Understanding Courage: Why You May Not Feel Brave When Being Brave

Courage is a concept that often confounds us. We know it when we see it, but when we undertake brave actions ourselves, we often fail to acknowledge our own bravery. This article explores the complexities of courage and why we may not always feel brave when we are in fact being brave.

The Myth of Feeling Brave

When someone embarks on a heroic act, such as leaving a stable job for an unknown career path, or taking on debt for education, they often do so with significant anxiety and fear. The fear is so real that it can overshadow the sense of bravery that lies within the act itself. This is a common yet confusing phenomenon.

The Few and Fearless: Heroes in Our World

The world is indeed populated by fewer heroes than we would like to believe. Many people have the capacity for bravery, but the combination of fear, personal sacrifice, and potential risks often stymies them. Heroic acts are frequently spontaneous, performed by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. These acts are typically driven by a sense of duty or moral obligation, rather than the desire for recognition.

Real vs. Perceived Bravery

Bravery, as defined by others, is often based on external factors and expectations. The assessment of someone as brave is usually made from an outsider’s perspective. This means that the true measure of bravery lies in the individual’s actions and their internal sense of courage, rather than in the recognition of others.

Personal Experiences with Bravery

Consider the case of someone who quit a prestigious job as a CEO to take a break in the UK. This decision might be seen as a heroic act by others, but from the individual’s perspective, it was simply a matter of prioritizing health and happiness. The individual was driven by the need to recharge and revitalize, rather than a desire for recognition or bravery.

Ace in the Hole: Hiding Vulnerability

Many individuals are skilled at concealing their true feelings of fear and vulnerability. This is often done to maintain a facade of bravery. However, during challenging times, these hidden emotions can surface, causing the individual to feel anything but brave. For instance, the author of this piece had to hide their anxiety about leaving a secure job and moving to a new country, which made the transition even more challenging.

Bravery as a Calculation

Bravery is not an innate feeling but a calculated decision. It is a choice to act despite fear. The author argues that being brave is more about the judgment and action, not the feeling. From an internal perspective, bravery may be a matter of practical decisions and calculated risks, rather than an emotional experience.

The Bottom Line: Assessing Your Own Bravery

To better understand and acknowledge your own bravery, it is helpful to reflect on your actions and the decisions you have made. While the assessment of others can sometimes be helpful, it is ultimately the assessment of your own bravery that matters. By recognizing the moments when you have taken calculated risks, you can begin to understand that you are indeed brave.

Conclusion

Courage is often a complex blend of fear and action. While we might not always feel brave, our actions speak louder than our feelings. When you take the brave steps that lead to personal growth and change, remember that you are indeed being brave, even if the feeling of bravery eludes you.