First of all, what does it mean to be brave? Think of a time when you acted brave. What were you doing? How did you feel? What were the results? Did you regret it? Being brave is entering a decision where you are well aware that you’re stepping into the unknown unsure of the consequences; at some point you decided it’s worth the risk. You will endure whatever comes because you are steady in your decision. Risk is better than no risk. This is bravery. I’ll end the article with the more lengthy definition from Brene Brown’s book, “Daring Greatly,” which I highly recommend if this is a topic you want to learn more about and apply in your life.
Bravery helps us let go of control and places us into situations that challenge us. This is called growth, whether you failed or succeeded. You learned something that you didn’t know before through confidently holding steady. I believe choosing to be brave is essential for us to reach our potential and feel deeply fulfilled. Otherwise, how will we grow? It’s easy to stay safe, and much harder to be brave.
I’ve made many unpopular decisions in my life. Decisions relating to where I live, where I work, who I marry, what I believe; I have no regrets because from each controversial decision came meaningful growth and direction. This is how we discover who we are and our path. Opening yourself up to bravery can help you discover hidden beautiful parts of yourself.
How can we be braver? These suggestions can help you feel more confident and educated in your decision to be braver. We make the best decision we can in the current circumstance we’re in.
Incorporate others advice, but ultimately, listen to yourself
I’ve discovered that it’s easy for others to tell you what to do when they aren’t going to suffer the potential consequences. Ultimately, you will and therefore, make a decision based on what you think and feel.
Research before proceeding
There are a plethora of resources that can help you make a well thought out decision but we often forget to seek them. Watch instructional videos, read books and articles, and get educated.
Be centered
I know this sounds very bohemian but stay with me. As a Life Coach, I believe the mind, body, and soul have to connect in order for long-term change to occur. Without tending to one, you are disconnected from yourself. Get yourself connected through practicing something in all three areas (i.e. journal for the soul, research for the mind, and workout for the body). Doing so will help you stay balanced so you can make a solid decision. I’ve thought of my most creative ideas and made some of my hardest decisions when I was practicing this philosophy. Try it out!
Take your time
Avoid rushing or giving into pressure to hurriedly make a decision. Think about it, sleep on it, feel it without judgment from yourself and others. Why are you in a rush and is their actually a deadline? If you are unsure, wait. Fight against the temptation to make a rash decision until you’re ready.
I’ll leave you with Brene Brown’s quote from her book, “Daring Greatly, “ that was part of Theodore Roosevelt’s speech Citizenship In A Republic, delivered at the Sorbonne in 1910:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”