What does it mean to be brave and courageous? Dictionary.com defines the words as follows: brave means “having or showing determination and strength in the face of danger or difficulty”, and courageous means “having or showing the strength of mind or spirit”.
For me, it means facing my fears head-on and not letting them dictate my life. It means being kind and compassionate, even when I don’t want to be. It means standing up for what I believe in, no matter whom or what is opposing me. To me, bravery and courage are about being true to yourself, no matter what the cost. Are you brave and courageous? What does that look like for you?
How to be courageous and brave
Let’s be clear…being courageous does not mean that you are never afraid. It means that you have the strength to face your fears and do what is right, even when it is hard. Bravery is about more than just physical courage; it includes mental and emotional strength as well.
Here are some ways that you can be more courageous in your life:
Identify your fears and challenge them head-on
If you are afraid of public speaking, for example, force yourself to do it more often. The more you face your fears, the easier it will become.
Be true to yourself
Don’t let others pressure you into doing something that you know is wrong. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means going against the crowd.
Be confident in your abilities
Believe in yourself and your ability to overcome obstacles. This will give you the strength to take on challenges, even when they seem insurmountable.
Courage is not something that you are born with; it is something that you develop over time. One thing you will find if you do any form of research in movies or books are that the heroes did not know they were heroes, they had to take a journey and find that truth within themselves.
By lacing these tips into your everyday life, you can start to build the courage, find it within yourself to achieve your goals and live a full life. This is especially true when you are trying to overcome depression and anxiety.
How do you show courage in life?
It is important to be courageous in order to protect what you believe in and to maintain your moral convictions. Acting with courage does not mean that you are fearless; instead, it means that you choose to face your fears in order to achieve something greater. In order to be courageous, you must first be clear about your values and beliefs. Once you know what you stand for, it will be easier to take action, even when it is difficult or risky.
You must also be willing to accept the consequences of your actions. If you are not prepared to face the possible repercussions of your choices, then you are not truly being brave. Courageous people are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, even when it is unpopular or challenging. They are willing to take risks and speak their truth, even when it might not be popular or easy.
So how can you become more courageous?
- First, identify your values and beliefs. What is most important to you? Once you know what you stand for, it will be easier to take action, even when it might be difficult or risky.
- Second, be willing to accept the consequences of your choices. If you are not prepared to face the possible repercussions of your choices, then you are not truly being brave.
- Finally, remember that courage does not mean that you are fearless; instead, it means that you choose to face your fears in order to achieve something greater.
When you act with courage, you move forward despite your fears. You might not always succeed, but by acting with courage, you give yourself a chance to achieve something great. You can even teach this lesson as a parent by giving your kids chores to teach them and establish a core value system.
Examples of bravery
On a great scale, there are examples of extreme bravery such as when Martin Luther King [1] marched with his supporters from Selma to Montgomery despite facing racial abuse and the threat of violence. His actions helped to secure voting rights for African Americans and changed the course of history.
Another example is when Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his political beliefs [2] before going on to lead South Africa as its first democratically elected president. These are just two examples of people who have shown immense bravery in the face of adversity.
On a smaller scale, there are countless acts of bravery that go unnoticed but are no less important, for example, a child who stands up to a bully or someone who speaks out against injustice even when they are afraid of retribution. These acts may not make headlines but they can have a profound impact on the individuals involved and those who witness them.
Bravery comes in many forms, both large and small.
10 benefits of courage
1. You will become a role model for others
When you stand up for what you believe in, even in the face of misfortune, you inspire others to do the same.
2. You will gain respect
People respect those who have the courage to stand up for their beliefs, even when it is not popular or easy.
3. You will build confidence
Facing your fears and overcoming them gives you a sense of accomplishment and builds your confidence.
4. You will learn from your mistakes
When you are not afraid to take risks, you learn more and grow as a person.
5. You will become more resilient
Courageous people are not afraid of setbacks; they use them as an opportunity to learn and grow stronger.
6. You will find your voice
When you have the courage to speak up for yourself, you find your own unique voice in the world.
7. You will be happier
A study by Positive Psychology found that people who are courageous report higher levels of happiness than those who are not [3].
8. You will make a difference in the world
Courageous people are often the ones who make positive changes in the world around them.
