From Panic to Power
Unlock Your Courage Potential with This One Vital Relationship
“My old grandmother always used to say, summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.” - George RR Martin
Hey there, brave souls!
So, I was standing in the wings of the massive Cleveland Museum of Art auditorium, heart pounding like a jackhammer, palms so sweaty I could probably water a small garden.
In just moments, I'm supposed to step out onto that TEDx stage and deliver the talk of my life.
My business partner Jen and I had spent weeks preparing. I think we had 14 different scripts going until we decided on one.
We had a couple dozen slides that would project behind us as we talked.
And we would shock the hell out of everyone by hosting a surprise rave in the middle of our talk.
We had even stashed glow-sticks under everyone’s seats.
My dear friend and mentor, Maria Sirois, flew to Cleveland from Boston on her own dime to guide Jen and me on giving the talk.
We rehearsed so many times with Maria that I begged to stop.
But we did it again … and again …
Until I could give the talk in my sleep.
And then, suddenly, it was time to walk out of the dark wings and onto the stage.
Confident, I strode out and began my talk.
Everything felt pitch perfect.
And then it hit me like a freight train - I'd forgotten the clicker for my slides backstage.
Around 1:55 into my talk, my mind began to implode:
Panic didn’t even begin to cover it.
My mind went blank for a millisecond, then raced at light speed.
How could I be so stupid? How am I going to get through this without looking like a complete idiot?
But then, cutting through the chaos in my head, I hear a voice.
Not just any voice - Maria's voice.
"You've got this, Scott," her voice echoes in my memory. "The slides are just window dressing. You know this material inside and out."
With Maria's voice in my ear, I kept going.
Jen stepped onto the stage, allowing me a minute to fly back into the wings and grab the holy grail clicker from a relieved stage manager.
Maria - more than just a mentor - a “forever friend,” was my life preserver in moments of the stormiest seas.
We all need a Maria in our lives.
That one person who believes in us unconditionally, who pushes us to be braver than we think we can be, who's there in our moments of triumph and panic alike.
And science backs this up.
Studies show that having even one close, supportive relationship can significantly boost our resilience, mental health, and overall well-being.
Studies show that having even one close, supportive relationship can boost our resilience by up to 50%.
These "forever friends" act as a buffer against life's stresses and can even help us live longer, healthier lives.
This Week's Scare Your Soul Challenge: Honor Your Forever Friendship
Identify Your Forever Friend: Think of that one person who's always in your corner. The one who pushes you to be better, who celebrates your wins, and helps you through your losses. Your ride-or-die.
Reach Out Courageously: Contact this person and tell them how much they mean to you. Be specific about how they've impacted your life. (Yes, this might feel scary - do it anyway!) You can always write them a thank you note just for being a friend. Here are some great tips.
Make a Commitment: Decide on one way you'll show up for this friend in the coming month. Maybe it's a weekly check-in, helping with a project, or simply being there to listen.
Pay It Forward: Think about how you can be a "forever friend" to someone else in your life. How can you support their courage and growth?
Remember, brave souls, having a forever friend isn't just about having someone to lean on. It's about creating a mutual support system that allows both of you to be braver, to reach higher, and to weather life's storms together.
P.S. I'd love to hear about your forever friend experiences! Share your stories in the comments below or email me at scott@scareyoursoul.com. Let's inspire each other with tales of friendship and courage!
A Special Request - Courage in the Workplace
Brave souls, I need your help! I'm diving deep into a topic close to our hearts - courage in the workplace - that will hopefully become an article in Harvard Business Review. And who better to share insights than our courageous community?
I'm looking for real, raw perspectives on how bravery shows up (or doesn't) in our professional lives. Whether you're battling imposter syndrome, speaking up in meetings, or taking bold career leaps, your experiences matter.
Here's where you come in:
I'm finalizing a quick 3-minute survey that cuts to the heart of workplace courage.
Your responses will be anonymous, allowing for total honesty.
By participating, you're not just helping me - you're contributing to a larger conversation about fostering braver work environments.
Ready to lend your voice?
Drop me a quick e-mail with your email, and I'll send the survey your way. Together, let's shine a light on what it truly means to be courageous at work.
Thank you for being part of this important dialogue.
What I’ve Been Up To Lately
I just returned from an exhilarating adventure in Aspen & Snowmass, courtesy of the Wexner Foundation.
Let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of courage, creativity, and awe-inspiring nature!
The trip kicked off with a bang.
On the very first night, I had the privilege of facilitating a workshop for the leaders of the alumni delegation.
Picture this: a room full of amazing people, letting loose, embracing their inner artists. We pushed comfort zones, broke down barriers, and created an atmosphere where vulnerability and courage took center stage.
The energy was electric!
But the adventure didn't stop there.
Between sessions, I seized every opportunity to immerse myself in the stunning beauty of Colorado.
This trip was a powerful reminder of something I often preach: courage isn't just about facing our fears in our day-to-day lives. It's also about allowing ourselves to be awed, to be small in the face of something magnificent, to let beauty and wonder crack open our hearts.
I returned home feeling recharged, inspired, and more committed than ever to our shared mission of living courageously!
