Do you have courage?

Nov 11, 2020

Some of the most memorable moments in my life have been where I’ve felt uncomfortable. Mainly because I’ve really been challenged. When I thought I didn’t know what I was doing. However, those moments have also been the most rewarding. When I’ve seen with my own eyes that anything is possible. Where I’ve been reminded that it’s better to have a go and see what happens instead of saying no. When I’ve been reminded that saying yes to something that seems scary usually leads to an awesome experience.

However, I’ve learnt that being uncomfortable means having courage.

Sure, staying with the familiar is easy and less stressful. But what have you learnt? What have you experienced?

Life is about having amazing experiences. Life is about living. Life is about being brave and trying new things, even if you’re scared. It’s also about being your true self and genuinely not being bothered by what others may think. Or being concerned about how you may be judged.

If you concern yourself with the thoughts and feelings of others, before you take action, it will stop you. Plus, the people who truly love and care for you will support you.

Let me put it another way, when you look back on your life in 10, 20 or 30 years, what would you like to see?

An okay life. Or a great life.

A life where you made your dreams come true. Or a life that was safe and nice.

Use this as the motivation you need to be courageous. To go and do the things that, yes scare you but also, excite you.

Here are my tips for being courageous

1. Become self-aware

Knowing who you really are. Knowing your values, your passions and your capabilities. If you know who you are, then you can take responsibility for how you behave and the actions you take. You become more conscious of you and your impact on others. You become comfortable with being you or you can decide to invest in self-development. This gives you your solid foundation from which anything is possible.

2. Be confident in taking an unpopular stand

It’s not always easy to stand alone, especially if it’s not the popular choice. But if it’s what you believe in then it will feel right as opposed to following others, which will feel wrong. It may not feel natural to take a stand but it brings inner peace and respect from those that actually matter.

3. Being able to say no

Saying no, even if it’s for the right reason, can be difficult. As humans, we don’t want to let anyone down. We want to be part of the tribe and the same as others. We don’t want people to think badly of us, even if it is to our own detriment. However, saying no is not personal. It’s a decision based on what’s right.

4. Feel the fear and do it anyway

Doing anything that is unknown is scary but the more you practice the easier it will become. After all, it’s better to regret something you’ve done than not done.

Only you know what is right for you. Don’t let the fear stop you. Instead, acknowledge it, understand it and then decide what’s your next best move.

5. Asking for help

Being courageous doesn’t mean doing it alone. Being courageous means knowing when to ask for help. Knowing you have people you can turn to when you’re finding something difficult.

Take the opportunity to learn from others. Take the opportunity to share the load. Take the opportunity to always move forward.

Every new day gives you a choice. Are you going to carry on as is or will you do something different? Will you strive to really live and take the opportunity that life gives you or will you choose to do nothing? The choice is yours.