Brave

"Bravery is not the absence of fear, but taking action despite it." This book asks a critical question: What could you achieve if you were just a little braver every day?

1. Strength Comes from Facing Your Fears

Courage grows when you repeatedly confront your fears. Instead of letting fear dictate your actions, stepping into discomfort strengthens your confidence. Facing what scares you – whether it’s public speaking or pursuing a new career – allows you to build "courage muscles" over time.

Imagine tackling small fears first. If hosting a dinner makes you nervous, invite a few loved ones to start. Gradually, you’ll find bigger challenges like addressing an audience less daunting. Taking that first daring step creates momentum for personal growth and transforms fears into opportunities.

Procrastinating because of fear prevents progress. Acknowledge your fears and break them down to understand what holds you back. This practice lets you approach problems constructively, helping you move forward with clarity and determination.

Examples

• A teenager faces his fear of heights by skydiving and grows more resilient.
• Hosting social events helps someone overcome shyness and build social confidence.
• Public speakers conquer stage fright by imagining the positive outcomes of their talks.

2. Embrace What Makes You Unique

Living authentically means accepting your differences instead of hiding them. Carly Findlay, who has a visible skin condition, learned to embrace her appearance and became a voice for those who feel "different." Her story is proof that individuality can be a source of strength.

Many people shy away from showing their true selves due to fear of rejection. However, when you fully accept who you are, you interact more naturally and confidently with others. In today’s world, authenticity stands out and is often celebrated.

Encouraging kids and adults alike to follow their passions, regardless of societal norms, can change their lives. A boy who loves fashion, for example, shouldn’t have to conform to stereotypes. Doing what truly brings joy enriches not only your life but also inspires those around you.

Examples

• Carly Findlay advocates for embracing unique appearances.
• A boy interested in fashion chooses to openly pursue his passion despite stereotypes.
• People who embrace their individuality often attract genuine connections.

3. Speak Up for What You Believe

Staying silent when you feel strongly about something can lead to regret. Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai risked her life to speak out on girls’ education in Pakistan. Despite the dangers, she refused to let fear suppress her values.

Every day, people avoid confrontation due to fear of judgment or discomfort. Yet failing to express yourself chips away at self-respect. Understanding your values deeply makes it easier to stand up for them, even when it's challenging.

Preparation is key to voicing your beliefs effectively. Reflecting on why you care about specific issues equips you to respond confidently in critical moments. Speaking out doesn’t just help you grow personally; it can inspire change in others and the world.

Examples

• Malala Yousafzai’s powerful advocacy in the face of danger.
• Defending values like equality or honesty in everyday conversations.
• Preparing arguments against discrimination by reflecting on its impact.

4. The Courage to Speak From the Heart

Sharing your feelings, especially when they make you vulnerable, requires boldness. It’s easier to avoid difficult conversations, but holding back often leads to resentment. Instead, speaking candidly can resolve misunderstandings and create deeper relationships.

You need a thoughtful approach when expressing yourself. Start by clarifying that you are sharing your own perspective. This helps prevent the conversation from escalating into blame or defensiveness. Balance honesty with empathy to build bridges rather than walls.

Focusing on actions instead of labeling someone’s character leads to more constructive outcomes. For example, pointing out unfair behaviors rather than calling someone "unfair" avoids personal accusations, helping find effective solutions.

Examples

• A colonel learns a new type of bravery by speaking honestly about difficult topics.
• An employee describes her concerns about being overlooked for promotion, feeling more empowered.
• Couples who communicate feelings honestly tend to resolve conflicts more effectively.

5. Be Your Own Advocate

Modesty might seem virtuous, but in a competitive world, self-promotion is important. Letting others know your strengths and value isn’t boastful; it’s necessary. When you don’t articulate what you bring to the table, you risk being overlooked.

Highlighting your accomplishments in a professional way can open doors. Think of advocating for yourself as a way to help others see how you can contribute. It’s not about inflating your ego but about demonstrating value with confidence.

Passion is also an important factor. When you choose work you truly care about, self-promotion feels more natural and less uncomfortable. This enthusiasm becomes contagious, leaving others inspired and interested in your potential.

Examples

• A job seeker shares her unique skills confidently to land her dream role.
• Entrepreneurs promote what they offer without resorting to arrogance.
• Employees display their achievements in ways that align with team goals.

6. Decide with Courage When the Future Feels Uncertain

Decision-making can seem overwhelming when outcomes are unpredictable. However, constant hesitation can be even more stressful. When faced with unknowns, making a decision and committing to it is often the braver and healthier choice.

Trying to predict every possibility can drain time and energy. Instead, weigh your options reasonably, then act. Acknowledge that no decision will be perfect, but many can lead to meaningful opportunities.

Embracing action over endless planning builds resilience. The process of deciding, especially in uncertain times, teaches adaptability and bolsters your confidence for future challenges.

Examples

• Job-seekers weigh offers thoughtfully but avoid over-analyzing.
• A couple pursuing career changes decides to leap into new opportunities.
• Small business owners act decisively to adapt during economic uncertainty.

7. Asking for Help is a Strength

Society often equates independence with strength, but real courage comes from being open about your needs. The author’s friend Mona, diagnosed with breast cancer, learned the importance of seeking support during tough times.

Asking for help shows a willingness to be vulnerable – a significant act of bravery. It fosters stronger connections with others and reminds you that you are part of a community. No one succeeds alone, and acknowledging this truth builds character.

Receiving assistance isn’t a sign of weakness. Accept support as a gift from others rather than feeling shame or guilt. Helping each other amplifies strength within relationships and among communities.

Examples

• Mona accepted help graciously during her cancer battle.
• Communities thrive when people turn to each other in times of crisis.
• Friends and family feel valued when their support is accepted.

8. Acknowledge Your Grief

Experiencing grief or loss is common, but avoiding or numbing the pain won’t help. Instead of running from sadness, give it your full attention. This approach allows you to process emotions and eventually move forward.

Distracting yourself through unhealthy behaviors – like overworking or substance use – only prolongs the pain. Facing grief directly, while hard, leads to growth and understanding. It’s a necessary step to appreciating the joys of life again.

Even hardship can lead to good outcomes when reflected upon. Cancer survivors, for instance, often gain profound perspective on what matters most in life after enduring their struggles.

Examples

• The author faced the overwhelming grief of losing her brother to suicide.
• Cancer survivors report appreciating life more after their challenges.
• People who reflect on loss often find deeper purpose and clarity about their values.

9. Gratitude Requires Courage

Practicing gratitude may not seem daring, but it means setting aside ego and self-pity. Finding reasons to be thankful, even during hard times, shifts your mindset toward positivity and possibility. It’s an act of inner bravery to acknowledge and cherish what life offers.

Gratitude brings a sense of empowerment, as you begin to see that your ability to create success already exists within you. Recognizing all you have invites you to take responsibility and shape your path forward without excuses or blame.

This simple courageous act improves personal well-being. Having a grateful heart often leads to better relationships and increased happiness, as you connect with others and your own potential more deeply.

Examples

• People recovering from loss find hope through practicing gratitude.
• Thankfulness helps individuals find momentary relief even on tough days.
• Grateful employees often enjoy stronger team dynamics and motivation.

Takeaways

1. Challenge yourself to do one thing every day that pushes you outside your comfort zone, no matter how small.
2. Take time to articulate your values and beliefs, so you’re ready to stand up for them when the moment arises.
3. Reflect on three things you’re truly grateful for every day, and let that gratitude drive new opportunities and connections.