Mark Sorensen 
I have been listening to several podcasts over the last few weeks. Honestly, if you were to look at my podcast queue, you’d find a variety of stuff. Depends on the mood, I suppose. Recently, I listened to one short episode of the Accidental Creative (click the link and check it out) and thought it was some pretty good stuff.
The topic was on bravery and the willingness to step out and risk. Here were some of my notes:
“We must understand that bravery and creativity are two sides of the same coin. You cannot create something of value without some certain element of risk involved. It’s more about small, daily acts of courage even as uncertainty rears its ugly head. Brilliance demands bravery.”
7 Acts of Bravery to Put Into Practice
1. Define your battles. Know what you will be recognized for and define your battles effectively. Choose the battle you are willing to commit to and put your energies toward that.
2. Be fiercely curious. Ask questions even if you are afraid of the implications of the answers. Be willing to ask better questions. Stay with the problem and refuse to settle for surface knowledge.
3. Step away from comfort. You cannot pursue comfort and great work simultaneously. At some point you must bravely choose to do the right thing even if it is the uncomfortable thing.
4. Know yourself. Strive to know yourself and aptitudes and bring them into your work each day.
5. Be confidently adaptable. Leave your ego at the door and refuse to put yourself ahead of the work. Refuse to play the victim. Be confident and adaptable.
6. Find your voice. Take small risks everyday to find unique value. Don’t settle to be an imitator. There’s a lot of people out there but only one you. Be that person.
7. Stay connected. Don’t isoloate yourself and close yourself off from others. We need other people. And not just those who tell us we are great all the time. We need honest friends willing to serve as mirrors. Those who will reflect back what they see.
