Choosing Courage to Own your Story

Courage Is In the Little Things

Courage does not always have to be this over-the-top or life-changing decision. It can be found even in the small, everyday decisions that we make. Like getting out of bed and facing the day when you feel a sense of dread come over you in the morning. Remaining consistent in your 5am exercise routine, even when you know it’s easier to stay in bed. Or maybe finally calling the friend you have been nervous to call to make amends.

Sometimes to become the best versions of ourselves we need to make choices that challenge us and take us out of our comfort zones – and that takes courage. A lot more courage than we give ourselves credit for.

Comfort: A Friend or Foe?

Comfort zones are easy – easy to settle into, easy to default to, easy to forget you’re in, and easy to remain stagnant in. And that’s because your comfort zone is also your safe zone.

There is a well-known quote that says, “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there” (often attributed to author, John Assaraf). This quote is an important reminder that though a comfort zone is safe and a good space to be in, it can also lead to complacency and stagnancy if we remain there too long.

We fear leaving our comfort zones because we want to avoid the vulnerability of discomfort. But often, we are required to in order to shape new habits and create a better narrative in support of our goals. Something interesting that many don’t realise is that the moment you get out of your comfort zone, you naturally grow and create another, potentially bigger, comfort zone. Realising that old comfort zone will never support you now.

But this isn’t to say that you must be constantly living on the edge, on the contrary, the message instead is to focus on knowing when is the time enjoy the comfort zone and when is the time to leave and grow yourself.

Owning Your Story Means Choosing Change

If you want to own your story, you cannot avoid change. You have to be willing to look at your life and ask: What needs to be different? And then, more importantly: Am I willing to be the one who changes it? Because no one else can do that part for you. Courage is an action, and an action can only begin by taking the first steps. Here are some ways that you can choose to be courageous and make the necessary changes:

(1)   Start before you feel ready

Waiting for confidence often keeps you stuck. Action is what builds confidence, not the other way around.

(2)   Make one small change

You do not need to overhaul your life overnight. Choose one habit, one mindset shift, or one behaviour and action it consistently.

(3)   Do the thing you’ve been avoiding

There is usually something you know you need to do but keep putting off. That is often where courage is required most.

(4)   Choose discipline

Not every decision will feel motivating, nor will you always feel you’re making progress. However, remaining consistent and being disciplined can push you through even the tough decisions/days.

(5)   Hold yourself accountable

Ownership means taking responsibility, even when it is uncomfortable.  You’re responsible for how your story is written – choose the story you want to read.

With these few steps, anyone can be courageous; even when we think we don’t have it in us. So, choose to be courageous today.