Frightened Monsters

‘Oh Monsters are scared,’ said Lettie. ‘That’s why they’re monsters.’
— Neil Gaiman, from "The Ocean at the End of the Lane"

By definition, courage means being scared.

Courageous leaders lead when they’re most afraid.
We need courageous, creative leaders now more than ever.

We don’t know the future. We don’t know what will happen. We can write down “expected outcomes” — but know that unexpected is what the outcome may be.

But we move forward anyway. Knowing that the snake in the grass is also afraid. Knowing that courage, calm, and peace can be as real as fear. Knowing that fear doesn’t change how we need to act.

Monsters are scared too.
They’re afraid of action.
They’re afraid of commitment.
They’re afraid of forward progress.
They’re afraid of “little wins.”
They’re afraid of your mistakes (that’s why they berate you with you when it happens).
They’re afraid of deep work.
They’re afraid of routines.
They’re afraid of you.

So be courageous. Despite the monsters, seen or unseen.
Go and make.

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Routine