I Choose Courage

You never truly know what you are capable of until you step outside your comfort zone.

When I was growing up, fear was a constant presence in my life. I was afraid to drive a car, convinced that I would make mistakes and fail. The thought of making a simple phone call to a business filled me with anxiety, fearing that I would stumble over my words and say the wrong thing. The fear of rejection loomed over me, making me hesitant to even apply for a job, convinced that no one would see my worth. Despite the grip of fear, my stubborn streak prevailed, and I pushed forward. I refused to let fear dictate my choices. And in doing so, I discovered a world of possibilities that would have remained closed off had I succumbed to fear’s power. My perseverance and determination took down the walls that fear was trying to build.

Today, I actively seek out new challenges and embrace them as essential components of my life’s compass. In the last year, I have jumped out of an airplane, taken a new job that was undefined and a risk, completed a full ironman (in the worst weather Madison, WI has ever seen), did a 3-week road trip by myself and climbed 3 14-thousand-foot mountains. Every one of these items brought fear, uncertainty and risk personally or professionally, but also great reward and learnings.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela

Fear is a natural human emotion that can often hold us back from pursuing our dreams or living life to the fullest. It can be paralyzing, causing us to doubt ourselves and our abilities. However, it is important to remember that fear is not an indicator of weakness, but rather an opportunity for growth and transformation.

This Blog is part of our Choose for Yourself 21-day Challenge. Chick HERE to learn more.

The Benefits of Confronting Fear with Courage.

When faced with fear, I choose to not let it stop me. I choose to be courageous. Here’s why:

Stepping Outside of Comfort Zones. Courage is the willingness to step outside of our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. It is through these experiences that we grow, learn, and discover our true potential. By choosing to be courageous, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and possibilities that we may have never imagined.
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs. Fear often stems from limiting beliefs that we hold about ourselves and our abilities. By choosing to be courageous, we challenge these beliefs and prove to ourselves that we are capable of more than we think. It is through facing our fears head-on that we can break free from the constraints that hold us back and unlock our true potential.
Becoming Resilient. Courage allows us to embrace growth and resilience in the face of adversity. It is during challenging times that we have the opportunity to rise above our fears and become stronger individuals. By choosing to be courageous, we develop the resilience needed to navigate through life’s obstacles and come out stronger on the other side.
Inspiring Others. Choosing to be courageous not only benefits ourselves but also inspires those around us. When others witness our bravery in the face of fear, it encourages them to do the same. By leading by example, we can create a ripple effect of courage and empower others to overcome their own fears and pursue their dreams.
Living a Life of Fulfillment. Ultimately, choosing to be courageous allows us to live a life of fulfillment. It enables us to pursue our passions, take risks, and create a life that aligns with our true desires. By not letting fear stop us, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities and experiences that bring us joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose.

I say bring on the fear, I choose to not let it stop me. I choose to be courageous. By stepping outside of my comfort zone, challenging limiting beliefs, building resilience, inspiring others, and living a life of fulfillment, I can overcome fear and create a life that is truly extraordinary. So, choose courage and embrace the incredible journey that awaits you.

Simple Acts of Courage.

To overcome fear, here are a few simple things or approaches someone can try:

Identify and acknowledge the fear: Recognize and name the specific fear you are facing. By acknowledging it, you can begin to understand its impact on your thoughts and actions.
Take small steps: Break down the fear-inducing situation into smaller, manageable steps. Gradually expose yourself to the fear, starting with less intimidating aspects and gradually progressing towards the more challenging parts.
Practice deep breathing and relaxation techniques: When faced with fear, practice deep breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques to help calm your mind and body. This can help reduce anxiety and create a sense of calmness.
Challenge negative thoughts: Identify and challenge any negative thoughts or self-doubt that may be fueling your fear. Replace them with positive affirmations and realistic perspectives that empower you to face the fear.
Seek support: Reach out to supportive friends, family members, or professionals who can provide encouragement and guidance. Sharing your fears with others can help alleviate the burden and provide a fresh perspective.
Visualize success: Imagine yourself successfully overcoming the fear and visualize the positive outcomes. This can help build confidence and create a mental framework for success.
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest steps of progress you make in facing your fear. Recognize that overcoming fear is a journey, and each step forward is a significant achievement.

Remember, overcoming fear takes time and practice. Be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process. With persistence and a willingness to confront your fears, you can gradually overcome them and live a more fulfilling and courageous life.

Your Turn: Choose Courage.

Here are a couple of journal prompts to explore the theme of courage over fear.

“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Become Aware

Become aware of the fears you have and how they are impacting you.

Reflect on a time when you felt afraid or anxious about taking a certain action or pursuing a particular goal. What were the fears or doubts that held you back? Were you able to summon the courage to move forward despite those fears? What lessons did you learn from that experience?
Think about a fear or limiting belief that currently holds you back from pursuing something you desire. What is the worst-case scenario that your fear imagines? Challenge yourself to reframe that fear and imagine a best-case scenario instead.
Think about person who embodies courage in your eyes. What qualities or actions make them courageous? How can you draw inspiration from their example to cultivate courage in your own life?
Notice any observations (gaps, triggers, patterns, and situations) where fear stops you from doing something. What is the impact of not being courageous and not pursing action?
Acknowledge your (insert observation) and it is (insert impact)

I am aware ______________________ and it is _________________________.

Be Grateful

Be grateful for your fears. Now you can use them to remind you to cultivate the courage to take small steps towards overcoming that fear and moving closer to your desired outcome.

Identify one fear observation you want to become aware of and use as a reminder to be courageous.
What is the mindset you want to have once you become aware.
Change your perspective, be grateful for (insert observation), because it reminds you to (insert mindset).

I am grateful ________________________ and because now I can __________________________.