The Frog and Courage: A Lesson in Pushing Beyond Limits
By Mylène Grégoire, President and PCC coach of Mymosa &CO Consulting inc.
Once upon a time, frogs were, for me, the very embodiment of fear. A deeply rooted phobia that seemed unshakable... until one transformative camping weekend during my late adolescence. A memory that would redefine not only my perception of frogs but also of fear and courage.
During this outdoor adventure, the boys seemed driven by an unusual challenge: catching frogs and proudly waving them in front of horrified girls. I was terrified that these little creatures would end up in my sleeping bag, under the unpredictability of the boys, but I refused to let my fear show. So, like a ram charging headfirst, I decided to face it.
I used the magic formula to awaken courage: a few seconds of boldness. With trembling hands and a clumsy motion, I caught a frog. She was warm, slimy, motionless in my palm, eyes wide open, as if she was surprised by my panic. At that moment, I experienced a strange mix of emotions: fear, pride, and aversion all tangled together. Clenching my jaw to hide my disgust from the boys, I focused on one thing—suppressing my fear and succeeding. And I did. Repeating the act several times, I eventually earned an unexpected title: "Queen of Frogs." That weekend, I caught about ten of them. Me, the former phobic!
From Fear of Frogs to Fear of Change
But what does this anecdote have to do with your career? Everything. How many of us let fear dictate our paths? Fear of changing jobs, stepping into the spotlight, taking on managerial roles, or standing up to a challenging Board Member... Fear is a familiar companion, whispering doubts about losing our gains, failing, or leaving the comfort of the known.
Yet, as with those frogs, these fears are often magnified in our minds. They are assumptions, not realities.
Our bodies, ever the vigilant guardians, remember past mistakes and unpleasant emotions. But while some see this as a barrier, others view it as an ally. The key lies in managing fear: welcoming it, thanking it for its protective role, and choosing to act despite it. The wise don’t deny their stress—they transform it into a driving force.
The Leap Into the Unknown: Risk or Opportunity?
What if, in daring, you fail? There's resilience to help you get back on your feet. My studies in psychology have led me to conclude that in reality, 95% of our worries never materialize. So why pour so much energy into improbable scenarios instead of focusing on opportunities? Visualizing the benefits of a change rather than its risks shifts your attention toward success.
Today, when I encounter a frog, I feel neither fear nor aversion. Instead, I relish guiding children to face their apprehension. Every time, I see in their eyes the same transformation I once experienced: from fear comes courage, followed by growth, and ultimately, pride.
Acting to Grow
Nelson Mandela said so: Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome what scares us. The more we dare, the more we uncover our potential. So, when faced with your own “frogs,” what are you waiting for? Make the leap. You might just become the hero or heroine of your own story.
Mylène Grégoire, president and coach at Mymosa &CO, author, speaker, and founder of the online training programs Brillez au boulot and From Gut to Success.
mymosa.co