We all know that person. The one who always seems to have it together, who takes every challenge in stride. They make it look so easy! But being courageous doesn't mean that you don't have fears or doubts, it just means that you face them head on. Being courageous isn't about jumping out of a plane or moving to a new country. It can just mean having the strength to do what’s right even when it’s hard, or surviving one of those tough challenges that life always throws at you.
Be Prepared
The best way to overcome your fears is to be prepared for whatever situation you’re facing. If you know what to expect, you’ll be less likely to feel overwhelmed or frightened. Educate yourself on the topic you’re facing and arm yourself with knowledge. This will give you the confidence you need to take on anything.
Prepare For The Worst
This may seem counterintuitive, but thinking about all of the things that could go wrong will actually help you be more prepared if something does happen. Make a list of everything that could go wrong and then come up with a plan for how to deal with each scenario. That way, if something does happen, you'll know exactly what to do. With that being said, just because you have thought about the worst possible scenario, doesn't mean that's what the outcome will be. Keep a positive frame on those preparations.
Believe In Yourself
You can’t be courageous if you don’t believe in yourself. You need to know that you have what it takes to meet your challenges head-on. When doubts start creeping in, remind yourself of your past accomplishments and how far you’ve come. This will give you the strength to keep going even when the going gets tough. Also, take some comfort in knowing that it is highly likely that someone has already been where you are and survived. You can too.
Ask For Help
Just because you're facing a challenge doesn't mean you have to do it alone. Ask your friends and family for support or seek out a professional who can help you through whatever it is you're dealing with. You can't expect everyone to know exactly how you are doing so don't wait for the help to come to you. It's also important to be prepared to hear no, or to not like the answer. Not everyone will get it, or have the capacity to help you, so keep searching for that right person to provide that support.
Get out of your comfort zone
This is where the magic happens! If you're not pushed outside of your comfort zone on a regular basis, then you'll never grow or develop as a person. So, make a point of doing something that scares you at least once a week – whether it's skydiving or public speaking, or just trying something new. Watch as your Courage muscles start to develop!
Set realistic goals
Whatever the goal is, you're probably not going to achieve that overnight (and that's okay!). Keep it something that you know you can achieve, but still something that stretches your boundaries or makes you feel a little ick.
Take Small Steps
Trying to accomplish too much at once can be overwhelming and lead to burnout. To avoid this, take small steps towards your goal. Celebrate each accomplishment along the way and stay focused on the present moment. By taking things one step at a time, you’ll eventually reach your destination—and feel proud of yourself for getting there.
Be persistent
The final step is to be persistent. Just because you're scared doesn't mean you should give up – Far from it! The more times you face your fears, the easier it will become and the braver you will grow. So keep at it, even when it feels tough, and before long you'll be the bravest person you know!
We all face challenges in life, but it’s how we deal with them that defines us. Courage doesn't mean that you're never afraid, it just means that you don't let your fear hold you back. So go out there and conquer the world, one challenge at a time!
