Finding the Courage to Lead From the Heart

Leading from the heart means listening to what is right in front of you, even if society sees things differently.?

When I lived in Japan, I was studying Zen Buddhism and was in the process of deciding whether I wanted to join the animation industry or leave society as a whole to live a life with no material.?

Society would say that was a silly idea; going for a stable successful career is the “right way.” But I knew that I had to listen to my heart no matter how scary it was to hear what it said and leave the herd.

Find the courage to lead from the heart to create change in your life

Looking to make a change in your life? Here are three things to keep in mind as you find the courage to lead from the heart.

1. Leave the herd mentality and listen to what is right in front of you.?You’re not going to find your path if you’re following everyone else. Take the road less traveled or blaze your own way forward. You are unique and it’s time you stand out from the crowd.
2. Going for what lights you up, even though it might terrify you as well.?Leading from the heart means going after what you truly desire. I always love to say that there's nothing scarier than getting exactly what you want. When you're in that abundance and joy of living your dream life, that can be hard to receive with an open heart. You have to expand your capacity to be able to contain this joy, and watch out to not self-sabotage.
3. Creating an environment of caring and compassion by making decisions that are not just about the bottom line.?When you are leading from the heart, it isn’t just about profit over people. It’s about building a space for growth that is based on kindness, softness, and support where there is soul and impact.

The heart always knows what is right for you

Ultimately my heart said to leave Japan and go study animation in Canada. It was the truth that lived inside me. It didn’t matter if this journey seemed crazy to people who did not get how I made my decisions - from my heart.

And I never looked back. I am who I am today for the decisions I made that were unpopular but true to my heart.

I’d love to know what leading from the heart means to you.

Leave a comment and let me know which one of the points above resonates the most with you.