Courage always beats Confidence.

A week ago, I was put on the spot in front of a group of people whom I’d never met before.

I was asked to speak for two to three minutes on a random subject that was handed to me: ‘If I could be any animal, what would I choose?’

A little context: I was visiting a Toastmasters meeting for the very first time. Toastmasters is a global organisation where people learn to become proficient public speakers. I’ve heard great things about the organisation and have advocated it to several clients who are committed to finding their voice.

Around the mid-point of the meeting, something called ‘Table Topics‘ was introduced. Anyone who had not played an active part in the meeting, including visitors, was invited to talk to the room about a randomly chosen topic.

Without hesitation, I was a ‘hell yes’. These days, I either play full out or I don’t play at all. Even if playing takes me way outside my comfort zone.

The chosen topic was only revealed to me immediately before I had to begin my improvised talk.

I thought for a second. Instinctively I knew which animal I would choose.

I’ve held an obsession with Lions ever since I was fortunate enough to see prides of them up close and personal in the Serengeti. And I talk passionately about ‘Courage over Confidence’ almost every single day.

The Lion is known as the King of the Jungle.

The Lion doesn’t win every battle, but the Lion never backs down.

Lion’s hunt before they feel like confident hunters.

Lions don’t worry about how they might look in the eyes of others. Failure literally means death.

And all Lions watch out for other members of their pride in the face of danger. Survival is a constant threat.

For two minutes I spoke enthusiastically about the Courageous nature we most admire about the Lion. I demonstrated how most people are asking for more confidence when what they really need is courage.

I was even voted the ‘best table topic’ speaker of the night. It turns out Courage strikes a chord at the heart of most humans.

I put it to you, there is one area of your life where you are holding back right now.

You know what you need to do. You’ve known for a while.

Confidence might not be there yet. But you don’t need it.

Find your inner Lion. You’ve got this. And I’ve got your back.