The Beginning
It takes a courageous person to step out of their comfort zone. I did it when I learned a martial art or when I learned to speak in public without a fear that I would forget everything I wanted to say. There are a lot of unknowns to overcome and these hold you back from using your courage:
- Unknown people.
- Unknown words.
- Unknown actions.
- Unknown thoughts.
As I mentioned above, I embraced courage for literally the first time in my life when I began martial arts in 1989. I had no confidence! I went to class because my husband wanted to go. I found myself thinking, “What am I doing here? I don’t know anything about this.” My sense of perfection got wiped out in day one.
I still carry this lesson with me every day in my life, as a wife, mother, martial artist, podcaster, blogger, author, and in my career in renewable energy. I’m going to fail….a lot….but I’m sure going to learn a lot, too.
How Do You Find Your Courage?
When you step forward in courage, embrace what happens to you and around you. Martial arts helped me do this because I stepped outside my comfort zone. That is the day I understood that making progress in your life holds the key to your happiness. Yes, you can do the same thing day in and day out your entire life. But, you will never feel fulfilled.
With a courageous mindset, find what is missing in your life. The task, action, or new experience that scares you is not as difficult as you imagine. That is because your mind always looks for the negative and that is where you settle. Remind your mind what you want and it will create a mindset to help you get there, instead.
Why Be Courageous?
Brave and courageous people are great leaders. They stand tall and strong and are steadfast to their mission and purpose. They do things like teaching, creating, performing, and imagining. They are encouraging. They believe in themselves and in others.
They find a place within where they can always turn to feel true and right. They make progress but they also embrace the moment. They explore their potential. They know deep inside that they are capable of amazing things.
Your Courage
You make choices every day that exemplify that you are brave and courageous.
How do you see the world? What is your mindset and attitude? Do you encourage and inspire others? Do you listen to those whose wisdom has merit or relevance to you? Courageous people don’t know all the answers. They seek the answers and that’s how they improve and grow.
You either make choices that improve yourself, others, and the world, or you don’t. And, if you are only focused on yourself, that is a clear lack of courage. Hiding behind only what you want does not qualify you as courageous.
The Good News
The good news is that it is not too late to step into courage to move forward in your life. Sometimes, it takes a shift in balance. As a martial artist, I understand balance. You need it to do a kick and you need it to believe you can do the kick. One type of balance is physical, the other is mental.
Once you find your balance, you realize that the fear of the unknown is false. It will always hold you back.
xoxo
Andrea
“Hiding behind only what you want does not qualify you as courageous.” THAT is a powerful statement!
Hi Melanie – thank you so much for your comment! Yes, it is powerful!
I enjoy to read your thought, action, those moments boosted me forward
to kick me out happily of my comfort zone
have a great day
Hi Jocelyn,
I am glad it helped to catapult you forward!