🦉Maxwell Maltz's Wise Words On Developing The Courage To Take Action!

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This week, we’re diving into Developing Courage and Taking Action.

🔥Quote of the Week:

"Often the difference between a successful man and a failure is not one's better abilities or ideas, but the courage that one has to bet on his ideas, to take a calculated risk — and to act." - Maxwell Maltz

🤔Reflection:

Maxwell Maltz’s quote reminds us that success often hinges not on talent or ideas alone, but a big part of it comes from the courage to take action. Many people get hung up there before they ever even get started.

How many times have you had a brilliant idea but hesitated, letting doubt or fear hold you back? The gap between dreaming and doing is where potential either thrives or withers. FDR said, “Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s moving forward despite it.” Reflect on a moment when you took a leap, however small, and it paid off. What did it teach you? Now, consider what’s holding you back today. The ability to act on your ideas, even in uncertainty, can transform your life. It’s a mindset you have to work at to build. But, your future self will definitely thank you!

This weeks quote from Maxwell Maltz challenges us to see action as the bridge between vision and reality. Too often, we wait for the “perfect” moment or more confidence, but Maltz suggests that success lies in calculated risks. Think about where you’re standing still in your career, relationships, or personal growth. What’s one step you could take today to move forward? Courage doesn’t always roar; sometimes, it’s the quiet decision to just put the first foot forward.

The beauty of this principle is its universality. Whether you’re launching a business, asking for a raise, or pursuing a passion, the courage to act separates those who merely dream from those who achieve.

🏆Why This Can Be Your Superpower

The courage to act is like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Remember the first time you ever went off the diving board? Or, the first time you ever rode a bicycle? It got a lot easier with each time you did it again, didn’t it? Developing courage is the same whether it is courage to fly headfirst off a diving board, courage to start a business, or courage to buy stock in a volatile business.

And, doing your due dilligence beforehand makes it that much easier. Knowledge helps to build courage. In his book, One Up On Wall Street, Peter Lynch goes into detail about the importance of learning as much as you can about a company before you buy their stock.

I remember when I first became a law enforcement officer, had just finished training and was finally out there in my patrol car all by myself. It was before cellphones so I couldn’t even phone a friend. I was scared to death! Knowledge and gaining more experience made that fear go away.

Courage can be a superpower because it unlocks opportunities that fear keeps tightly locked away for many people. When you act on your ideas, you create momentum, opening doors to new possibilities, connections, and growth. Unlike innate talent or luck, courage is something you can cultivate, making it accessible to anyone willing to try.

This ability sets you apart in a world where many hesitate. Hanging out at the hesitation station is never a good idea. Employers, partners, and peers notice those who step up, take risks, and deliver. It’s not about reckless leaps but calculated moves that show you trust your judgment. Over time, these actions build confidence and courage, creating a cycle of growth and opportunity. Imagine where you could be in a year if you consistently acted on your ideas, even in small ways.

Courage also inspires others. When you take a stand or pursue a goal, you give those around you permission to do the same. Your willingness to act can ripple outward, influencing your team, family, or community. This superpower doesn’t just change your life—it can change the world around you and enrich the lives of others, too.

🔬The Science Behind It

Psychological research backs the power of action over hesitation. Studies on self-efficacy, a concept pioneered by psychologist Albert Bandura, show that taking action—even small steps—builds belief in your ability to succeed. Each action reinforces your confidence, creating a positive feedback loop. Conversely, inaction fuels doubt and anxiety, as the brain interprets hesitation as a signal of danger.

Neuroscience also sheds light here. When you act despite fear, you engage the prefrontal cortex, which helps regulate emotions and make rational decisions. Over time, repeated action rewires your brain to associate risk-taking with reward, reducing the paralyzing effect of fear. A 2017 study in the Journal of Behavioral Decision Making found that people who took calculated risks reported higher life satisfaction, as action often leads to tangible outcomes.

The “action bias” explains why doing something feels better than doing nothing. In uncertain situations, our brains crave progress, and even small wins release dopamine, reinforcing the behavior. This is why starting, even imperfectly, feels so good. Maltz’s insight aligns with science: courage to act isn’t just motivational—it’s a neurological and psychological catalyst for success.

