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“It’s all in your head.”
One way or another, people would have encountered this sentence when fear starts clouding their heads. This can be from others pushing them to conquer their fears or an affirmation they’ve given to themselves.
Generally, this sentiment is among the many that have been done so that people can hopefully become more courageous through the many hiccups and dreads of life. Being brave is the ideal condition people must live by to grow and be who they’re meant to be. While it’s not necessarily the absence of fear, it’s a virtue that pushes people to take action despite it.
When people feel scared or nervous, their mental headspace commonly becomes infiltrated with second thoughts questioning their capacity. This pushes them to back down and miss great opportunities that would have resulted in growth. On the other hand, when people become more courageous in life, they become more open to pushing and challenging themselves, which opens more room for growth and an increased sense of actualization.
How can this be done?
What Is Being Courageous?
Courage is often equated with the absence of fear. It’s believed that people are only ever considered courageous when they’re ready to jump anything and fear nothing. However, this proves to be a faulty interpretation. Courage isn’t fearlessness. Instead, it’s the determination to take action in spite of the worry or fear festering within one’s mind.
Hence, to be more courageous in life isn’t equivalent to being rash and careless as a show of fearlessness. Instead, it’s found in people’s determination to understand themselves and overcome or, at least, make these fears more bearable. It’s standing firm before life’s worries and making sure these don’t influence their choices. Being courageous isn’t the absence of fear. Instead, it’s reflected in not letting fear have power over people’s lives.
Courage is taking risks and chances.
People don’t even have to necessarily triumph over these, for they’ve already done so the moment they let go of what’s holding them back. To be more courageous in life is to let go of fear and move forward to make the most of what life is supposed to be. Courage can manifest differently in people. For some, it can be trying things that are way out of their comfort zones. For others, this is simply about enforcing boundaries and living life without having to constantly think of other’s perceptions of themselves.
Hence, to become more courageous in life is equivalent to many things and practices.
A Story of Triumph Against Fear and Self-Doubts
A manifestation of stepping into courage and strength is best captured by author Wilma Forester in The Adventures of Nagel of Ancient Babylonia. Although it’s a story set in ancient Babylonia, concepts tackled throughout the book can be reflected in modern life.
The book takes readers back to the olden period for a coming-of-age story where the human spirit is tested and triumphs against all odds. They’re introduced to Nagel, a timid yet determined protagonist to whom they would definitely relate. He undergoes a journey of transformation, from being uncertain of his potential to actualizing and stepping into his full capacity.
Like Nagel, everyone has a fire burning within them, waiting to be unleashed. All they need is ample experience that shifts their perspective about fear and sparks courage. To become more courageous, people need to undergo some changes that ignite their confidence and trust in their capacity.
How to Become More Courageous
One of the primary steps people must take to become more courageous is determining where they need the extra boost. By recognizing these areas where they could benefit from self-assurance, they can take more suitable and actionable steps toward improvement. People are motivated by results, and this can be achieved if they use a more practical method for this transformation.
Once recognized, here are some steps to take.
Develop a Healthy Perspective
As ironic as this may sound, fear can be beneficial. It helps people stay safe and tread life a little carefully. However, if not viewed correctly, fear can be a hindrance to people’s growth.
Courage isn’t natural for people. Instead, it is developed, whether through conscious decisions or gradual changes in perspective. The thing is, everyone can become more courageous if they choose to. To do this, they must first recognize that fear isn’t all evil. Hence, feeling anxious about things, worrying about outcomes, and uncertainty aren’t necessarily bad virtues.
Developing a healthier perspective about courage helps people empower themselves in the face of fear. Instead of cowering, they learn to perceive fear as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Identify Strengths
One of the reasons people hesitate about opportunities isn’t necessarily fear. Instead, it’s self-doubt. Hence, to become more courageous, people need to learn more about themselves. It’s time they appreciate what they’re made of and recognize their strengths. This will not only empower them to do more but also help them develop more trust within themselves.
People feel more confident and courageous when they know their capabilities. When they have a concrete idea of what they’re good at, people leave no room for second guesses. Knowing strengths boosts confidence, which encourages people to take more risks, thus nurturing more courage.
Leave Comfort Zones
There’s no better way to become more courageous than by constantly testing oneself. This can be achieved through intentionally stepping outside comfort zones. Building courage muscles means people are required to push themselves toward change and more challenging heights. This means they must consciously choose uncomfortable scenarios to grow this muscle.
Exposing themselves to discomfort doesn’t mean they have to be accustomed to this. Instead, it helps them get used to how it would be when they open themselves to more challenges in life. With enough practice and exposure, people gradually learn to take bigger risks and become more courageous.
If you want to read how Wilma Forester incorporated courage in her narrative, grab a copy of The Adventures of Nagel of Ancient Babylonia.
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