Cultivate Courage Everyday

 

Ever wished you were a little more courageous? Wished you had a little more courage to share that new idea or pursue a thing that you really love or should have taken up the opportunity that you were interested in… we all have experienced such situations. But have you ever thought about how your lack of courage may be costing you?

Unfortunately, our brains are wired to discount the cost of inaction. However, the good news is that courage is a skill that can be learned and mastered if repeatedly practiced. Although we are courageous in different ways but at times a big ‘yes’ for new innovations are always required. So never be frightened of doing things even you are terrified while doing them. Here are some tricks that best worked for me, hence as a leader I would recommend you to follow them:

• Ask yourself – should I take action to overcome this fear? Always remember that all fears are not created equal. Some are useful, and some are useless fears that you can do nothing about it. They sap your strength for no reason, and you should put them in their right place. For example, if you are terrified about your presentation next day, then practice it end number of times so that you can go flawless on the day of your presentation. But if you are terrified and worried about the COVID-19 vaccine and when you will receive it, then let me tell you that it will just increase your mental pressure.

• Remember that fear will harm you – Stress and worry not only destroy mental health but also destroy your confidence. Fear has the potential to harm you so set it aside. Fold up the fear inside you, put it in a box, and promise your fear that you'll get back to it later at a less dangerous time.
  
  
• Enlarge your comfort zone – Have you ever seen a person climbing the escalator for the first time? Or boarding a flight for the first time? Or going abroad for the first time? Have you ever noticed the fear on their face? Yes, it is the fear of the unknown. The more you stick with what's familiar, the more frightened you will be every time you encounter the unfamiliar. So, seek out unfamiliar territory--try new things, stretch yourself professionally. Keep stretching beyond your comfort zone.
  
  
• Engage your brain – Always engage your brain in problem solving rather than allowing it to wonder. Do crossword puzzles, respond to business emails or play some brain game. Do some activity to temper any emotional storm.
  
  
• Name your fear - Naming your fears always takes some of the power out of them. So, voice out your fear to your friend or a colleague and cut those fears down to size. You can also write them down. The simple act of doing that will push your brain to kick in, your brain will automatically come up with solutions and backup plans for your fear. Try doing it.
  
  
• Take a pause and breathe - Help yourself by breathing deep. You can also practice meditation, atleast for 5 minutes a day, it makes a huge difference to the way our brain functions.

Make fear your fried. Your fears will never completely disappear. When you can finally accept fears and invite them in, it makes courage more accessible. So, embrace courage as a mindful response to fear.