I spent Friday and Saturday with the most extraordinary people in the most unexpected place—Camden, NJ. I attended the UrbanPromise International Summit along with our semi-annual board retreat. We have over 34 affiliates in various parts of the U.S., Canada, Africa, and South America. Over 200 people from across the globe descended upon Camden and the UPI campus. I met so many amazing people—young and old—and each story was more amazing than the one before. Humbled doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt.

I met young adults from Uganda and Malawi who, at the tender age of 20-ish, chose to leave their countries and families for 2 years to further their education, learn how to start a non-profit, and then ultimately head home and make that dream a reality. Think about that for a second—think back to when you were 20-ish—could you have made this brave decision? My answer is, “Definitely not!”

Bravery is a discipline, not a trait, therefore it needs to be cultivated. It’s easier to be brave when you have a reason for being brave. These young adults have a vision for themselves, their families, and the people they wish to serve when they get home. It’s Simon Sinek’s WHY. So why aren’t we nearly as brave as these young adults? They create extraordinary non-profits with so very little. Our excuse that, “I would, but I don’t have…” is an excuse. This weekend I watched greatness—and it’s not made up of what we think it is. We don’t need anything else, we have it all inside of us. Bravery is a choice not a trait.

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!
Beth

P.S. Tomorrow is the beginning of my Leadership Masterclass! Check out the details. We will start with Blind Spots and I have both 11 am and 5pm calls. This introductory price of $99 will end tonight! What are you waiting for?