How to Act with Courage Even When You’re Afraid
“Scared is what you’re feeling. Brave is what you’re doing.”
— Emma Donoghue
Fear shows up in all our lives. Whether it’s starting a new chapter, speaking in public, making a tough decision, or simply showing up when you’d rather hide—feeling scared is natural. But here’s the truth I’ve come to believe deeply: fear doesn’t disqualify you from being brave. It proves you’re in the arena.
One moment from my life stands out: the first time I stood in front of hundreds of people to deliver a keynote speech. My palms were sweaty, my voice trembled at first, and I questioned whether I belonged there. But I showed up anyway. That wasn’t the absence of fear. That was bravery in motion.
Let’s explore five practical ways to live out this quote and turn fear into forward movement:
1. Name the Fear, Don’t Deny It
Bravery starts with honesty. When you name what scares you, you strip it of some of its power. Instead of saying, “I’m just stressed,” say, “I’m scared of failing at this.” Owning the fear gives you clarity—and clarity gives you direction.
Try this: Keep a small notebook or note on your phone titled Fear Inventory. When something unnerves you, write it down. You’ll be surprised how confronting it in writing makes it easier to handle.
2. Act While Feeling the Fear
Too often, we wait for fear to disappear before we act. But courage is moving through fear, not waiting for it to vanish. Some of my most meaningful accomplishments happened when I felt the least confident—but I took the next step anyway.
Example: When I began writing my first book, I worried no one would read it. But I kept writing, one paragraph at a time. That’s all bravery ever asks of us—one small, steady step.
3. Borrow Confidence from Others
Bravery doesn’t mean doing everything alone. When fear creeps in, reach out to someone who believes in you. Sometimes courage is letting someone else remind you of your strength when you forget.
Who’s your support team? Keep their words close. I have a folder of encouraging emails and notes that I revisit on hard days. Let others help lift you up when your legs feel shaky.
4. Visualize the Other Side
Fear is great at showing us what could go wrong. Bravery shows us what might go right. Take a moment to visualize what success or peace looks like on the other side of fear. Let that vision fuel you.
Practice this: Before a challenging moment, close your eyes and imagine how it feels once you’ve made it through. Let that version of yourself guide your next step.
5. Celebrate Acts of Courage—Big and Small
Recognizing your bravery builds more of it. Whether you had a hard conversation, pressed “publish” on a vulnerable post, or simply got out of bed when things felt heavy, that’s bravery. Honor it.
Create a ritual: At the end of each day, jot down one brave thing you did. It trains your mind to notice and reinforce courage, even in the midst of fear.
Final Thoughts:
Feeling scared doesn’t make you weak—it means you care. It means you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. And when you take action despite that fear, that’s what makes you brave.
So, the next time your heart pounds, your voice shakes, or your mind says “what if I fail?”—remember Emma Donoghue’s words. Scared is what you’re feeling. Brave is what you’re doing.
And if you need a gentle nudge, I’m cheering for you.
