I have a Lorna Jane shirt that I love to wear, emblazoned on the front is a quote that I aspire to:
“Be brave with your life so you can encourage others to be brave with theirs”
When I am overcome with fear I choose to remember this and it inspires me to just take one step towards the courageous decision. I believe that you have to feel the fear in order to face it and overcome it. In fact, research suggests that there are actually six elements of courage:
Overcoming Fear
In order to overcome fear we need to feel it, acknowledge that it is a difficult situation and but in place a plan to get past the obstacle. There is a fine line between bravery and stupidity and that is recognising that there is reason to be afraid.
Having Passion
This is the motivation for overcoming the fear, the reason for you to feel uncomfortable and put in the work to achieve what you are passionate about.
Persevering in the Face of Adversity
Anything worth doing will require a level of resilience and tenacity to achieve; if you pull up stumps at the first sign of trouble you are not exhibiting courage, you are taking the easy way out.
Standing Up for What's Right
Often this is the reason or motivation to be brave. You are passionate that something needs to change, there is an unfairness tht you are not willing to walk away from. “All that is required for evil to triumph is that good people do nothing” Sometimes we need to find the strength within us to speak out, even if that comes at a personal cost.
Expanding your Horizons
Taking a step outside of our comfort zone is scary but that is where the growth (and all the fun) happens.
Facing Suffering with Dignity or Faith
Courage may require us to go through a period of suffering; the key is to have faith and believe that this is a required part of growing and becoming courageous. If you work through the suffering there will be a reward at the end. Only you can ensure coming out with a reward by making the most of the time of suffering and chose to look upon it as a time of learning.
Courage is not an easy path but it is the path that offers the greatest rewards, sense of achievement and self-satisfaction. Sitting in our comfort zone is stress-free but it is not where you will be challenged as a person. Even if you do not “win” the battle, that you needed the courage to fight, you will win the war….
to become a person who is constantly evolving, striving to be better and inspiring others.
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