Brave, Not Fearless: How to Take Action Even When You're Scared
Mindset and Might
4 min read
The Truth About Bravery
Most people believe that bravery means not feeling afraid. But here's the truth: brave doesn't mean fearless—it means doing it scared. Think about the times you've admired someone for their courage. Were they completely without fear, or did they simply push through despite it? I'm betting it's the latter.
In this post, we'll unpack why being brave is not about eradicating fear but about learning how to move forward with it.
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Understanding Fear vs. Bravery
Fear is natural. It's a survival instinct designed to protect us from danger. But here's the catch: fear doesn’t always distinguish between real threats and perceived ones. This often means we shy away from things that could help us grow simply because they feel uncomfortable or risky.
Bravery, however, involves recognizing your fear, acknowledging it, and choosing to act anyway.
Personal anecdote: I remember the first time I spoke publicly. My palms were sweating, and my heart was racing so fast it felt like it could explode. I was absolutely terrified. But when I stepped onto the stage, something amazing happened—I didn't lose my fear completely, but I found the courage to speak despite it.
Common Myths About Bravery
Before we dive into practical steps, let's debunk a few myths:
Myth #1: Brave people never feel fear.
Truth: Even the most courageous people feel fear. They just don't let it stop them.Myth #2: Bravery is always about big, dramatic actions.
Truth: Small, consistent actions taken despite fear are just as powerful.Myth #3: You must overcome fear to be successful.
Truth: Success often comes from consistently taking action in the presence of fear.
How to Be Brave (Even When You're Scared)
So, how exactly do you cultivate bravery when you’re trembling inside? Here are five actionable strategies:
1. Acknowledge Your Fear
Ignoring fear rarely helps. Acknowledge it and accept that it's normal. Say it out loud: "I'm scared, and that's okay."
Action Step: Write down your fear. Clearly seeing it on paper can often diminish its power.
2. Understand the Source
What exactly are you afraid of? Fear of failure? Fear of judgment? Identifying the exact source can make it more manageable.
Action Step: Ask yourself, "What's the worst that could realistically happen?" Often, the reality is less frightening than imagined.
3. Break Down Your Fear
Facing a big fear can seem impossible. So, break it down into smaller, manageable steps.
Action Step: Make a list of incremental steps toward your goal and tackle them one at a time.
4. Take Small but Consistent Action
Consistent action—even small actions—builds confidence and bravery.
Action Step: Commit to daily actions, no matter how minor. Consistency is key.
5. Celebrate Your Wins
Every small victory matters and should be acknowledged. Celebrating boosts motivation and courage.
Action Step: Keep a bravery journal. Document your wins, big or small, and reflect on your growth regularly.
Recommended Resources to Cultivate Bravery
Ready to dive deeper into becoming braver? Here are a few books that helped me personally:
This classic book teaches how to move forward despite fear, offering practical exercises for overcoming hesitation.
Brown explores vulnerability, courage, and how embracing imperfections can lead to true bravery and meaningful connections.
Pressfield discusses overcoming the inner resistance we all face when pursuing creative or significant goals.
Personal Stories: Bravery in Action
Sometimes, hearing about real-life bravery can inspire us. Here’s one quick story to motivate you:
A friend of mine, terrified of flying, recently took a flight to visit family overseas. She didn't lose her fear; she boarded the plane shaking. But the bravery wasn't in losing the fear—it was in stepping onto that plane despite it. She arrived safely, proving to herself she was stronger than she realized.
Quick Recap: Your Path to Bravery
Here’s a quick checklist to help you on your journey to becoming braver:
Acknowledge and name your fear.
Identify the specific cause of your fear.
Break your fear into manageable steps.
Take consistent action, no matter how small.
Celebrate every small victory.
Conclusion: Choose Bravery Over Comfort
Remember, bravery isn't the absence of fear—it's acting in spite of it. Every time you face fear, you expand your comfort zone, build resilience, and become a stronger, more confident person.
So, next time you feel scared, remember: being brave is about feeling the fear and deciding to act anyway. You've got this!
