Most would think that performing in Cirque du Soleil as an aerialist would mean you weren’t afraid of heights (or afraid of much for that matter). Well, that’s not quite true. Auditioning for Cirque and experimenting on a trapeze for the first time, dangling from the rafters is one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. I might have peed my pants a little.

Stepping onto a glass ledge/box on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (aka The Sears Tower) in Chicago might have been the second scariest thing I’ve ever done. It reminded me of my fear of heights. (yes, I ran away with the circus while fearing heights… INSANE!) It also reminded me of how powerful it is to defy your fears and push your boundaries. Be courageous, which doesn't mean having no fear. On the contrary. One must experience fear or doubt to truly be courageous.

My first step onto the glass ledge on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower needed a deep breath and a commitment to the course of action. JUST DO IT, Vital!

Developing courage comes in small steps.

Courage is developed from facing our fears. Stare them in the face until they bow down to your focused and intentional frame of mind that you will not be held back. It doesn’t mean doing something that will give you a metaphorical heart attack. Even better, is that developing courage can and should be fun. As a fantastic byproduct of becoming more courageous is that your confidence grows too.

Throughout your day, week or year, you are presented with obvious and not so obvious opportunities to grow and have fun. It’s a simple issue of trying new things. Preferably things that scare you a little. Things that get your heart pumping. Enjoy the rush. Enjoy the sense of temporary invincibility. Take small risks, stretch your mind, challenge your determination, expand your sense of adventure often. Awake that inner child dying to thrive, learn and grow.

The next part of my courageous glass ledge challenge was on a different level. I decided to lie down and stare down into the abyss from over 1,353 Feet (412m). I think I peed my pants again a little, but boy was it worth it once achieved.

Other factors came into play. While living your moment and facing your challenge, ignore and deny what others might be thinking. Who needs judgment in moments like this? You get to choose and you shouldn’t care what they haters might be saying about you lying down on a glass floor staring down from the 103rd floor. I DID IT and it felt amazing.

During my Cirque audition and when meeting a trapeze for the first time might well have been the most courageous thing I’ve ever done. But once I overcame that fear, total euphoria flooded my brain with joy and fulfillment.

Become more courageous as a human being, as a friend, lover or parent. On a professional level, face tough leadership challenges with courage. One act of courage changed my life forever. It might change yours too.

Sincerely,

Vital Germaine

Learn more in the book: FLYING WITHOUT A NET 2.0 a story of courage, perseverance, attitude, and life in Cirque du Soleil.