🧬Stories That Bring It to Life

In 2003, Elon Musk co-founded Tesla Motors with a bold vision to revolutionize the automotive industry. At the time, electric cars were a niche concept, and the industry was dominated by giants like GM and Ford. Musk risked his personal fortune, investing millions from his PayPal sale into Tesla. Despite early setbacks—production delays, financial struggles, and skepticism from experts—he pushed forward. His courage to act on his belief in sustainable energy led to the groundbreaking Tesla Roadster and, eventually, a company that redefined multiple industries. Musk’s story shows that betting on your ideas, even when the odds seem stacked against you, can reshape the future. One of my favorite Elon quotes is, “When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.”

In the early 2000s, Reed Hastings transformed a small DVD-rental company called Netflix into a streaming giant. At the time, Blockbuster dominated the market, and streaming technology was unproven. Hastings took a calculated risk by shifting Netflix’s focus to online streaming, investing heavily in a platform that didn’t yet exist at scale. Critics called it reckless, but his willingness to act on a forward-thinking idea, critics be damned, revolutionized entertainment as it was previously known. Today, Netflix is a household name, proving that bold action can disrupt even the most entrenched industries.

In the 1990s, Jeff Bezos left a high-paying job as a vice president at a Wall Street firm to start an online bookstore called Amazon. At the time, the internet was in its infancy, and the idea of selling books online was met with skepticism. Bezos took a calculated risk, moving across the country and investing his savings into a vision few others saw. His courage to act turned Amazon into a global powerhouse, transforming not just retail but technology and logistics. Bezos’ story proves that acting on a bold idea, even in uncharted territory, can lead to monumental success.

In the early 1900s, Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing with his vision for the Model T, a car affordable for the average American. At the time, automobiles were luxury items, and the industry scoffed at the idea of mass production. People said the vehicles would never sell because they were loud, had a foul smell, and scared the horses. Ford took a massive risk by investing in assembly line technology, a concept untested at scale, and faced resistance from investors and competitors. His courage to act on his belief that cars could be accessible to all led to the Ford Motor Company’s dominance and transformed the American economy. And, he replaced those scared horses. Ford’s story illustrates how bold action on a single idea can change the course of history.

🏃‍♂️How to Start Today

Start small to build your courage muscle. Identify one idea you’ve been hesitant to pursue—maybe a side project, a conversation, or a new skill. Break it into the smallest possible first step. For example, if you want to start a business, write a one-page plan today. If you’re eyeing a career change, reach out to one contact for advice. Small actions reduce fear and build momentum. But, set calendar reminders on your phone for your next steps so you don’t get side-tracked.

Practice the “5-second rule,” popularized by Mel Robbins: when you have an idea, count down from five and act before hesitation kicks in. This interrupts overthinking and trains your brain to prioritize action. Try it for one decision today, like sending an email or signing up for a class. Track your progress to see how these micro-actions add up.

Surround yourself with action-takers. Their energy is contagious and will push you to act. Join a mastermind group, find a mentor, or connect with peers who inspire you. Read books such as Unleash the Power Within by Tony Robbins. Share your goals with the movers and shakers you find so you can create accountability. Today, commit to one conversation that moves your idea forward. Courage grows in community.

🎇A Challenge to Spark Change

This week, take one concrete action toward an idea you’ve been sitting on. It could be pitching a project, signing up for a course, or prototyping a product. Set a deadline: by 5 PM Friday, complete this action. Write down what you did and how it felt. Share your experience with a friend or in a journal to reinforce the habit. If fear creeps in, remind yourself: progress, not perfection. Small steps lead to big wins.

📖 📙A Great Book To Read On This Topic":

“The Power of Starting Something Stupid” by Richie Norton. This book reframes “stupid” ideas as untapped potential, encouraging readers to act on their dreams despite fear or doubt. Norton shares practical strategies and inspiring stories to help you take calculated risks and turn ideas into reality. And, with 100’s of 5-star reviews, it’s a perfect companion for anyone ready to embrace the courage to act.

If you don’t have the time to read a book, try listening to it on Audible.

🙌Thank you!:

If you enjoyed this content, please be sure to share it with your friends and family. Thank you! 🙏😊

🗣️Let’s Connect:

Most just coast. Strive to THRIVE with us at MindRevMedia.com!

What’s something new you’re working on? Share it on 𝕏! @WiseWordsIQ

I’d love to hear your story and cheer you on!

🤔What’s Next?

Next week, expect another dose of wisdom (maybe we will touch on Leadership or Gratitude?) to keep your momentum going. Stay tuned for exclusive insights you won’t find on my X feed!

Here’s to your constant progress!

Your friend,

Grant

Find me on 𝕏: @WiseWordsIQ

P.S. Want to dive deeper into learning? Check out Mindset by Carol Dweck—a game-changer for growth!

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