Why taking action feels so challenging
Fear isn’t a sign of weakness. We have been programmed with this natural, biological response that seeks to promote our survival.
It was once crucial in helping our ancestors escape the jaws of man-eating beasts, or flee from enemy arrows.
Nowadays, man has largely mastered his environment and is no longer subjected to the constant imminent dangers posed by it in the past. Nevertheless, our protective instincts still kick in when we confront the thought of making changes to our status quo.
The risk-averse ego’s approach is very much one of: “If it aint broke don’t fix it”. In other words, why risk venturing beyond the comfort zone if it’s not necessary?
Even actions that we know offer the potential for huge rewards and little downside, can require a surprising amount of courage to take.
Think about applying for a promotion, engaging in a difficult conversation, or simply deciding to embark on a new exercise routine.
Fear, though seemingly unrealistic, can loom large.
It whispers to us, “What if you fail?” “What if you face rejection?” “What if you look foolish?”
And so, we allow our worst-case scenarios to dominate in our minds and we stay stuck, unable to act. We miss our moment and allow regret and frustration to build.
The ironic paradox
The paradox – and an empowering insight – is this. Courage is the by-product of action. Courage builds as a result of the actions we take.
Neuroscience tells us that when we move through fear, we activate the prefrontal cortex, shutting down the panic centre in the brain. The more we practice, the more we wire ourselves for boldness.
So the secret lies in summoning up just enough courage to take a small action. Then we kickstart a virtuous cycle.
Write your fear down, give it a name, compare the cost of acting versus not acting.
These are all practical steps that serve to neutralise the hold fear exerts on you and change your mindset so that it becomes an invitation to grow, not a stop sign.
Practical ways to build your “courage muscle”
1. Take baby steps
Speak up in a meeting, enrol in a class, make a telephone call, write an action list. Tiny actions breed courage and that results in bigger actions and more courage.
2. Replace worst fears with possibilities
Rather than “How stupid will I look if I fail?” think: “How will this change my life for the better if it works out?”
3. Map your courage gaps
Consider where you’ve avoided conflict, stayed silent, or held back on your dreams. Write these instances down. Then consider how smaller actions can help you bridge these courage gaps.
4. Celebrate small acts of courage
By recording your moments of courage, you will build momentum. Your courageous choices, no matter how seemingly small, will add up and empower you to do more.
5. Build a support group
Being around people who acknowledge and encourage our boldness fuels further action, which adds to our courage.
6. Reinvent your approach to failure
See every misstep as a valuable lesson. Rather than viewing failure as the end, see it as just another layer of a resilient foundation that you are building.
How a life coach can make all the difference
Summoning courage on your own can often feel overwhelming and lonely.
Hiring a life coach can make a significant and meaningful impact. Here’s how:
Accountability and focus
Coaches get you started by helping you define small, clear, bite‑sized actions. As your courage grows, they show you ways to develop bolder, more significant actions, and then hold you accountable to take them.
Reframing beliefs
If self-limiting thoughts like “I’m not enough” are holding you back, a life coach can gently help you break them down and replace them with more empowering ones.
Emotional support
The uncertainty associated with big change can bring strong emotions to the fore. A life coach will offer a safe space in which you can express these emotions — for example, fear, hope, doubt — without judgement.
Sustainable growth
Exercising courage shouldn’t be a single act — it should be a lifelong practice. A coach will guide you to integrate courage into your daily routines and habits.
Real‑life ripple effects
Consider the story of someone who decided to have an honest conversation at work about taking on more responsibilities.
It felt risky. It was a little risky. But because they started small with the help of a coach they rehearsed, reframed expectations, and took the leap. That one conversation led to clearer goals, more confidence, and a renewed belief in their own value and greater personal satisfaction.
Bringing it all together
If you truly want change, but find that your fear speaks with a louder voice, here’s your path:
1. Acknowledge your fear, write it down.
2. Reframe the change as an opportunity to learn and grow.
3. Plan a tiny next step that will move you forward.
4. Decide on a celebration once it’s done.
5. Enlist support—a trusted friend, mentor or life coach—and commit to further action.
By doing these things, you build courage, not by waiting for it, but by acting through it.
Why investing in a life coach is a courageous act
Choosing to work with a life coach is, in itself, a courageous step. It says, “I matter. My growth matters. I’m ready to be supported and held accountable.”
A coach will champion you in the ‘ring’. The coach will help you get started, encourage you to face up to challenges, inspire you to greater heights, and cheer you on.
If you’re yearning for change – whether that be in the form of personal or professional growth, improved relationships, greater wellbeing or whatever – and fear is whispering “not yet”, consider this: the opposite of courage isn’t fear – it’s regret.
And regret reverberates far longer than a brief moment of discomfort.
So, summon that courage today.
Start with one small step. Hire a coach if you choose. Do what matters, and in time you’ll look back and realise you’ve built a life defined by purpose, authenticity and resilience. And you’ve become exactly who you wanted to be.
Are you ready to begin?
