The Power of Courage: Embracing Fear and Stepping Into Your Strength

Quote: “Courage is a muscle; it is strengthened by use.”

Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s taking action despite it. We often think of courage as something reserved for heroic acts or life-or-death situations, but in reality, courage is woven into the fabric of our everyday lives. It’s in the moments when we dare to be vulnerable, speak our truth, or take a step toward an unknown future. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by fear or self-doubt, this post is for you. Let’s explore how courage shows up in our lives and how we can cultivate more of it.

Courage comes in many forms. Sometimes, it’s about standing up for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. Other times, it’s about making difficult choices that align with our values, or facing a hard conversation head on. It can be found in the small but significant moments—asking for help, setting a boundary, or trying something new despite the fear of failure. Real courage is deeply personal and often invisible to others, yet it has the power to transform our lives.

Courage is often seen as an innate quality, something you either have or you don’t. But what if I told you that courage is something you can actively create? Research by Stanford University’s Kelly McGonigal reveals that “caring for others triggers the biology of courage and creates hope.” In other words, when you support someone else, your body releases oxytocin, a hormone that fosters empathy and trust while inhibiting the fear centers of the brain. This, in turn, generates courage. Additionally, serotonin—the neurotransmitter linked to well-being—helps propel us into action.

One of my bravest clients, Angie, was making herself sick with worry about attending a family funeral where she would face relatives notorious for pushing her buttons. As the youngest in her family, she had long felt like a punching bag, and she feared slipping back into that childhood role. When I asked what she truly wanted, she said, “I just want to avoid that anxiety of not knowing where the next attack is coming from.”

In our sessions, we worked on a strategy to transform her fear into courage. I asked, “What if you shifted your focus away from this fear? What if, instead of bracing for conflict, you made it your mission to help someone?” Her face lit up as she realized she could channel her energy into supporting the widow. “After all, that’s the real reason I’m going in the first place,” she said.

When we met after the funeral, Angie couldn’t wait to share her relief. “I focused on making sure the widow was cared for, and you know what? She inspired me to feel brave. I was so engaged in being there for her that I hardly even noticed my family’s usual jabs!”

Many people think having courage means being fearless, but that’s a myth. At its most paralyzing, fear can lead to withdrawal. It can tell us to avoid risks, stay safe, and retreat from discomfort. While fear is essential for survival, it can also hold us back from living fully. The key is learning to recognize fear for what it is—an instinct meant to protect us, not control us. Instead of running from it, we can harness it. Fear and courage are not opposites; they are partners. Fear signals that we’re stepping outside our comfort zone, into growth. And that makes way for courage.

The key is learning to move forward even when fear is present. When we stop waiting for fear to disappear and instead learn to coexist with it, we unlock our potential. One of the simplest ways to generate courage is by shifting our focus outward. When we engage in acts of kindness, we not only make a difference in someone else’s life, but we also override our own fear response. This was something I experienced firsthand while volunteering at a food bank in England.

At a particularly vulnerable time in my life, my work at the food bank gave me purpose. I

would start my designated volunteer day by shopping for essentials that were always in

high demand, load up my car, and spend the afternoon sorting donations and helping clients.

One day, a well-dressed woman arrived asking for Helen, our chairwoman. As she shared her story, I couldn’t help but see myself in her. She had once lived in a beautiful home, only to find herself and her two children suddenly locked out by her husband, her bank accounts frozen. With no access to money, she had to rely on friends for a place to stay. Though she quickly found a job, her first paycheck wouldn’t come for weeks, and government assistance was delayed. Coming to the food bank became the lifeline for her and her children.

She had returned that day to express her gratitude—she had finally found a place to live. Her story left an imprint on me. It reminded me that courage isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about taking the next step despite uncertainty. Most of the people we helped at the food bank never fully regained their footing, but providing them with enough to eat, even for just one week at a time, felt meaningful.

Fear often disguises itself as practicality. It convinces us that we need to be more prepared, more knowledgeable, or more secure before taking action. I saw this with my client, Cathy, who had always wanted to join an astronomy club. When I asked why she hadn’t, she hesitated.

“Oh no, I couldn’t do that,” she said.

“What’s stopping you?”

“I’m just not ready.”

As we talked, it became clear that her hesitation stemmed from fear. She assumed the club members were experts—likely older men with extensive knowledge. She worried about not knowing enough, about not belonging.

I asked her, “Is it possible that these men might enjoy sharing their knowledge with someone eager to learn? That you joining the club isn’t an inconvenience, but an opportunity for them?”

The shift in perspective changed everything. Cathy attended the next meeting, and as expected, the members welcomed her warmly, thrilled to share their passion. Often, the obstacles we perceive are simply stories we tell ourselves.

So how can you cultivate courage in your own life?

• Help Someone Else – When fear tempts you to withdraw, do the opposite. Engage with someone who needs support and watch your natural courage emerge.

• Fake It ‘Til You Make It – As Sheryl Sandberg says, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” Act as if fear isn’t a factor, and soon it won’t be.

• Expand Your Comfort Zone – Take small, calculated risks. Over time, your brain will adapt, and courage will become second nature.

• Visualize Success – Rehearsing courageous actions in your mind can make them feel more natural when the time comes to take them.

• Reframe Failure – What if failure isn’t something to fear but a stepping stone to growth? Every courageous act teaches us something valuable, regardless of the outcome.

• Surround Yourself with Support – Courage thrives in connection. Seek out relationships that encourage you to be bold and authentic.

• Remember Your Why – When fear feels overwhelming, reconnect with the deeper reason behind your actions. Purpose fuels bravery.

• Celebrate Your Bravery – Acknowledge and reward yourself for stepping outside your comfort zone, reinforcing a cycle of courage.

The reality is often far less terrifying than our fears make it out to be. Instead of waiting for life to prove this to you, why not reclaim your power now? Whatever fear is holding

you back, know this: courage is within your reach. And the best way to find it? Take the first step—however small—toward the life you truly want.

There was a time when fear held me back from making necessary changes in my life. I stayed in situations that no longer served me because the unknown felt terrifying. But when I finally found the courage to take action, I realized that fear was only as powerful as I allowed it to be. When I was navigating the uncertainty of my marriage, fear was paralyzing. My identity had been intertwined with my family for so long that I couldn’t imagine who I would be without it. But when my worst fear came to pass—when my marriage ended—I realized something powerful: I was still here. I had survived. And in that survival, I found my strength.

Each brave step led to another, and before I knew it, I had transformed my life. Looking back, I see that courage wasn’t about eliminating fear—it was about deciding that my dreams and well-being mattered more than my comfort zone.

Courage is a muscle, and like any muscle, it grows stronger with use. The more we practice leaning into fear rather than running from it, the more resilient and empowered we become. Whether you’re facing a big life change, a difficult conversation, or simply the challenge of showing up as your most authentic self, know that you already have courage within you. The key is to trust yourself and take that first step.

What’s one small act of courage you can take today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!