The Quiet Courage We Overlook

When you think about bravery, what comes to mind? Probably something dramatic—someone pulling a stranger from a car wreck or standing up to injustice in a big, public way.

But that's not really where most of us need courage day-to-day, is it?

The fear that actually shows up in your life probably looks different. It's that split second before you're about to share an idea in a meeting when you think "never mind, maybe this is stupid." It's scrolling past that job posting for the third time this month, telling yourself you're not quite ready yet. It's wanting to go after something that excites you but also terrifies you, so you just... don't.

Here's the thing: most fear today has nothing to do with actual danger. Nobody's being chased by a bear. Instead, we're afraid of screwing up. Of people laughing at us. Of trying hard at something and still not being good enough.

And somehow, that kind of fear can feel even harder to push through.

But what if we've been thinking about fear all wrong? What if it's not actually telling you to stop—what if it's showing you what matters to you? Think about it: you're not nervous about things you don't care about. That knot in your stomach might not be a warning sign. It might just be your brain's way of saying "hey, this is important to you."

There's this simple mindset shift that changes everything. Instead of "I'm not brave," try "I'm not brave yet."

One word. But it completely rewrites the story. It turns a dead end into a path forward.

You don't have to pretend the fear isn't there. You're not trying to gaslight yourself into thinking you're fearless. You're just acknowledging that bravery is something you can build, not something you either have or don't have.

So here's my question for you: what's the one thing fear has been keeping you from lately? Not something huge and life-changing necessarily. Just that one thing you keep putting off because it feels uncomfortable.

What would happen if you tried anyway?

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Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.