I was reading a blog from a writer friend of mine, Iona Holloway. She writes some amazing pieces. Deep words that really makes you think.
Recently she wrote a piece called The Brave Mile that I believe is the perfect metaphor for leadership and the challenge to becoming great.
As Holloway explains, there is a place in our minds called the Brave Mile. There is only one way to get there: deep and inventive thinking. You get on the Brave Mile when everyone else has gone home, and given up, but you have stuck with the idea or project. You have gone all in.
The Brave Mile does not have mile markers or road signs. There is no GPS telling us where we are. It only appears when we have given an idea, a thought, or project enough time. When we have traveled through something long enough. We have sat with the thing and pondered, puzzled, and grappled, long after others have given up.
Staying long enough with something is hard. Our mind likes to do things quickly and avoid risk and emotional anguish. Most people yell, “Make it stop!” long before they have gotten to the Brave Mile.
Iona goes on to explain that there is nothing quick about getting to the Brave Mile. But once you get there, it is amazing. You are hit with the sudden wham bam, got it! And you are burning so brightly, everything is illuminated, and you have so much clarity. I only get there so often, but once I’m there, man, is it worth it!
Yes, you can meet other people on the Brave Mile. But it is is a lonely road because you need to be brave to get there. There’s not a lot of people on the road there because people don’t want to think deeply. They give up. People will stop at fear or boredom, taking the first exit off the road before they reach the Brave Mile.
The question for you is are you ready to go deep? Are you ready to think deeply, be bold, go there, and travel the Brave Mile? The Brave Mile is not for everyone, but for the ones that get there, the journey can change your path forever.
Until next time…I’m Marty, make every minute count.

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