Feeling stuck or overwhelmed can make even small steps feel impossible, right? We all face moments that demand something more from us—a push, a decision, a leap of faith. It’s in these moments that we truly understand what courage means.
When we hear the word "courage," our minds often jump to grand, heroic acts. We picture firefighters running into burning buildings or soldiers on a battlefield. But I’ve learned that courage isn't always about big, dramatic gestures. Often, it’s a quiet, everyday force that helps us navigate our own lives, especially when we’re trying to build a better one.
Courage Isn't Just for Heroes
True courage often shows up in the little things. It’s in choosing to do what's right, even when it’s hard. It’s in facing our fears head-on, or simply showing up for ourselves day after day.
As the great writer C.S. Lewis once said, "Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." I’ve found this to be profoundly true. Every time I chose to stick to a new habit or push past an old one, I realized it was courage testing me.
Think about it. Where do you need courage in your life right now? Is it in having a tough conversation? In starting a new project? Or maybe, like me, it's in something more personal.
The Quiet Courage of Breaking Habits
For years, I was trapped in cycles of unhealthy habits. Gaming addiction, binge eating, drinking too much, constant laziness, smoking—you name it, I probably struggled with it. Each one felt like a heavy chain. The thought of breaking free felt huge, almost impossible. It took a deep kind of courage to even admit I had a problem, let alone start changing it.
One of my biggest battles was with gaming. It felt like an escape, but it was really just a drain on my time and energy. The moment I decided to put down the controller for good, my hands literally trembled. That was courage, standing up to a habit that had a tight grip on me.
"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow,'" said Mary Anne Radmacher. This quote truly speaks to my journey. There were countless times I messed up, gave in, and felt like a failure. But that quiet voice, deep inside, told me to try again. Each "tomorrow" took courage. It wasn't about being perfect; it was about not giving up.
This extended to food too. Losing over 110 pounds (50+ kilograms) wasn't a sudden event. It was a daily, sometimes hourly, battle against old cravings and habits. Saying "no" to that extra serving, choosing a healthy meal when a quick fix was tempting, or lacing up my shoes for a walk when I just wanted to sit—each choice took a small act of courage. It was the courage to prioritize my health over immediate gratification.
Finding Strength in Small Steps
When you're facing big goals, it's easy to get overwhelmed. The sheer mountain of work can feel insurmountable. This is where the courage to take small steps becomes vital.
As Lao Tzu wisely put it, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." This isn’t just a saying; it’s a blueprint for change. My productive routine, for example, didn’t appear overnight. It was built through consistent, short bursts of deep work (2-4 hours) and by celebrating small wins.
It took courage to start those short work sessions when I felt lazy. It took courage to trust that these small efforts would add up. And when I reached a mini-goal, like finishing a difficult task or sticking to my eating plan for a week, I celebrated it. That celebration wasn't just about patting myself on the back; it was about acknowledging the courage it took to get there.
- Start small: Don't try to overhaul everything at once. Pick one tiny change that requires a bit of courage.
- Celebrate every win: Acknowledge your brave steps, no matter how small. This builds momentum and reinforces your courage.
- Embrace imperfect action: Waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect plan is a trap. Be courageous enough to start before you feel ready.
When Faith Lights the Way
For me, much of my strength and courage comes from a deeper place. As I strengthen my Christian Orthodox faith, I find a profound source of purpose and inner peace. This journey toward a closer relationship with God has been a cornerstone in overcoming life’s biggest challenges.
There’s a beautiful verse that reminds me, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). This isn't just a comforting thought; it's a call to action. It tells me that I’m not alone in my struggles, and that true courage comes from trusting in a power greater than myself.
When I felt the weight of my habits crushing me, or when the scale wasn't moving as fast as I wanted, it was my faith that reminded me to keep going. It gave me the courage to persevere, to forgive myself when I stumbled, and to find grace in the process. It's about finding strength in prayer and seeking guidance through my spiritual life, knowing that with God, all things are possible. It truly shifts your perspective and helps you face anything.
Taking Your First Brave Step
So, what does courage look like for you today? Maybe it’s not about fighting a dragon, but about sending that difficult email, or getting up an hour earlier. Perhaps it’s about finally addressing that habit you know is holding you back.
I’m still learning, still growing, and still finding my courage in new situations. The journey never really ends. But each step we take, big or small, reinforces our ability to face what comes next.
As Maya Angelou said, "Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently." What courageous step will you take today to live a more fulfilling life? Just one small step, my friend. You've got this.
