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Writer's pictureBarry Smith

Embracing Courage and Vulnerability


"The Man in the Arena" is a famous phrase from a speech given by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1910. The full quote is:

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

This mantra is important for several reasons:

  1. Embracing Courage and Vulnerability: It encourages people to step into the arena of life, to take risks, and to embrace vulnerability. It highlights that it's better to try and fail than to sit on the sidelines and criticize those who are trying.

  2. Resilience: It acknowledges that setbacks and failures are a part of any worthwhile endeavor. The person in the arena will make mistakes, stumble, and face hardships, but it's their determination and resilience that matter.

  3. Focus on Action: It underscores the importance of taking action and being a doer rather than a mere spectator or critic. Being actively engaged in life and pursuing worthy goals is what counts.

  4. Acknowledging Effort: It recognizes that effort, dedication, and passion are commendable qualities, regardless of the outcome. Success is not guaranteed, but the effort put in is always worthy of respect.

  5. Avoiding Judgment: It encourages people to refrain from harshly judging others who are in the arena, knowing that they are already facing challenges and difficulties. It promotes empathy and understanding.

  6. Inspiration and Motivation: The phrase serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for individuals facing adversity or uncertainty. It reminds them that they are not alone in their struggles.

In coaching and mentoring, "The Man in the Arena" mantra can be a powerful tool for helping individuals overcome self-doubt, fear of failure, or the judgment of others. It reinforces the idea that the journey of personal growth and achievement is more important than external judgments or criticisms. It encourages people to persevere, learn from their experiences, and keep striving for their goals.


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