How to boost your courage when you need some
Courage is an essential ingredient in life for growing and accomplishing more. Whether it’s asking for a pay rise, stepping up to apply for a new job, asking someone out on a date or writing a thought-provoking article. Furthermore, we need to boost courage to navigate over those sharp rough stones on the path to success. You know the ones. Fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, rejection. Those things that otherwise discourage you from moving on.
In particular, we need huge resolve to combat that persistent negative voice in the head that whispers ‘you aren’t good enough.’ Specifically, this is one of our greatest fears. Way back in the days of our ancestors, being rejected by the tribe was akin to death. As our brain is still hard-wired for survival today we still feel the fear of rejection. So if courage is one of our most important ingredients, how exactly can you boost your courage?
We need courage to overcome fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, rejection.
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“He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he that loses his courage loses all.” Michael De Cervantes.
Here are a few ways to boost your courage
1. Fear is normal
If you are feeling doubt or fear, know that it’s normal. Anytime you are about to do something different you signal to your brain that there is a possible danger. Having fear means you’re human (which is a good thing) and that you’re on the verge of growth. Once you’ve ruled out any life-threatening danger, (which is usually rare) consider fear as a positive sign. One that means you are about to stretch yourself past your comfort zone. Knowing this is the first step to instantly boost your courage!
2. Observe Your Thoughts
Because you feel fear your thoughts are likely to match. Your brain is brilliant at making up stories that support how you feel and vice versa. Simply observe your thoughts. Remember you are not your thoughts and you can take action despite what you say to yourself. Create a new story that supports being courageous. Tell yourself that feeling this way is normal and you will still take the first step despite. Don’t think, just act. Once you have taken that first step you will boost courage and prevent fear take over.
Your brain is brilliant at making up stories that support how you feel and vice versa.
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3. Courage is a muscle
Behind every courageous step is a decision you made in your mind. Furthermore, your mind is a muscle so when you make that decision to go for it you build courage and confidence. Set yourself small daily challenges to build your muscle. While physical ones are excellent for building courage and confidence, learning something new will also help. Try learning a new language, research a new topic or take on a new hobby. Like a snowball rolling down a hill gathering snow and growing, so will your courage.
4. Ask better questions
Ask yourself better questions. For example. “How can I find a way around this?” Questions starting with how presupposes a solution and allow you to create a new meaning and more positive solutions. Furthermore, when we get out of our own way and look for evidence of other people who have done what we are about to do, we realise we are not alone. The impossible becomes possible. “Who do I know I could ask for help and who has done this before?” is a great question to ask to boost your courage.
5. Stay out of your comfort zone
You are fundamentally a creature of habit, which means it’s easy to stay or slip back into your comfort zone. However, no growth takes place in your comfort zone. To work on your muscle of courage, shake up your daily routine. Even a small change like holding your toothbrush in your other hand or altering your morning routine will challenge your brain and add power to boost your courage.
6. Connect with your heart
Your heart is the centre of your values and what is important to you, your ‘why.’. The word “courage” is related to the French word “Coeur,” which means “heart.” Put your hand on your heart and take a few breaths. Harness the powerful energy of the heart, move and feel the energy build to help you take that next step. This will prove to yourself that you can do it and will boost your courage.
7. Celebrate your small wins
Every time you challenge yourself to step through fear, high-five yourself for being courageous. Your brain will produce happy chemicals. This will help you feel more confident and braver. As we are driven by how we feel, leverage off this to keep going.
Remember being brave and courageous isn’t about having no fear. In conclusion, it’s about taking steps in spite of it, the way to boost your muscle of courage. Furthermore, the difference between successful people and those who aren’t is that they work their muscle of courage. They choose to step through the illusion of fear despite.
About the Author
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