The 5 AUDACITIES of Women Who Lead 2/5
Updated: Sep 17
In the previous blog post, the topic of "Dreaming is Free" was explored. All audacious women know how to dream boldly. This kind of dreaming isn't just about achievable goals; it’s about envisioning big, scary, and even seemingly impossible aspirations. However, dreaming audaciously goes beyond visualizing images in one’s mind. It also involves believing that these dreams can become a reality.
When a person has a dream, they activate their RAS – the reticular activating system. This means they become more open to suggestions and aware of clues that can lead them to achieve their dreams. For example, if you recently bought a new car, you might notice that same model everywhere you go. It’s not magic; your awareness is heightened. While you are actively dreaming, your RAS works behind the scenes to help you find clues or opportunities.
FUN FACT: Your dream does not need immediate evidence to be achievable.
The Next AUDACITY
Audacity No. 2: OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE
Read that again. Now ask yourself: did you see opportunity is nowhere, or opportunity is now here? The audacious mind might immediately notice that opportunity is now here. But don’t be hard on yourself if you saw 'nowhere' first; you can adjust your perspective at any time.
Deshun Deysel Bester, a renowned speaker and adventurer, had her own journey of discovery. When she fantasized about living a life of adventure, she was unaware of the Reticular Activating System. However, she sensed that her thoughts could manifest reality. One Sunday afternoon, while enjoying a cup of tea and reading the newspaper, a headline jumped out at her.
In that moment, her average life as a school teacher shifted gears. Although it wasn’t obvious yet, her life was about to change dramatically. All she knew was that opportunity was now here, and she had to act quickly!
The Role of Luck
Some might argue that it was luck that led her to see the opportunity. Perhaps. If you’ve attended any of Deshun's talks, you’ll know how she eagerly read that article, searching for clues to contact the team leaders. As luck would have it, there was an application form at the end of the article. It invited South African women to apply for selection to join the team. Deshun felt an urgency to complete that form and began her application immediately. At that time, South Africa’s democracy was just 18 months old, and many still held the mindset that "people like us" don’t dream about such things. She thought, "What if an opportunity like this never comes around again?" She had to take a shot at it.
The weeks that followed felt like months. Then, something remarkable happened. A few weeks later, she received confirmation that she was shortlisted for the second round of selection. During this time, a conversation with a friend revealed that she had also seen the same newspaper headline and article but had missed the application form. Out of over 200 people who noticed the opportunity, only six received the letter below.
Opportunity favours the prepared mind.
What her friend didn’t realize was that Deshun had been dreaming, fantasizing, and perhaps even obsessing over the idea of "one day seeing Mt Everest with my own eyes" since childhood. At that time, there was no evidence that it was possible. In fact, it seemed highly improbable during the 1970s and 1980s in South Africa.
Preparing for Opportunities
If you are waiting for opportunities, the challenge is to start preparing in your mind first. Think it, dream it, and remind yourself of it regularly. One day, you will have an "I got it!" moment. Knowing what you want ahead of time is the best preparation because it opens your RAS to where the opportunities lie. Once you are aware, the real fun begins.
The Climbing Analogy
Deshun often uses climbing as a powerful analogy for motivation, resilience, leadership, and strategy sessions. Just as climbers prepare for their ascent, individuals and organizations must also prepare for their journeys. Climbing requires not only physical strength but also mental fortitude. Each step taken towards the summit represents overcoming challenges and pushing through obstacles.
In her sessions, Deshun emphasizes the importance of resilience. Just as climbers face harsh weather and difficult terrains, organizations encounter challenges that test their limits. The ability to adapt and persevere is crucial for success.
Leadership is another key aspect of the climbing analogy. A successful climb often relies on teamwork and effective communication. Leaders must inspire their teams, just as a mountain guide motivates climbers to reach the peak. In this way, Deshun’s services foster a culture of collaboration and shared goals.
Building a Client List
Deshun has worked with various corporations and educational institutions, helping them harness the power of resilience and leadership. Her client list includes organizations that seek to inspire their teams to overcome challenges and achieve their highest potential. By leveraging her unique experiences, Deshun provides valuable insights that resonate with diverse audiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dreaming audaciously is just the beginning. It’s about believing in the possibility of your dreams and preparing your mind to recognize opportunities. Deshun Deysel Bester’s journey exemplifies how resilience, leadership, and a positive mindset can lead to extraordinary achievements. As you embark on your own journey, remember that opportunity is often disguised as a challenge. Embrace it, and you may find yourself reaching new heights.
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