9 Simple Ways to Pluck Up Your Courage

There are simple ways to pluck up our courage. We all have courage. But we all are vulnerable at times. It is thus not always easy to pluck up your courage. Read “The Ultimate Truth About Courage Uncovered” to see how you under-estimate your inner strength. You are more courageous than you think.

So, let us look at ways to pluck up your courage.

Make a list of at least 10 times when you were courageous.

Remember that it is not only heroic deeds that take courage. Perhaps you stood up for someone who was treated unfairly. You could have been retrenched and now have the daily courage to seek a new job. Saying “I was wrong” or “I am sorry”, takes remarkable courage. You need to be exceptionally brave to raise children. Some days getting up and doing your daily duties takes extraordinary courage. Stick your list where you can see it every day. Think of yourself as a brave and courageous person.

Accept that you will have challenges.

That is the nature of life. Some challenges are unexpected like having a car accident. Others you can see coming and you have time to prepare yourself. If you can change the event examine the different scenarios available. Then choose and act. If you cannot change the event, you can still choose the best plan of action. Acknowledge and feel the emotions. If you don’t, they will hang around and make your life miserable.

It takes inner strength to admit that you are vulnerable.

Vulnerability does not mean that you are weak. It means that you are human. It takes courage to admit that you are scared. Only a brave person shows genuine emotion. Then go on and face your fears. Expose yourself gradually to situations that you dread. You can do this by reading, watching videos, visualization, or roleplay. Remember, failure is only a lesson to be learned. Courage means to get up and start all over again.

Knowledge is power.

These days it is easy to gain knowledge. Read, read, and read more. Read everything that can help you in challenging situations. Enrol in a first aid course, learn self-defence, or how to change a tyre. Learn about emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and successful relationships. The more you know, the easier it becomes to be courageous.

Set boundaries.

If you do not have boundaries people will invade your personal space. It takes courage to tell your children that they are not allowed to take your personal belongings. Your best friend might not appreciate it if you ask her not to phone during dinner time. Your parents may find it hard to understand that you work from home. People do not like boundaries. But they must learn to respect it. “No” is such a small word. It is also so difficult to use. Practise it until you know how and when to use it.

Identify and use your safety net.

Friends and family are gold. They support you through the difficult times in your life. Talk to the people you trust. That often helps to categorise your thoughts and clear your head. Listen to others’ opinions. You may see a different perspective on your challenge. And it may be difficult but ask for help. Using your safety net is an easy and simple way to pluck up your courage.

Make time for self-care.

Daily courage takes energy and clear thinking. Be disciplined and eat healthy, exercise and sleep enough. If you do that, you are already a courageous woman. Do something that you enjoy. Take up gardening, go to art classes, or go for a massage. Set your boundaries so that everybody knows when your me-time is. Self-care enhances your inner strength. It is crucial if you want to live with courage.

Build confidence.

Courage is like a muscle. The more you exercise the stronger it becomes. With every little courageous act, you become tougher. You will become more disciplined. As you gradually identify your strengths you will learn to trust yourself. Confidence is the result of living a courageous life. It is to know that you have what it takes to make the best choice and act on it.