Like everyone, I assumed having courage meant being fearless. Turns out I was wrong.
Courage isn’t about eliminating fear. It’s about having the ability to push forward despite it. And that comes from knowing what matters more.
Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.
Courage goes beyond the physical strength. Like the firefighter. They feel the same fear of the raging fire every time, have the same doubts and insecurities. Yet every time they are the first to run into the burning building because they prioritise saving lives more than their fear.
By giving fear more power than it deserves, you’re giving it more control over you.
But fear loses its hold on you if you decide that something else is more important to you than fear itself.
I read somewhere that elite athletes don’t eliminate fear; they reframe it as excitement by focusing on their goals.
“Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the ability to act in the presence of fear.” – Bruce Lee
I remember the first time I was on the stage as part of the debate team. I had to speak ‘for’ the motion. And when my turn came, I went rambling for a few minutes on points ‘against’ the motion.
What a mess! My team mates’ confused looks and the raised eyebrow of the judge didn’t help matters.
Panic set in. I took a deep breathe, and hastily gathered my vanishing wits and remaining courage and veered the argument around in the right direction. A timely save.
This happens even now. Every time there’s a speaking engagement, my throat goes dry, palms all sweaty, brain in a mush. But I’ve learned to control them and focus on the task at and.
Basically focusing on what matters distracts you from thinking about your fears. That’s a more productive way of dealing with your unfounded apprehensions. Just give it a smaller seat at your table.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” – Brene Brown
Courage isn’t something you’re born with. It comes from within, with the correct attitude and mindset.
Courage comes from confidence and belief you have in yourself and what you hold dear.
Like when going in for an interview. Or participating in a marathon. Or even standing up for something you believe in.
It’s not easy with doubts gnawing at your confidence, questioning your actions. But you don’t stop, do you?
This happens because you know the end matters to you. Nailing that interview. Crossing that finish line. Getting your voice heard. It matters to you, a lot.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt
Courage comes when you’re clear about your priorities. Then nothing can stop you from reaching your goal.
Fear walks by your side always. Fear of getting low grades. Fear of hurting yourself on the field. Fear of criticism for a piece of writing. Fear of failing as a parent, partner, friend, colleague, or human being. The fears never stop, but neither should you.
There’s no end to your fears. But you can’t lead your complete life under the shadow of fear, can you?
There has to be a way of dealing with it.
So instead of asking, “How do I overcome this fear?”, ask yourself what’s more important – your fear or your priority?
Remember courage is not about removing fear but overcoming it by walking ahead and not giving in.
Not quitting. Not running. Not giving in. That’s courage.
