Courage as a Skill: Why Taking Risks Matters

Courage isn’t just a virtue we admire in heroes and leaders—it’s a skill we can intentionally develop. At the heart of courage is the willingness to take risks, to step into the unknown, and to embrace discomfort in service of growth. But if it’s so valuable, why do so many of us struggle to take the risks that could lead to transformation?

One powerful reason lies in our deep-seated need to belong. Neuroscience reveals that emotional pain—such as being ridiculed or ostracized—activates the same regions of the brain as physical pain. This overlap explains why the fear of standing out or failing publicly can feel so overwhelming. It’s not just embarrassment; it’s a primal response, hardwired into us as social beings.

Dr. Brené Brown, in her seminal book The Gifts of Imperfection, underscores this point. She argues that many of us value “being cool and in control” over expressing our authentic selves. This trade-off often leads us to betray our own potential. Instead of unleashing our “passionate, goofy, heartfelt, and soulful expression,” we shrink, prioritize fitting in, and avoid the risks that could lead to personal or professional breakthroughs.

Anna Nalick captures this internal conflict beautifully in her song 2 AM (Breathe):

“2 AM and I’m still awake, writing a song If I get it all down on paper, it’s no longer inside of me, Threatening the life it belongs to And I feel like I’m naked in front of the crowd Cause these words are my diary, screaming out loud And I know that you’ll use them, however you want to.”

Nalick’s lyrics highlight the raw vulnerability of risk-taking. Whether it’s sharing a song, pitching a bold idea at work, or pursuing a life change, stepping into the arena can feel like standing naked in front of a crowd. Yet, this is precisely where courage is born.

How to Build Courage Through Intentional Risks

If courage is a skill, then we can get better at it with practice. Here are three intentional ways to cultivate courage by embracing risk:

1. Start Small, but Start

Not all risks need to be monumental. Begin by taking small steps outside your comfort zone. This could mean speaking up in a meeting, sharing a creative idea, or initiating a difficult conversation. Each small act of courage builds a foundation for larger, more transformative risks.

2. Reframe Failure

Fear of failure often holds us back, but failure is not the opposite of success—it’s a step on the path to it. Reframe failure as feedback, a necessary part of growth. Celebrate the effort rather than the outcome, and remember that every courageous act, successful or not, strengthens your resilience. One of my favorite failure quotes is from entrepreneur Steven Bartlett: "Failure is feedback, feedback is knowledge, knowledge is power".

3. Embrace Vulnerability

True courage requires vulnerability. As Brené Brown reminds us, vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage. Allow yourself to be seen, flaws and all. The more you practice this, the less power fear has over you.

The Freedom on the Other Side of Courage

Taking risks and building courage is not just about achieving external success. It’s about aligning with your authentic self. It’s about unleashing the “passionate, goofy, heartfelt, and soulful” parts of you that—when expressed—bring not only personal freedom but also deeper connections with others.

Yes, risk-taking is scary. Emotional pain is real, and the fear of rejection or ridicule can be paralyzing. But consider the alternative: a life constrained by the need to fit in, where your true self remains hidden. As Nalick’s lyrics remind us, suppressing who we are “threatens the life it belongs to.”

Courage, then, is not just a skill; it’s a necessity. By taking intentional risks, by leaning into vulnerability, and by practicing courage daily, we not only grow as individuals but inspire those around us to do the same. And that’s a risk worth taking.