Todd Henry is the author of seven books which have been translated into more than a dozen languages, and has been podcasting with his show Daily Creative since 2005.
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Todd Henry – The Brave Habit – The Brave Habit is a transformative journey towards impactful leadership, exceptional work, and deeper relationships. Buy now!
3 Value Bombs
1) Success does not always require taking wild, bold leaps into the unknown. Entrepreneurs are more about reducing risks than taking them. You usually mitigate risks and take calculated risks only when necessary.
2) Boldness and bravery are often misunderstood concepts. Boldness may involve leaping into the unknown without considering the consequences, which might seem brave but could be oblivious to potential costs.
3) We all have finite time. Therefore, it is vital to live each day as if it were your last and pour ourselves into what matters most.
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HubSpot: Scale support and drive retention and revenue all in one place with HubSpot’s all-new Service Hub. Visit HubSpot.com/service to learn how this all-new solution can help you deliver for your customers!
Thought-Leader: Ever thought about giving a TEDx talk? Visit Thought-Leader.com/fire to join a free training and learn how to land a TEDx Talk and spread your message to millions!
Show Notes
**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.
Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: The Brave Habit with Todd Henry
[1:15] – Todd shares something he believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with.
- Success does not always require taking wild, bold leaps into the unknown. Entrepreneurs are more about reducing risks than taking them. You usually mitigate risks and take calculated risks only when necessary.
[2:51] – Todd shares his story about his 18-year run with his podcast before you blew it up and decided to start from scratch.
- Todd started the XML credit podcast in 2005 to help creative professionals with everyday challenges. It ran for 18 years, gaining millions of listeners worldwide.
- While working on a new book, he questioned whether he’d still do things the same way if he started today. The uncomfortable answer was no. They restructured, rebranded, and reformatted the podcast into Daily Creative despite losing potential ad revenue.
- He realized he could not encourage brave work without doing it himself. After 18 years and nine episodes, they made the change.
[6:06] – Todd believes that bravery and boldness are not the same thing.
- Boldness and bravery are often misunderstood concepts. Boldness may involve leaping into the unknown without considering the consequences, which might seem brave but could be oblivious to potential costs.
- True bravery, as Todd learned from his research for his new book, is about considering the stakes, understanding the risks, and choosing to act despite the potential loss or discomfort.
- Todd encountered the most impactful entrepreneurs with a deeper purpose that drives them beyond profit. They are willing to endure discomfort and take risks to pursue something meaningful that transcends their business.
- Profit is essential, but when aligned with a deeper purpose, it becomes a tool for positive impact. As entrepreneurs, you have a remarkable opportunity to create value and make a difference in the world, not just for profit’s sake but for the betterment of people’s lives and the advancement of society.
- When your mission is clear and meaningful, it helps us navigate the challenges and risks with greater resolve and purpose.
[9:36] – A timeout to thank our sponsors!
- HubSpot: Scale support and drive retention and revenue all in one place with HubSpot’s all-new Service Hub. Visit HubSpot.com/service to learn how this all-new solution can help you deliver for your customers!
- Thought-Leader: Ever thought about giving a TEDx talk? Visit Thought-Leader.com/fire to join a free training and learn how to land a TEDx Talk and spread your message to millions!
[12:45] – What does Fire Nation need to know about the difference between risk mitigation entrepreneurs and those who are not risk-takers?
- To act bravely, you need two key elements:
- You must have a positive vision of a better future for yourself, your families, or your communities. This optimistic outlook fuels your drive to make a difference.
- You need a sense of agency, the belief that you have the power to bring about change. This involves understanding the skills and relationships necessary to achieve your vision.
- As risk mitigators, you acknowledge the potential costs of your actions but recognize that they are worth it in pursuit of your vision. You approach challenges with a calculated determination, unlike risk takers who gamble on uncertain outcomes.
- Through practice and small acts of bravery, you strengthen your ability to face uncertainty. This makes bravery feel more familiar and manageable, turning it into a habit rather than a daunting leap into the unknown.
- Ultimately, being a risk mitigator means embracing uncertainty with a clear vision and empowerment to drive positive change.
- [15:30] – Todd believes that life is made of moments.
- Your life comprises moments, not just days, weeks, or years. How you respond in these moments of uncertainty shapes your memories and defines who you are.
- You must choose whether to face challenges with bravery and purpose or to retreat into cowardice and comfort. Often, cowardice disguises itself as wisdom, with thoughts like “maybe it’s better if” or “it would be wiser to.” These rationalizations prevent you from responding bravely in the moment.
- In Todd’s book The Brave Habit, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the urgency of each moment. When faced with uncertainty, being prepared allows us to respond bravely, guided by our purpose and vision.
- As an entrepreneur, you must be ready to seize these moments instead of succumbing to reactive complacency.
[17:35] – Todd tells the Anthony Burgess story.
- Anthony’s story from “The Brave Habit” is captivating. Diagnosed with a brain tumor and given only a year to live, he wrote five novels to provide for his wife. However, the tumor turned out to be nonexistent.
- Despite this, his sense of urgency led to tremendous success. He penned bestsellers, including “A Clockwork Orange,” and lived until age 76. Anthony’s “terminal year” highlights how you often achieve more when you believe time is limited.
- We all have finite time. Therefore, it is vital to live each day as if it were your last and pour ourselves into what matters most.
[20:20] – Todd talks about his book – The Brave Habit.
- Todd has spent seven years crafting this book, diligently distilling bravery into 150 quick-read pages. His goal is to offer practical insights into rising to moments of uncertainty we all encounter.
- Through his work, Todd emphasizes that bravery is not an inherent trait but a choice we make. For entrepreneurs, facing uncertainty is constant, and how they respond shapes their journey.
- Todd’s book explores the mechanics of bravery, guiding readers on developing this habit, leading bravely, collaborating courageously, and leaving a legacy of brave action.
- Todd thoroughly enjoyed recording the audiobook, a task he loves doing. For those who enjoy podcasts, Todd has been podcasting since 2005. His book reads like a long podcast, offering an engaging experience.
- The audiobook, eBook, and paperback versions are available for purchase, and Todd encourages you to explore them. Currently, the audiobook is on sale, adding to the excitement.
[22:36] – Thank you to our Sponsors!
- HubSpot: Scale support and drive retention and revenue all in one place with HubSpot’s all-new Service Hub. Visit HubSpot.com/service to learn how this all-new solution can help you deliver for your customers!
- Thought-Leader: Ever thought about giving a TEDx talk? Visit Thought-Leader.com/fire to join a free training and learn how to land a TEDx Talk and spread your message to millions!
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