Built Through Courage

Built Through Courage by Dave Hollis

About the Author

Dave Hollis was a man who lived many lives in one. Born in 1975, he spent 17 years working at Disney, where he held one of the most coveted positions in the entertainment industry. As a Disney executive, he was instrumental in the marketing success of major films that have become cultural touchstones. However, despite his professional success, Hollis felt a deep sense of unfulfillment. He was living a life that others admired, but one that didn’t align with his true values and goals.

This internal conflict led Hollis to make a drastic life change. He left his prestigious role at Disney to pursue a career as a motivational speaker, author, and CEO, focusing on personal growth and helping others find their purpose. His decision was driven by a profound realization that happiness and fulfillment come not from external achievements but from living in alignment with one’s true purpose. Hollis’s journey was marked by significant challenges, including a public divorce, yet he used these experiences to fuel his mission to inspire others. His book, Built Through Courage, is a reflection of this mission—a guide to help individuals discover their purpose and build a life that truly matters.

Main Idea

At its core, Built Through Courage is about finding and living your purpose. Hollis argues that every person has a unique role to play in the world, a purpose that is shaped by their talents, experiences, and passions. However, discovering this purpose often requires courage—courage to step away from the life you know, to face your fears, and to embrace the uncertainty of change. The book is both a motivational guide and a practical handbook, offering readers tools and strategies to navigate their journey towards a more fulfilling life.

Hollis’s approach is deeply personal, drawing on his own experiences of leaving a high-powered career, going through a painful divorce, and rebuilding his life around his true purpose. He emphasizes that purpose is not just about career or success; it’s about living in a way that is true to your ideals, brings you joy, and makes a positive impact on the world. The book encourages readers to examine their lives, identify what is holding them back, and take actionable steps towards a life that aligns with their values and aspirations.

Table of Contents

• Introduction: The Call to Courage
• Chapter 1: Understanding Purpose
• Chapter 2: The Role of Ideals in Purpose
• Chapter 3: Enthusiasm as a Guiding Force
• Chapter 4: Proficiency and Positive Effect
• Chapter 5: Financial Stability and Purpose
• Chapter 6: The Power of Self-Reflection
• Chapter 7: Overcoming Fear and Limiting Beliefs
• Chapter 8: Changing Your Circumstances
• Conclusion: Living a Purpose-Driven Life

Introduction: The Call to Courage

In the introduction, Hollis sets the tone for the entire book by addressing the reader directly. He asks poignant questions that many people can relate to: “Do you ever feel stuck—like you’re just going through the motions instead of doing something really meaningful?” This rhetorical approach is designed to resonate with those who feel a sense of dissatisfaction in their current lives. Hollis shares his own story of feeling trapped in a life that looked successful on the outside but felt empty on the inside.

The introduction also outlines the central thesis of the book: that true happiness and fulfillment come from living your unique purpose, and that this requires courage. Hollis doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that the journey to find and live your purpose is challenging. He writes,

“The path to purpose is not for the faint of heart. It demands that you face your fears, confront your past, and take bold steps into an uncertain future.”

Chapter 1: Understanding Purpose

In the first chapter, Hollis delves into the concept of purpose, defining it as a driving force that motivates and inspires you, guiding you throughout your life. He emphasizes that every person has specific talents and unique experiences that are meant to be shared with others. This sharing of gifts, according to Hollis, is the essence of living your purpose.