
Despite facing setbacks and challenges early in his career, including being cut from his high school basketball team, Jordan never lost faith in his abilities.
He continued to work tirelessly on his game, pushing himself to new heights and inspiring teammates and fans alike with his unmatched work ethic and competitive spirit.
Jordan's bravery on the court—taking the last shot, facing off against formidable opponents, and refusing to back down from any challenge—earned him six NBA championships and a legacy that transcends the sport.
5. Serena Williams
As one of the most dominant athletes in the history of tennis, Serena Williams has faced her fair share of adversity and criticism throughout her career.
From battling injuries and health issues to confronting racism and sexism in the sport, Williams has never shied away from speaking out and standing up for what she believes in.
Her courage and resilience, both on and off the court, have earned her 23 Grand Slam singles titles and countless accolades, solidifying her status as one of the greatest athletes ever.
6. Muhammad Ali
Known as much for his activism and advocacy as his boxing prowess, Muhammad Ali was a trailblazer both inside and outside the ring.
From his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War on religious and moral grounds to his outspoken stance against racial inequality and injustice, Ali fearlessly used his platform to fight for social change and civil rights.
Despite facing backlash and condemnation from many quarters, Ali remained steadfast in his convictions, inspiring millions worldwide with his courage, charisma, and commitment to justice.
7. JK Rowling
Rowling faced numerous setbacks and challenges before finding fame and fortune as a writer.
She was a single mother living on welfare, struggling to make ends meet while pursuing her dream of becoming a published author.
Despite facing rejection from multiple publishers and experiencing periods of doubt and uncertainty, Rowling persevered, drawing on her courage and resilience to keep writing and refining her craft.
In 1997, her perseverance paid off when Bloomsbury Publishing took a chance on her debut novel, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone."
The rest, as they say, is history—Rowling became one of the most successful and beloved authors of all time, inspiring millions of readers worldwide with her stories of magic, friendship, and courage.
8. Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela was an iconic leader who played a pivotal role in ending apartheid and establishing a democratic South Africa.
Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his activism, enduring unimaginable hardships and sacrifices in pursuing justice and equality.
Despite facing immense pressure and adversity, Mandela never wavered in his commitment to his principles, refusing to compromise his integrity or abandon his vision for a free and inclusive society.
In 1994, Mandela's courage and perseverance were rewarded when he was elected as the first black president of South Africa, marking the beginning of a new era of hope and reconciliation for the country.
In addition to the above, there are countless other examples of individuals who found fortune by being brave.
Take, for instance, Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and ignited the civil rights movement in the United States.
Amelia Earhart was the pioneering aviator who became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, breaking barriers and inspiring generations of women to pursue their dreams.
These individuals, and many others like them, are shining examples of the power of courage to overcome obstacles, defy expectations, and change the course of history.
By looking where they least wanted to—facing rejection, enduring imprisonment, or challenging systemic injustice—they found fortune and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and empower others.
Courage is, therefore, about facing your fears, confronting adversity, and staying true to yourself, even when the odds are stacked against you.
But this courage is imperfect and demands you embrace vulnerability—a tough challenge.
In her book, "Imperfect Courage", Jessica Honegger encourages readers to embrace vulnerability, take risks, and pursue their passions with courage.
Here are some practical lessons from the book:
1. Embrace Imperfection
Honegger emphasizes that courage doesn't require perfection.
It's okay to make mistakes, stumble, and fail. Embracing Imperfection allows individuals to take risks and pursue their dreams without fear of judgment or failure.
2. Authenticity and Vulnerability
Authenticity and vulnerability are essential components of courage.
Being true to oneself and sharing one's struggles and fears with others fosters connection, empathy, and understanding.
3. Listen to Your Inner Voice
Trusting your intuition and inner voice is crucial for making courageous decisions.
Tuning into your values, passions, and desires can guide you towards meaningful and purposeful actions.
4. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Growth and transformation occur outside of your comfort zone.
Honegger encourages readers to challenge themselves, take risks, and embrace new opportunities, even if they feel scared or uncertain.
5. Overcome Fear and Resistance
Fear and resistance are natural responses to stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Honegger offers strategies for overcoming fear, such as reframing negative thoughts, practising self-compassion, and taking small steps towards your goals.
6. Find Your Why
Clarifying your purpose and values provides a strong foundation for courageous action.
Understanding why you're pursuing a particular goal or dream can fuel your motivation and commitment, even in the face of challenges.
7. Community and Support
Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, mentors, and allies can bolster your courage and resilience.
Building a community of like-minded individuals who share your values and aspirations provides encouragement and accountability.
8. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Celebrating small victories and milestones along the way reinforces courage and resilience.
Your progress, no matter how incremental, boosts confidence and motivation to keep moving forward.
9. Learn from Failure and Setbacks
Failure is an inevitable part of the journey towards success.
Honegger encourages readers to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth, learning, and course correction. Resilience is built through perseverance and resilience in the face of setbacks.
10. Practice Self-Compassion
Cultivating self-compassion is essential for maintaining courage and resilience.
Being kind to yourself fosters a sense of worthiness and self-acceptance, especially in moments of struggle or failure.
11. Be Open to Serendipity and Unexpected Opportunities
Sometimes, the most courageous decisions are born from uncertainty and unexpected opportunities.
Remaining open-minded and flexible allows you to seize opportunities and embark on new adventures.
12. Lead with Empathy and Compassion
Courageous leadership involves leading with empathy, compassion, and integrity.
Honegger emphasises the importance of using your platform and influence to advocate for justice, equity, and social change.
Whether it's standing up for what we believe in, pursuing our passions, or overcoming personal challenges, courage is the fuel that drives us forward, propelling us toward our goals and aspirations.
But that courage can be forever illusive if we look for it in the wrong places.
Until next time, may you be brave enough to "look where you least want to."
Dion Le Roux