Ringing in the New Year With Courage
It can be challenging to draw strength within ourselves to voice what we genuinely believe in in a world with more noise than ever. I often have trouble delivering “bad news” or feedback to others because I fear disappointing people.
The reason we aren’t courageous isn’t that we are cowards. It’s because biologically, we need to fit in with the group. At times, acting courageously can get us ousted. As social creatures, being displaced is one of the worst ways to pass on our genes. It’s a survival trait.
What is Courage?
Courage isn’t putting people down or belittling other humans with different perspectives. It’s sticking up for what you truly believe in your gut and overcoming your fears. Something you believe is more significant than yourself.
Courage isn’t doing something monumental for yourself. It’s about braving the potential storm for a cause greater than ourselves.
As I was reading the book Courage is Calling, it hit me. Suppose I don’t speak up at times for what I believe in or something I see as an injustice. I am aligning myself with the status quo.
One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Maya Moore sacrificed her career to free an innocent man from prison. Instead of continuing to play a fun game with a salary. She chose to risk it all and be brave for a cause bigger than herself.
Now, they are married as they continue to reform the criminal justice system.
What Can You Do?
Well, since I don’t know, I can’t tell you how to be courageous. Since you already know inside of you what you need to do or be.
Facing our fears and being brave will not look aesthetically pleasing like Hollywood. It’s going to be awkward; words are going to stutter off our lips.
But what we can do, is do it anyways and practice. Being brave and acting with courage is like everything else in our lives. Whether writing on Medium or having a challenging conversation with our partners, we strengthen the bravery muscle every time we act with courage.
The world needs more courageous people like you.
