"Life shrinks or expands according to one's courage."
Confidence and courage are qualities that allow us to try new things and take more calculated risks in life. When you think back to all of your biggest accomplishments in life, you most likely needed some confidence and courage to get through it all. Switching careers. Buying a house. Starting a family. Even leaving a job or a relationship takes guts and can be a huge catalyst for positive change. We usually have to summon enough courage to take that leap, knowing we have our best interests in mind. To create a better life for ourselves, we must get past that fear of the unknown with confidence that everything will eventually work out.
The longer you have been on this planet, the more you probably realize how change is not always easy. In fact, our brains hate change. They see change as a threat and will fight us to keep things the same. This could be why we hem and haw about taking on a new endeavor or releasing an old one that no longer suits us. We weigh the pros and cons. We conjure up worst case scenarios to try and talk ourselves out of it. We also imagine a better life once we have taken that leap of faith into the unknown. We just need some convincing from ourselves that it is in fact the right move for us.
Photo by Emrah Ayvali on Pexels
I have been learning to ask myself the right questions when I'm contemplating some big change in my life. How will this change my life for the better? What could go wrong? How will this affect my well being? What's the worst that can happen? Why is this important to me? I would say the most important question I have learned to ask myself is, How much do I want this to happen? If I want it bad enough, I am more willing to follow through. If something is preventing me from following through, yet I still want it really bad, I address it.
If it's fear (which it usually is for me), I acknowledge it. It's real, but it may also be my insecurities or lack of confidence in myself. I do not allow this to hold me back (for the most part), because I know the fear will subside. Although, I have to walk through it to get to where I want to be, whether it be a new career, relationship or home. Since we are hardwired to resist change, I understand how I need to commit to change, knowing it is what I feel is right for me. Easier said than done, but it's also freeing once I finally make the commitment and start making progress.
Do you have any changes you would like to make in your life, but feel you may be lacking the confidence or courage to follow through? I encourage you to ask yourself those questions I rattled off. Save the best question for last: How bad do I want it? If you want it bad enough, this is where confidence and courage can help get you there. You just have to want it bad enough.
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