10 Ways to Live a More Courageous Life

We shouldn't let FEAR stop us from what we want and what we deserve.

I talk to and have coached lots of people, and the most common thing that gets in people's way of success is fear. Most of us have that little voice that speaks to us. He sits on your shoulder and whispers in your ear...

That's dangerous!

Watch out!

Just wait...give it time...

I'm not so sure about that?

And my favorite...I wouldn't do that if I were you!

We often let fear dictate our decisions. However, living a courageous life is one of the best ways to succeed in business and life. According to Aristotle, courage is the first of human virtues because it makes all others possible. Famous positive thinker Dale Carnegie once advised people to do what they fear as the quickest way to conquer fear. So how do you banish fear and live the life you want? 

1. Embrace vulnerability

People who live fear-based lives often have little or no confidence in themselves. If you feel afraid of other people seeing who you are, open up, and become more vulnerable. Although some will be critical, you will find more positives from people who appreciate the real you. 

2. Admit you have fears

In addition to opening yourself up to others, admit you have fears. Identifying and verbalizing what you are truly afraid of gives you the information and power you need to overcome your fears and insecurities.

3. Face your fears

Exposing yourself to your fears is a great way to overcome a phobia, or something that scares you. It's time to strap on that parachute and skydive if you are afraid of heights. By facing that fear you will find a new level of confidence you did not know existed.

4. Think positively

Part of a positive attitude is allowing others to love you and show you affection. If you are the kind of person who refuses favors, let others do nice things for you. It's hard at first but being grateful, showing gratitude and accepting others will change your mindset.

5. Reduce your stress

Sometimes you experience fear due to exhaustion. Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise. Take breaks and take your vacation time. We all need a break. 

6. Demonstrate courage

Another way to overcome fear is to show your courage. Take the time to help a person who needs help. Ask for that promotion. Take that job across the country. Do that shark dive you were scared to do. Do something regularly that challenges you and your sense of safety. 

7. Know failure but press forward

If you fail, don't curl up into a ball or head to a metaphorical corner. Instead, keep moving forward. Try again and again. There are all kinds of overused sports quotes you could use here, but if you quit or give up, that will stick with you. 

8. Cope with risk and uncertainty

You can conquer your fears by learning to deal with life's difficulties. If you fear losing your home to a foreclosure, set up an emergency savings account. If you fear losing your spouse to another person or losing your client, figure out what it takes to keep them. 

9. Continue to learn

Continue to grow by constantly trying to learn and improve your skills. Take all opportunities to learn a new skill. Read top thought leader's books and read everything you can about your industry. The more you know, the less risk you have to take to be successful. 

10. Ask for help

Instead of hiding, face what lies ahead. The important thing is none of us has to do it alone. Once you find your tribe and those people you connect with life is richer for it. Cultivate your network and your relationships. Work at building those relationships. Invest time and energy into others, and they will do the same for you. You friends can help you stay focused on growth and being your best self.

In many cases, fear is just in your head. Most of what you fear will never come to pass. We shouldn't let FEAR drive our decisions. We shouldn't let FEAR stop us from what we want and what we deserve. We shouldn't let fear have control. No of these points are complicated to understand but they are hard to do. However, the sooner you start trying to face your FEARS the sooner you can start living a more Courageous Life.

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Rhett Power was recently named the 2018 Best Small Business Coach in the U.S., joined Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches, and was named the #1 Thought Leader on Entrepreneurship by Thinkers360. He is CEO of Power Coaching and Consulting in Washington, DC, and hosts Power Lunch Live, one of the most popular business talk shows on LinkedIn's live platform. Check out his fantastic line up of guests and listen to past episodes at www.powerlunch.live.

If you enjoyed this article, here are a few other ways to connect with Rhett. You can read his regular columns on Inc. Magazine, Forbes, and Thrive Global. For speaking and coaching inquiries, please email [email protected].