Simple Acts of Courage

Simple Acts of Courage

By Steve Pavlina

One way to train your courage muscles(ˈməsəl) is simply to decide that you’re going to lean(lēn) in a courageous(kəˈrājəs) direction when the opportunity arises(əˈrīz). Don’t worry about big, bold acts that require an 8+ level of courage on a 1-10 scale(skāl). Instead look for some 3s and 4s that you can do more easily.

When you lean towards these easier opportunities to exercise courage, it can help those 8s, 9s, and 10s seem more accessible(akˈsesəbəl), like they’re 1-2 notches(näCH) lower than before. Moreover, the 5s, 6s, and 7s will start to feel more accessible too.

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Building momentum(mōˈmentəm,mə-) with baby steps can be more powerful than we realize, not just with courage but with other personal growth improvements as well. Imagine starting with an easy courage challenge and building up to actually doing one that you framed(frāmd) as impossible in only 10 minutes. Can that be done? Of course.

Time-wise(wīz) many courage challenges take only seconds. How long does it take to perform an act of courage in your daily life?

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Try this as a simple exercise: Pick a value you desire to improve your alignment(əˈlīnmənt) with. Then invite reality to provide(prəˈvīd) some relatively easy challenges that you can accept within the next few days. When you spot one of those challenges, lean in with action. Give reality the benefit of the doubt when you’re wondering if you’ve spotted one.

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If you don’t consciously lean towards your values, you’ll be nudged(nəj) to lean in directions that may not serve you as well. For instance, you’ll find yourself leaning into action with easy and accessible breadcrumbs(ˈbredˌkrəm) online, and soon you’re flowing into more immersive(iˈmərsiv) actions that may be misaligned(ˌmisəˈlīnd) with your values. This can cost you time and energy that you’d rather invest elsewhere.

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https://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2020/02/simple-acts-of-courage/