Which Comes First?
Which came first—the flower or the seed?
It’s a classic chicken-and-egg conundrum.
We admire the beauty of a flower and think, “It bloomed because I planted a seed.”
And yes, that’s true, but here’s a twist: Plants existed millions of years before the evolution of seeds.
So maybe the flower isn’t just the result. Perhaps it’s part of the beginning, too.
This thought struck me during a quiet walk through the park, and it reminded me of another timeless pairing: courage + confidence.
We tend to believe confidence must come first. “If I were more confident, I’d finally [insert dream/decision/big leap].”
But here’s the truth: Confidence doesn’t lead to brave action. Brave action creates confidence.
That’s the liberating part—you don’t have to wait until you feel confident. You get to move forward anyway.
You speak up. You say no. You try the new thing. You take the risk.
And with every courageous step, no matter how small, your inner confidence begins to bloom.
Confidence is not a prerequisite. It’s a result of bravery in motion.
So today, what tiny, brave act will plant a seed of confidence within you?
Cultivate Courage: Steps Forward
+ Avoid the comparison trap. Find qualities in someone else that reflect your desires for yourself, and then take action toward achieving those desires.
+ Use microsteps to build momentum.
+ Try something new this week.
+ Keep a list and celebrate your daily wins, no matter how small.
Nourish to Flourish: Career Courage
Why It’s Time To Do What’s Right For You—PLUS How To Begin: Being brave in your career means choosing what’s right for you—even when it’s uncomfortable, uncertain, or goes against the grain.
It’s not just an act of personal growth. Career courage sets the tone for healthier workplaces, inspires those around you, and creates a ripple effect of authenticity and alignment.
In this blog post, read why cultivating courage at work matters—and how you can begin taking brave, meaningful steps toward a heart-based career.
Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go
Our new favorite perennial: Being brave doesn’t always look bold. Sometimes, it looks like letting go. Letting go of what no longer fits. Letting go of who you thought you had to be. Letting go of fear, perfection, or the past.
This collection of stories from bold women shines a light on the courage it takes to navigate complex transitions with heart.
Inside these reflections, you’ll discover the quiet strength that emerges when we stop clinging and start trusting…and the freedom that comes from bravely stepping into the unknown.
Summer Buds: New on the Podcast
I love sharing my co-authors’ stories—and this season, I get to do just that.
Season 9 of The Flourish Careers Podcast is dedicated to the incredible women behind Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go.
Each week, one of these courageous and wildly inspiring women joins me to share her personal story of release, resilience, and growth.
The season begins with the story behind the story—a joyful conversation with Jen Pestikas and Hope Mueller, the leaders who followed their intuition and turned it into a powerful collaboration. What began as a simple nudge became a book, a community, and a brave movement rooted in what they call “naïve joy.”
We wrote our way through life’s toughest transitions—and now, we’re sharing those stories out loud. Tune in and maybe even reflect on what you might be ready to let go of.
Summer Reading: Letting Go
A collection of moving stories from bold women who have navigated the chaos and beauty of release—breaking free from expectations, redefining their identities, and opening themselves to new possibilities.
Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go
Find Freedom in Letting Go of What Holds You Back
Get Your Copy Today!
FIND MORE INFORMATION HERE
Want more career wisdom? Check out these podcast episodes/blog posts!
+ How to Feel More Inspired in Your Career
+ Special Edition: Brave Women, Bold Stories, A Celebration of Letting Go
+ Discovering Purpose in Your Career Featuring Denise Wolf
For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.
