“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
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This week, a podcast host asked me a simple but powerful question: “What was your most embarrassing moment, and what did you do about it?” At first, I didn’t have a clear answer. But after reflecting, one moment surfaced that I haven’t shared often, because it came with more than a little shame.
Years ago, I was leading a major division at a family-owned manufacturing company. We were at a leadership retreat doing a ropes course, designed to build team strength and trust. The activity of the day? A rock wall.
For most, it was a fun team-building exercise. But for me, it was a personal nightmare. I had a deep, paralyzing fear of heights. I didn’t want anyone—especially my team—to see this fear. But worse than the fear of heights was the fear of failure. The fear that I wouldn’t measure up as the leader they thought I was.
When the instructor pointed us toward the wall, my body reacted before my mind could stop it. My heart raced. My palms were sweaty. My knees were knocking. This wasn’t just about a wall; it was about my identity.
I thought: This is for them. I need to set the example. But the fear was louder. I wanted to be the guy who jumped up and said, “Let me show you how it’s done.” Instead, I quietly backed into the crowd. I let everyone else go. I pasted on a supportive smile. And I told myself I was being selfless.
But each person who climbed was a reminder of the courage I couldn’t muster. With every successful climb, my image of being a fearless leader crumbled. I wasn’t leading—I was hiding.
Eventually, time ran out. The exercise has ended. Relief swept over me… until the shame crept in. How could I speak about courage when I had just avoided the moment that demanded it?
What I Learned After the Wall
That day stayed with me for years. I will never forget how small I felt. But I also never forgot what it taught me.
As leaders, we have a responsibility to reflect and grow from the moments we least want to admit. Here’s what I learned:
1. Mindset Matters
In the years since, my mindset has been shaped by scripture and my faith journey. Today, I hold tight to passages like:
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous.” Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God will be with you.”
These remind me that the stories we tell ourselves can either trap us or free us.
2. Notice the Signals
Fear isn’t just a thought—it shows up in our bodies. For me, it’s sweaty palms and aching feet. For you, it might be a racing heart or shallow breaths. Notice your signals. Recognizing fear is the first step in reclaiming control.
3. Ask the Right Question
When fear creeps in, ask: What’s the worst that can happen? More often than not, your worst-case scenario isn’t as bad as you think. And if you can handle the worst? Then take the risk.
Now It’s Your Turn
What’s your version of the rock wall?
Maybe it’s a conversation you’ve been avoiding. A decision you’ve been delaying. A risk you’ve been too scared to take.
Ask yourself:
- What is my wall?
- What’s the story I’m telling myself about it?
- Who can help me climb?
And that brings me to you. What’s that barrier, that rock wall, that’s keeping you from taking that step outside your comfort zone? And more importantly, who do you need to share that with to help you climb? My journey started with daily scripture and prayer, by finding trusted mentors and a powerful mastermind – individuals who encouraged, inspired, and equipped me to face those fears, those distractions, that were holding me back from becoming the leader God called me to be. Don’t let pride or fear keep you at the back of the line. Find your support and start your climb.
And here’s the good news: You don’t have to climb alone, either.
Being effective as a leader means confronting the fears that hold us back. That’s why I challenge leaders to name their “rock wall”—that one thing keeping them from moving forward. Whether it’s fear of failure, fear of judgment, or fear of not being enough, we all have something that makes us freeze. But here’s the truth: courage doesn’t mean going alone. It means deciding to take the next step—even if your knees are shaking. That’s why I created the Courage Challenge Checklist—a simple tool to help you name your wall, shift your mindset, and find your next step with clarity and conviction. It includes a reflection guide, Bible-based encouragement, and prompts to help you build a support system that won’t let you climb alone.
Want to start your climb? 📩 Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the word ‘ROCK WALL’ in the subject line, and I’ll send you the Courage Challenge Checklist + a bonus devotional to keep you grounded in truth when fear shows up.
- Quote of the Week
“True courage is being scared to death… but saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne
What You Need to Do
Call to Action: Identify Your Wall and Take One Step.
This week, think about what your version of the rock wall is. Then take one step toward it. Don’t wait for courage to appear. Step forward, and it will meet you in motion.
Want to start your own climb? Email me at coachjohngallagher@gmail.com with the subject line ‘ROCK WALL’ and I’ll send you my Courage Challenge Checklist that includes some of my go-to scriptures.
It’s an honor to be your trusted “Friday Coffee Guy.” Each week, I’m excited to share another round of reflections, tools, and encouragement to help you become the uncommon leader you were designed to be.
If you enjoyed this edition, I’d love it if you shared it with someone else and encouraged them to subscribe. Let’s grow Brew Nation together.
Until next time — Start Your Climb, and Keep Growing, Champions! 💪
P.S. Are you a podcast fan? Check out The Uncommon Leader Podcast. Want to share your story on the show? Email me and let’s chat!