9. You will live a richer life
When you take risks and step outside of your comfort zone, you open yourself up to new experiences and opportunities for growth.
10. You will find strength in yourself that you never knew existed
“When faced with adversity, the contentment found through courage can empower us to turn our trials into triumphs” (Dyer, W).
Ways to show courage at home
Sometimes, courage is as simple as taking a step outside of your comfort zone. Below are three ways you can show courage at home.
One way to demonstrate courage is by trying new things. This could be anything from cooking a new recipe to taking a different route to work. By pushing yourself to experience life in new ways, you’ll develop confidence and become better equipped to handle challenging situations.
Another way to be courageous is by being open and honest with those you love. This means sharing your authentic self with others, even if it means being vulnerable. When you’re able to be honest about your thoughts and feelings, you’ll create deeper, more meaningful relationships.
This is particularly true in marriage, yes as a woman I want to be independent and self sufficient but it is really good to know that I can depend on my husband. That admission in itself is not very liberal or welcome in these modern times but I am honest and that honesty is how I show my courage.
Finally, showing courage at home also means standing up for what you believe in, even when it’s not popular. This could involve speaking out against discrimination or defending someone who is being treated unfairly. When you stand up for your beliefs, you help create a more just and equitable world for everyone.
How to show courage in school
As a parent to a teenager (and having been one myself not that long ago #cough), I know it takes a lot of courage to be yourself in school. With all the pressure to fit in and be like everyone else, it can be hard to step out and be your own person. Here are some ways you can show courage in school:
- Speak up in class, even when you’re unsure of the answer. It takes guts to put yourself out there, but your classmates will respect you for it.
- Join a club or team that you’re passionate about, even if your friends aren’t doing it with you. It’s always better to go after what you want than to give into peer pressure.
- Be nice to someone who’s being bullied or left out. Showing compassion and kindness is a brave act, and it could make all the difference in that person’s life.
So don’t be afraid to be courageous in school! It’ll make your experience (and the world around you) that much better.
How do you show courage in everyday life?
I think courage shows up in lots of everyday life moments. For me, it’s definitely linked with body positivity. So many women are taught to be ashamed of their bodies, to diet and hate themselves into a smaller size. Screw that! I refuse to condemn myself for not looking like a model.
I am happy and healthy at my current size, and I have the courage to love my body just the way it is. That doesn’t mean I don’t have bad body days sometimes but on those days, I try to remember that my body is good enough just as it is. Then I eat a chocolate and cry a river then I dust myself off then push on, that takes courage.
How to show courage at work
Sometimes it’s the small things, like admitting when you’re wrong or taking on a project outside of your comfort zone. Other times, it might mean speaking up for yourself or someone else, even if it means going against the grain. No matter what form it takes, showing courage at work is always difficult. It’s important to remember that there is no one right way to be courageous.
What matters most is that you are true to yourself and your beliefs. So, next time you’re confronted with a difficult situation at work, take a deep breath and ask yourself what the most courageous thing would be. Then, follow your heart and see where it takes you, you might just be surprised by how brave you can be.
Acts of bravery
I am claustrophobic and have to be brave every time I enter an elevator or slide down an enclosed water slide. I have nightmares about it, but I face my fear every chance I get. Being afraid of something going not according to plan and not being in control is a part of my daily life.
I’m always trying to be brave and face my fears head on. It’s not easy however, every time I overcome one of my fears I feel more accomplished and empowered. Facing my fears has helped me to become a more compassionate and understanding person. When I see someone else facing their fears, I am able to offer them support and encouragement because I understand what they are going through.
Facing our fears is no piece of cake (more like a piece of vinegar pie), but it is an incredibly brave thing to do.
So, what Does It Mean To Be Brave And Courageous?
It is about not letting ourselves be held back by the opinions of others, or our own inner critic. So often we are our own worst enemies, sabotaging our dreams before they even have a chance to take flight. But when we muster up enough courage to face our fears head on, that is when real magic happens.
We can do anything we set our minds to – all it takes is a little bit of bravery and courage. What will you do today that scares you? How will you show yourself some love and compassion in the face of your fear? When we become braver and more courageous, we open up limitless possibilities for ourselves – let’s start this hero’s journey together!
Charlie
Charlene is a published author/writer who has embarked on a personal journey, with the hope of providing guidance, support and advice to all who may need it.