Becoming More Courageous by Becoming More You

When we think of courage, we often picture grand, dramatic acts—firefighters rushing into a burning building, activists standing up for justice, or leaders making daring business moves. But courage isn’t always about big, bold gestures. True courage often involves something more personal: the courage to be authentically, unapologetically you.

How many times have we stayed silent, held back an idea, or acted in ways that felt out of sync with our true selves because we feared judgment? This tendency, though natural, hides a profound truth: The more we embrace who we truly are, the more courageously we can face the world. Becoming more courageous starts with recognizing that authenticity fuels bravery. Here’s how.

Understand Your Core Values Courage flows from a strong sense of purpose. When we know our values—the things we’re willing to stand up for, protect, and advance—we become braver. By getting clear on what matters most to you, you’re creating a foundation from which to act fearlessly. Take a few minutes each day to reflect on what you stand for and why. Write it down, make it visible, and let it serve as a compass.

Stop Apologizing for Your Authenticity When was the last time you apologized for expressing an idea that came from the heart? Or maybe for a personality trait that you feared others might judge? I was reminded of this recently when my scoldy, uptight cousin, who ought to give people the benefit of the doubt, ripped into me for reaching out to her “distinguished” friend (do I sound a bit cranky here? Yeah, oh well. And NO, I'm not going to doxx my cousin). Here’s the thing: I’m not one to be impressed by titles or literary accolades—I talk to everyone as myself, referring to people as “young kid” because, well, that’s how my giant of a father used to. Was I being a little casual? Maybe. Did her friend mind? Not at all. In fact, we ended up connecting on Facebook, so I’d say that being myself paid off. Embracing who you are, quirks and all, builds an inner confidence that radiates courage. Let go of the need for others to validate every part of you. Own who you are.

Find Your Circle of Influence As we grow into our authentic selves, we begin to see how much impact we have on those around us. Whether we know it or not, there are people in our lives looking up to us, observing how we navigate challenges. By showing up courageously, we’re giving others permission to do the same. Each act of authentic bravery encourages others to follow suit.

Speak Up About Your Journey Embracing who you are also means sharing the journey—even the challenges and setbacks. By openly talking about your struggles and growth, you help build a culture where courage is not just celebrated but encouraged. Whether at work, with friends, or on social media, sharing your story inspires others to take a look at their own and start owning it with pride.

Give Yourself Permission to Evolve Authenticity isn’t static. Who you were five years ago may not be who you are today. And that’s not just okay—it’s wonderful. Give yourself the grace to grow, learn, and shift your values as you evolve. Let each chapter of your life inform the next and lead you to become a braver, more grounded version of yourself.

Start Small, Act Daily Courage isn’t always about taking giant leaps. More often, it’s in the small, everyday acts of authenticity: saying “no” when you need to, sharing a creative idea, asking a difficult question, or showing up to help when it counts. Start practicing small steps of courage that reflect your true self every day.

Final Thoughts: The Freedom of Authentic Courage The journey to authentic courage isn’t a straight line, and it’s not without its challenges. But the rewards of living courageously as yourself are extraordinary. When we let go of the need to conform and embrace who we truly are, we unlock new levels of freedom, joy, and, yes, courage. And this courage isn’t just for us—it ripples out, empowering those around us to do the same.

Ready to Begin Your Courageous Journey? If you’re inspired to live more courageously and bring that same spirit to your workplace, I’d love to connect with you. At thecourageinside.com/appointments, you’ll find a range of options to suit your needs—from complimentary intro calls to one-time individual sessions, group sessions, and 4x a month subscriptions. I also offer custom programs designed to help build a more courageous company and a more courageous you.

Whether you’re taking the first step or looking to deepen your journey, there’s a path for you. Visit thecourageinside.com/appointments and take your next step toward living large, being bold, and embracing the courage within.