What do you think of when you hear the word ‘courage’? Most of us would immediately picture something epic. Rescuing someone from a burning building maybe? How about swimming with Great White sharks or possibly jumping out of a plane? All these things take a measure of bravery (or madness) but courage isn’t limited to the daring or dangerous. It takes many forms and is a necessary ingredient to life.
Everyday courage
Courage is not the absence of fear, it is acting in spite of it – Mark Twain
Without fear there really isn’t any need for courage. No matter how confident and assured a person may seem, all of us feel fear from time to time. It’s how we deal with our fears that it the important thing. Courage isn’t about never feeling afraid or having doubts, it’s about not allowing your fear to stop you from doing what is needed. Fear is a natural, necessary emotion designed to keep us safe from harm but if we allow it to, fear will keep us from achieving our dreams and goals.
Doing it afraid
The big question is how do you find the courage you need to face your fears? Here are some tips that may help:
Take a stand
It’s very difficult to be courageous if every time you feel afraid you run in the opposite direction. Avoiding situations that make you afraid won’t make you braver. You need to confront the thing you fear. Yes it might be scary but that’s the point! Remember, no fear means no need for courage. If you’re afraid of talking to new people, put yourself in situations where you have to do just that. If you are afraid of failing, try something new and challenge yourself.
Be inspired
Courage is contagious. Seeing someone else do something in the face of their fears can be the greatest encouragement to do the same. Find others who are being bold. It could be people you know or someone you read about but look for courage in others and let it inspire you.
Be honest
There is no shame in feeling afraid. Find people who you are able to be honest and open with about your fears. Look for those who won’t just sympathise but who will encourage you to rise above your misgivings and cheer you on as you boldly overcome them.
Keep the goal in mind
“If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Africa’s first female President)
Courage is about doing something to achieve a purpose. You can’t be courageous for no reason, it doesn’t work that way. When you need to be brave remember what it is you are hoping to achieve. Let your dream or goal motivate you to face up to that which you fear and be bold.
Don’t be afraid
Fear can be a lonely place. It’s easy to feel ashamed or discouraged when our courage deserts us and it seems like no one is on our side. Finding the boldness to bravely confront our fears and the strength to stand can be difficult but in the Bible God say that we shouldn’t be afraid because in our fear, He is with us. He promises to strengthen us and help us when we are at our weakest and in need of courage.
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