For instance, if trying to conquer a particular fear hasn't been working for you, then the idea is to work on developing courage.
Contrary to what some may believe, courage is not a quality you are, or are not, born with. It is one that can be cultivated and honed.
Nor, does acquiring courage necessarily entail doing something dramatic or astoundingly heroic. On a day-to-day basis many ordinary folk summon uncommon courage to overcome both physical and psychological barriers in order to achieve a variety of necessities and goals.
What then is courage?
Courage is the mental and emotional preparedness and ability to deal with difficult, challenging, and sometimes seemingly impossible circumstances. It is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, intimidation and other threats.
Why should we aspire to develop courage?
When we work to develop courage, we both empower ourselves with the ability to confront problems head on, as well as, acquire the skills required to deal with life's inevitable challenges.
Courage is a psychological muscle!
Indeed, when we build any muscle, we do so in order to build strength and resilience. At a time when many of us resort to harmful and counterproductive substances to deal with problems, we would do better to rely upon a healthy supply of courage.Undoubtedy, it is the wiser alternative.
In building strategies for living a more productive, happy and meaningful life, developing courage is yet another way to take responsibility for your state of mind, your circumstances and your well-being.
As Maxwell Maltz, author of Psycho-Cybernetics, points out:
Ask any soldier or warrior who has had to venture forth in
battle. Few would deny feeling fear and uncertainty beforehand.
Likewise, you need not read much further than stories from
9/11 to be moved and inspired. Consider the courage and bravery of the
ordinary men and women, the firefighters, the police and all those who
gave their lives to save others. Who can forget the accounts of their
honorable actions and how they didn't think twice about consequences to
themselves?
Slowly, but surely build up your courage by doing the
things you typically shy away from. Building courage in this way can
help you when it's time to quit that job you are not suited for or
leaving a relationship that you've long since outgrown.
Related articles:
Enjoy these - Quotes on Courage
10 Sure-Fire Habits for Achieving Mental
Toughness
Overcoming Fear
Dare to Be an Original