Why do we need bravery

For this reason, you might feel fearful when approached by a stranger in a dark alley or you might feel fearful during a tornado. Instead of assuming that being fearful is a bad thing, look at it as an opportunity to learn more about who you are and why you might be afraid or less than thrilled about stepping out of your comfort zone.

You might find that if you take the time to name your fear and understand why it's there, that you will uncover a better idea of how to overcome it or be courageous in spite of it. In fact, research shows that putting your feelings into words helps curb your negative responses to fear.

Instead, it makes you brave. After all, it is not easy to acknowledge where you are vulnerable. So, if you are able to acknowledge your fears, you're one step closer to being courageous. Consequently, rather than minimizing your fear or denying that it exists, recognize what is holding you back.

By acknowledging your fear—either by writing it down or by sharing it with a supportive person—you are empowering yourself to be courageous in spite of feeling fearful. When it comes to living a life filled with courage, it helps to begin by identifying what you're good at as well as where you have been successful. In fact, research shows that people who recognize and develop their strengths not only feel happier and less depressed but are also more resilient.

Additionally, knowing what you're good at helps boost your confidence, which makes it more likely you will take risks and be courageous. Likewise, when you're confident in your abilities, you're much more willing to go all-in when an opportunity presents itself. What's more, when you are struggling with fear and want to incorporate more courage in your life, it's natural to focus on your shortcomings and your weaknesses. But, doing this just makes it less likely that you will feel courageous.

For this reason, it's important to think about what you're good at as a way of building your confidence and your courage. When it comes to being courageous, it's helpful to imagine not only the worst thing that could happen if you take a risk but also what would happen if you didn't act at all. Many times, comparing the two extremes is all you need to move beyond your fears because most of the time, the worst thing that could happen is often minimal in comparison to what you could gain by acting.

If you regularly use comparisons like these, you will build an immunity to letting your fears control you over time. Additionally, you can create scenarios where you envision yourself doing something that you're afraid of.

Imagine how you will handle each possible scenario including how you might respond or what you might say. These exercises are a way for you to practice being courageous without having to put yourself out there until you feel ready. When you let fear keep you from doing something fun, going after something you want, or expressing who you are at your core, it can result in a life that is not truly lived. And if you want to change that aspect of your life, it's going to take being intentional about your life.

Building your courage muscles requires that you push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Consequently, choose some scenarios that make you uncomfortable, but where the stakes are not as high.

In other words, practice being courageous by overcoming little fears like meeting new people or eating alone in a restaurant before you tackle something like taking the lead on a project or heading up your community's toy drive. By starting small, you can get used to being courageous without a lot of risks at first. Eventually, you will get to the point where you can take bigger risks.

Sometimes people experience fear or feel like they lack courage simply because they are exhausted and the thought of doing anything more just seems too overwhelming. If you find that you're feeling overwhelmed, frazzled, or bogged down, look for ways to relieve stress. It's hard to feel courageous when you are stressed out. Consequently, look for ways to reduce the stress in your life. In addition to taking care of yourself, look for ways to unwind and decompress.

In some instances, that might mean taking a short vacation or some much-needed time off work. Everyone needs a break now and then. So, if you feel too overwhelmed with the thought of trying to be more courageous, it could be that you first need to reduce the stress in your life. Every courageous act should be celebrated—especially if living courageously is something new for you. So, don't fail to acknowledge the times when you acted with courage despite feeling fearful. It's important to pat yourself on the back and recognize the effort it took to overcome your fear.

In fact, experts acknowledge that those who celebrate small wins tend to be more successful in the long run. Of course, you don't have to shout it from the rooftops or blast it on social media, but make a mental note of what you accomplished and allow yourself to feel good about that. You may even want to keep a journal of these little acknowledgments to reflect on at times when you're feeling discouraged or like your life lacks courage.

Doing so will keep you from engaging in negative thoughts or assuming that you will never be courageous. Most people are afraid of failure, which often keeps them stagnate or stuck in the same place. Why not start your free trial today and see how we can help? Unlock your best self with mental fitness routines with Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir.

Follow us. Bravery versus courage: What is the difference? By Shonna Waters, PhD. July 1, - 13 min read. Share this article. Jump to section Definition of bravery Definition of courage The difference between bravery and courage How to use bravery vs courage at work The importance of mindfulness Bravery versus courage: Ready to use both?

So what, exactly, is the difference between bravery vs courage? Definition of bravery The main thing that really sets the mental state of bravery apart is a lack of fear. For example, in Italian, it means bold. Need an example of a brave act? Imagine a soldier charging into battle. As a less extreme example, you can think about kids on a playground. There's a strong air of confidence that surrounds the concept of bravery.

Definition of courage The origin of the word courage is distinct and separate from that of bravery. People often define courageous acts as something that comes from the heart. In contrast, exercising bravery is more often done without as much thought. Bravery is more likely to be an expression of sheer strength.

On the other hand, courage is undertaken with full awareness and fear. How to use bravery vs courage at work Bravery and courage can be applied to all areas of your life. Both of these concepts have their own place in different work and leadership situations. You might also run into situations at work where courage is required. The importance of mindfulness The major difference between bravery and courage is the level of mindfulness involved.

Now you know the key differences between bravery vs courage. Bravery is more spontaneous and involves setting fear aside. Read Next. Stay connected with BetterUp. Get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research.

My friend was able to gather the bravery to stand up to the bully bullying someone else. These were some reasons why facing fears could help you succeed. Overcoming obstacles in life could help in many ways. For example, you could finally be able to go on the roller coasters with your whole family. My sister was brave enough to go on the roller coaster so we could go as a family again.

Or, you could go to a haunted house with your friends.