In his final broadcast as anchor of the “CBS Evening News” a little more than two years ago, Dan Rather paid homage to people around the world who struggle daily with danger, sickness, death, disease, poverty and other challenges. Rather concluded his broadcast with the same memorable ending he used 24 years earlier when he took over from Walter Cronkite. Rather often ended his broadcasts this way … he looked at the camera and said one word: “Courage.”
That sign-off intrigued me. Courage is regarded as one of the major human virtues. Courage is bravery, valor, standing up to danger, guts and nerve all rolled into one. I’m not a soldier, a policeman, a doctor or a relief worker. I’m a businessman. So what does courage have to do with running a business?
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Plenty. I admit that most folks’ daily lives are not filled with such dramatic challenges. But we all face situations that require us to reach down deep within ourselves to do what is right and brave and occasionally difficult. Courage can involve making decisions that are unpopular or time-consuming or even expensive.
It’s easy to be ordinary. Courage is what sets you apart from the crowd.
In his book “The Edge,” author Howard Ferguson says: “It takes courage to sacrifice; to work long, hard hours when you could be relaxing; to work out when you’re tired or sick; to focus on being the best you can be when there are so many distractions; to seek out tough competition when you know you will probably get beaten. It’s easy to be average, but it’s hard to be the best.”
He goes on to say, “Most people are completely unaware that they posses this type of courage. Why? Because if they were aware of it, they’d have to test it – and that’s risky. So most people play it safe and don’t risk ‘going for it.’ They’re afraid of going into the unknown. There are no guarantees.”
Designer Laurel Burch, who created the popular Spirit of Womankind jewelry and accessories, had the courage to be different and follow her dream. Her path to prosperity inspires those who might otherwise give up. She tells of meeting a man in the jungles of Bali. “We didn’t have more than two or three words in common,” she said, “but when he saw my drawings, he threw his head back and his eyes sparkled. His delight was universal. Now he carves mythical menageries that cluster like shrines in my house, my shops and my displays. All ways of life increase one’s sense of spirit. All offerings come back in such ways.”
Determined people such as Laurel Burch possess the stamina and courage to pursue their ambitions despite criticism, ridicule or unfavorable circumstances. In fact, discouragement often spurs them on to greater things.
“Whatever you do, you need courage,” wrote poet Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you, you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising, which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage, which a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men to win them.”
During the darkest days of World War II in Britain, one of Winston Churchill’s friends thanked him for his inspiring speeches. The friend told him the speeches were giving courage to the people. Churchill responded, “You are mistaken. They already have the courage. I only focus on it.”
In one of my all-time favorite movies, “The Wizard of Oz,” the Cowardly Lion is looking for, of course, courage. When he finally meets the wizard, he has some questions (and answers):
What makes a King out of a slave? Courage.
What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist or the dusky dusk? Courage.
What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage.
What makes the Sphinx the Seventh Wonder? Courage.
What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage.
What makes the Hottentot so hot? Courage.
What puts the ape in ape-ricot? Courage.
Whatta they got that I ain’t got? Courage.
And you know what comes next: the Wizard awards the Cowardly Lion the Medal of Courage so he would always be brave. That’s something we could all use.
Mackay’s Moral: Courage is ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Harvey Mackay is author of The New York Times best seller “Pushing the Envelope.” He can be reached through his Web site, www.mackay.com, or at Mackay Envelope Corp., 2100 Elm St., Minneapolis, MN 55414.
