Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is just take the next small step.
We all face moments when fear or doubt shows up. Maybe you're standing at the edge of a choice that could change everything. Maybe you're stuck in old habits that are hard to shake. Or maybe you're just trying to show up and be better today than you were yesterday. In those moments, courage matters most—not the loud, flashy kind, but the real, quiet kind. The kind that says, “I’m scared, but I’ll keep going.”
Whether you're facing a tough decision, trying to change your life, or picking yourself back up after falling down, these quotes can help you feel grounded. They’re reminders that you’re not alone, and that courage doesn’t mean not being afraid. It means doing the right thing anyway.
Here are 20 powerful quotes to help you find strength in brave moments—plus how to actually live them out.
1. “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” – Mary Anne Radmacher
When I was trying to quit binge eating, I failed more times than I can count. I’d do great for a few days, then crash and start over. This quote reminded me that setbacks don’t mean you’ve failed forever. They just mean you’re still in the fight.
Try this: If you mess up, forgive yourself and try again the next day. Courage is choosing not to quit.
2. “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” – Winston Churchill
Fear is automatic. We all feel it. But courage? That’s something you choose. When I first committed to losing 110 pounds, I was terrified I’d fail publicly. But I decided to start anyway. One small move, like walking after dinner or cutting one bad habit, shifted everything.
Try this: Take one small action today, even if you’re afraid.
3. “You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
This quote was gold during my weight loss journey. I didn’t have a perfect plan. I just started walking, drinking more water, and cutting out soda. Those tiny steps built confidence.
Try this: Don’t wait until you feel ready. Just start.
4. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” – Nelson Mandela
You can be scared and still be brave. When I quit gaming after years of addiction, it wasn’t easy. Games were my escape. Letting go felt like losing a part of myself. But courage helped me build a better life.
Try this: When fear talks loud, take one action anyway. You’ll silence it with movement.
5. “Do the thing you fear and the death of fear is certain.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Fear thrives when you avoid it. It shrinks when you face it head-on. I avoided the gym for years because I was embarrassed. I thought people would judge me. But stepping through those doors the first time changed everything.
Try this: Face one small fear this week. You’ll grow stronger every time.
6. “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
You don’t need perfect gear, the right timing, or the latest app. I lost over 110 pounds using cheap shoes, YouTube workouts, and home-cooked meals. What matters is starting.
Try this: Don’t wait for ideal conditions. Use whatever you’ve got right now.
7. “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” – E.E. Cummings
Breaking away from who the world thinks you should be takes guts. For me, building a faith-centered life meant changing old habits and letting go of toxic environments.
Try this: Ask yourself what you need to let go of to become who you truly are.
8. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6
Faith gave me a foundation during hard times. When I struggled with drinking, smoking, and feeling lost, I leaned on prayer. Knowing I wasn’t alone gave me strength to keep going.
Try this: Spend 5 minutes in prayer or quiet reflection today. Talk to God like you would a close friend.
9. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Fear lost its grip on me when I stopped running from it. I looked it square in the face and said, “Let’s go.” That’s when I started to change.
Try this: Recall one tough thing you’ve already done. Let that memory fuel your next step.
10. “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” – John Wayne
Truth is, courage feels just like fear. Your heart still races. Your hands still shake. But you show up anyway. I felt like this when I shared my story for the first time online. It made me feel exposed, but it also helped others.
Try this: Share something honest with someone you trust. Sometimes vulnerability is the bravest thing you can do.
11. “Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you back.” – Babe Ruth
Failure used to paralyze me. But like Babe Ruth, I learned that if I waited until I was sure I wouldn’t fail, I’d never swing.
Try this: Take imperfect action. You’ll learn more by doing than overthinking.
12. “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
So much of the good in my life came after I pushed through fear. Real relationships. Health. Purpose. Faith. Peace.
Try this: Write down one thing fear is keeping you from. Then take one brave step toward it today.
13. “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein
Hard times aren’t roadblocks. They’re turning points. When I hit rock bottom with my health, I finally took full ownership of my life.
Try this: Reframe your biggest challenge as your biggest opportunity.
14. “If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.” – Seth Godin
Some of the things that scared me the most ended up becoming habits I love—like waking up early, journaling, and cold showers. Growth hides inside discomfort.
Try this: Try one thing this week that scares you (in a good way).
15. “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” – Susan Jeffers
Simple, but powerful. This became a daily mantra for me.
Try this: Don’t wait to feel brave. Action builds courage.
16. “Bravery is the solution to regret.” – Robin Sharma
When you look back, it’s not your failures you regret. It’s the chances you didn’t take.
Try this: Think of one risk you’ve been avoiding. Take one tiny step toward it.
17. “Take pride in how far you have come and have faith in how far you can go.” – Christian Larson
Sometimes we forget to stop and look back. You’ve made it through so much already. That strength is still with you.
Try this: Celebrate a win today. It can be small. Progress is always worth noticing.
18. “The only time you fail is when you fall down and stay down.” – Stephen Montagne
Failure didn’t stop me. It actually showed me how strong I could be. I slipped up hundreds of times, but I kept standing back up. That’s why I’m here.
Try this: If you’re down, don’t stay there. Get up. Try again. The story’s not over yet.
19. “You were made for more.” – Unknown
This isn’t as much a quote as it is a truth. You are. You’re not your worst day. You’re not your past habits.
Try this: Say it out loud—“I was made for more.”
20. “One person with courage is a majority.” – Thomas Jefferson
Don’t wait for a crowd to back you up. Sometimes courage means going first—starting the change in your life and trusting that others will follow.
Try this: Be your own support system. Start your change, even if no one else understands it yet.
Final Thoughts: Your Turn to Be Brave
Here’s the thing about courage—it doesn’t have to be loud or perfect. It just has to be real. Even small steps count. Even shaky voices matter. Even on your worst day, you’re still brave for showing up.
So here’s your challenge today:
What’s one area of your life where fear has been holding you back?
Write it down.
Now take one small step. Just one.
And remember—you’re not alone. You’ve got options, you’ve got time, and most of all, you’ve got God walking with you every step.
You were made for more.
Let’s go find out just how much.
