Think about your favorite movie or book characters. Are they calm amidst chaos, calculated in thought, or decisive in action? Chances are, you admire people who fearlessly do what you think you can’t, or you admire those who inspire you to try.
Seeing examples of courage in action shows us the possibilities and benefits of overcoming fear. But to truly learn how to be courageous, we must build the core skills within to stay strong and motivated during tough times.
To get grounded and stay ready no matter what you’re up against, the COURAGE acronym is your go-to. Let’s talk about it.
What is Courage and How Do You Build It?
Courage is the strength and bravery to overcome challenges, no matter how afraid or anxious you may feel in the moment.
Whether it’s public speaking, following a passion, expressing emotions, or standing up for yourself, we all have something that proves extra difficult. But if you allow fear to hold you back, will you ever learn how to be courageous? The quick answer is no.
The way to build courage is to prove to yourself that you can do difficult things, and to keep showing up. Our brains are wired for just that.
Keep reading to learn how to start building these core skills for courage now.
Use the COURAGE Acronym When You’re Anxious
No matter if you’re looking for actionable advice on how to become courageous, or you want a powerful tool during the times you need courage the most, the COURAGE acronym is your guide and reminder all-in-one.
Use this to build and sustain your courage, especially when you’re faced with a new or particularly tough challenge.
Consistent
Optimistic
Unbiased
Reflection
Authentic
Grit
Elevate
Let’s break down each pillar together.
Consistent
The more you learn to face your fears, the less the “fear” parts of your brain light up. Your nervous system is wired to protect you from danger, and your brain is wired based on your reactions.
The problem is, our nervous systems can’t tell the difference between real and perceived danger. Right before a big presentation, for example, your fight or flight response might kick in. So, how do you face it, and how do you teach your brain to settle down? Consistently facing your fears!
When you prove to yourself you can do difficult things, you help calm your nervous system by desensitizing your brain’s fear response. We’re talking about the amygdala—the little almond-shaped part of your brain that helps you detect threats and process emotions like anxiety. It’s there to help you, but it can sometimes exaggerate.
By exposing yourself to challenges, facing your fears, and staying consistent, your amygdala will learn to detect the true dangers to keep you safe while trusting you to handle business.
Optimistic
No guide on how to be courageous is complete without recognizing the role of positive thinking. If courage happens in the mind, then we must keep our minds positive to create positive outcomes.
Without optimism, your motivation and willpower will be less potent, and courage will take a backseat. If you are already thinking negatively or ruminating in self-doubt, you may unintentionally manifest a negative outcome. Allowing the fear of failure or unworthiness to consume you creates unnecessary blockages that hinder your success. Even if it feels delusional, a positive mindset will be your best friend.
Practice positive affirmations, adopt an alter ego, get a pep talk from a friend beforehand, or list out everything that could go right instead of wrong.
Try this affirmation: “I have the courage to show up, and trying makes me courageous. Even if it doesn’t work out, my effort is my strength.” Repeat it in the mirror for extra potency.
Unbiased
What good is trying if you’ve already counted yourself out? The key to courage is self-belief. Do your best to take an unbiased view of yourself and the situation, and know that you got this far because you are capable.
One of the best methods to limit self-imposed bias (whether you’re aware of it or not) is to talk to yourself like you would a friend. If a loved one reached out to you about a great opportunity, it’s doubtful you’d discourage them! Apply that same energy to yourself.
Another helpful practice is making a list (mental or written) of your accomplishments to get to where you are today. It can be personal or professional. For example, if you’re applying for a new job, you might take note of the skills and achievements that qualify you. If it is more personal, like ending a toxic relationship, spend time appreciating the internal work you’ve done to reach this point of clarity, strength, and power.
Reflection
As you gear up for your moment of courage, take a moment to reflect on what comes up mentally and emotionally. Are you immediately casting yourself out? Being hard on yourself? Feeling anxiety or panic? Experiencing any physical symptoms, like nausea, sweating, or trouble breathing? How you’re feeling and what you’re thinking deserve your attention.
If fears are creeping in or you’re experiencing anxiety, allow yourself to sit with the feeling, maybe with a hand over your heart. Acknowledge the doubt or anxiety, breathe into it, and assure yourself you are safe, OK, and still going to try. Speak some affirmations aloud or in your head, if that helps.
The more you take time to process your worries and feelings, the less intense they become, and the less they show up later when you do difficult things.
Authentic
No matter your situation—a work pitch, a social event where you know nobody, a big life change, or something else entirely—remember what makes you unique. There is only one version of you, and that is why you are valuable in any setting you enter. You were invited because they want you there, your presence is just as valuable as anyone else’s, and you deserve to make decisions that are best for you.
Try this exercise: Open your journal and write down at least three positive things that make you unique, or things you’re grateful for about yourself. Ask a loved one if you’re having trouble. Now, write down what you can do to honor those parts of yourself. If it’s your style, then make it a point to wear at least 3 outfits a week that reflect your taste. If it’s a hobby, take an hour out each week to enjoy it, simply for the sake of happiness. Learning how to be courageous means tapping into your strengths and motivations.
As you continue to ground into who you truly are, the right people and situations will align with you, and you will feel more comfortable showing up.
Grit
We all need a friendly voice in our head that tells us to get back up, keep our eyes on the prize, and continue trying. Grit is your guide on how to be courageous. It’s your push to dust yourself off when you fail, improve in areas of lesser strength, and take consistent action toward your goals.
Sometimes, it is not enough to rely on passion alone. Positive habits, discipline, and self-motivation are imperative as we move courageously throughout our lives.
If you need courage to leave your job, perhaps ask a friend to mock that conversation with you. If you’re revisiting a project that previously didn’t go as expected, set aside time to strategize improvements for this time around.
Whatever your situation, apply what “grit” looks like for you: Keeping a consistent routine, asking for help, setting daily reminders, or practicing regularly. Feeling prepared and disciplined builds courage.
Elevate
One of the most important aspects of courage is to continue growing. Stumbles and setbacks are wonderful teaching opportunities. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this? Make note of what you did well and not so well, and consider what you can do differently next time.
As you apply that knowledge, you elevate not only in external success but internal confidence. Handling challenges with greater ease means learning from mistakes, pivoting to improve, and remaining open-minded. That growth mindset is the key when building and embodying courage.
How to Be Courageous: Building Confidence and Discipline
Throughout our lives, we experience things and internalize lessons that either build or deconstruct our natural courage. With the practices above, self-worth returns, and dormant strength comes back online. The secret is to overrule your negative self-talk that dictates a fear of failure.
As you try the exercises in this article, you’ll notice that your nervous system calms down and tough situations become much more manageable. Be patient with yourself, and know that it takes consistent action, grit, and positive thinking to feel more natural over time.
Give these practices a try and let us know in the comments how you feel!