The Difference in Impact Between Focusing on Mindset Blocks vs Focusing on Courage

You may have come across the concepts of mindset blocks, limiting beliefs, and stories. As a coach myself, I’m usually helping people with their mindset - but I don’t believe that putting all of our attention on the block itself is as effective as focusing on courage.

When we focus on the mindset block, limiting beliefs, and stories, we wind up focusing on its origin and how to overcome the block itself.

Instead, when we focus on courage, we accept that hesitations are a natural part of stepping out of our comfort zone that we can expect and move through.

I do value the process of mindset work, but I think it can only do so much. Focusing on courage is a more effective way to be action-focused despite our fears.

Here’s an example of the difference between looking at our challenges as mindset blocks versus looking at our challenges as opportunities for courage:

Scenario 1: A conversation focused on the mindset block:

Person A: I wrote a long blog article, but I’m too nervous to post it online.

Person B: What’s the story you’re telling yourself?

Person A: That I’ll get negative comments, people will judge me, and that it’ll rub people the wrong way.

Person B: How do you want to shift this mindset?

==> There is nothing wrong with this conversation, but the direction is going to where Person A is more focused on trying to release or change their perception of these fears (fears that may not 100% go away, especially when dealing with uncertainty). From my perspective, it’s a detour to the end objective, which is that Person A desires to share a message.

Scenario 2: A conversation focused on the opportunity for courage:

Person A: I wrote a long blog article, but I’m too nervous to post it online.

Person B: If there were no consequences to posting, what would you do?

Person A: I’d share it in a heartbeat. My message is important.

Person B: What would feel like a more doable way of getting the message out there?

Person A: I guess I could share it in a group of people I trust first to get their input and then revisit posting it online.

==> This conversation is focused more on what is important to Person A and the microsteps they need to move towards their end objective. It’s not about focusing on the fear itself but helping Person A remember their purpose and take digestible action in the face of fear.

Courage is about following your heart even in the face of fear. Each time you practice courage, you’re liberating yourself, leading with alignment, and increasing your chances at making a meaningful impact.

What changes for you when you shift from thinking about mindset blocks to thinking about courage?