Where do we find the courage to step out of our comfort zone?
Courage is not found under the christmas tree, or in a pretty cardboard box. Courage is not found, it is created. For a long time I thought that courage was a quality that some people have, and others don't. If one was "a little" courageous, or "very" courageous, one remained so for life. My research has allowed me to learn much more about this famous courage.
Courage is an inner strength that enables a person to face fear, adversity, challenges or dangerous situations. It is the ability to act despite fear or uncertainty, to take risks and face obstacles with determination.
The courage cannot exist without fear. In other words, we cannot have courage if we do not put ourselves in situations that involve fear. This can be fear of public speaking, fear of heights, fear of failure, etc.
Courage is often thought of as being demonstrated in only one way, but in fact it is the opposite. Courage can be demonstrated by making a firm decision in the face of injustice; by overcoming personal fears; by standing up for what you believe in; by showing empathy; by taking difficult actions in order to achieve a goal...
Courage does not need to be given as a gift, it simply needs to be learned to be strengthened. It is a personal and gradual process, which is very subjective and can vary from person to person.
Actions to take:
- Identify your fears: If we find courage in action in the face of our fears, it is important to identify and name them.
- Get out of your comfort zone: By identifying your fears, you can take action to confront them. It is generally recommended to start with small challenges, and then progress gradually.
- Setting goals: When we have become aware of our fears, and put in place small actions to overcome them, we are then able to set goals. These objectives are not necessarily easy to achieve, which implies working on one's courage.
- Seeking support: It is well known that when we are surrounded by people who support us, it is easier to overcome our limits. Create a circle of people who can encourage us and help us in difficult moments.
- Learn to manage stress: For some people, stress can prevent courage from appearing. It is important to find a technique that works for us, whether it is alternate breathing, sports, prayer, meditation...
- Work on your self-esteem: Courage is intimately linked to our self-esteem, the more we think we can do something, the more likely we are to do it.
Building courage may take some time, but it's worth it! Be patient with yourself, persevere and don't give up. Failure is just a good learning opportunity!
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