How to Build Your Courage | Cindy Solomon | TEDxSonomaCounty

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, the speaker reflects on a life-altering hiking experience in Alaska and explores the true nature of courage. Challenging the common myths about courage, the speaker argues that it’s not just about heroic feats, but small, everyday actions that require bravery. Drawing on research, the speaker reveals that most people don’t believe they’re courageous and offers strategies to build courage consciously. By embracing fear and practicing courage like a muscle, we can tackle bigger challenges, both personally and globally, ultimately fostering a more courageous world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Courage is often misunderstood as a big, heroic act, but in reality, it involves small, everyday actions that we all take.
• 😀 Fear is a natural part of courage—courage isn't about being fearless, but about feeling fear and still acting despite it.
• 😀 Courage can be learned and strengthened, just like a muscle, through conscious practice and action.
• 😀 Only one in three people believe they are courageous, which highlights the widespread struggle with self-belief in our ability to act courageously.
• 😀 Courage can be contagious—one courageous act can inspire others to take action as well.
• 😀 We should consciously seek opportunities to exercise courage every time we face fear or anxiety, as this is when we build our courage muscle.
• 😀 The myth that courage is only for the 'chosen few' is debunked—everyone has the potential for courage.
• 😀 Courage is not about never feeling fear, but about how we respond to it—it's about taking action even when we feel scared.
• 😀 Practicing courage regularly can help us make better decisions, take bolder actions, and face complex societal issues with confidence.
• 😀 Reframing our perspective by asking 'What's the best thing that could happen?' can shift our focus away from fear and help us take courageous actions.

Q & A

What event triggered the speaker's reflection on courage?

The speaker reflects on courage after a near-accident during a hike in Alaska, where they instinctively saved a friend from falling off a narrow path. This experience made them question the common understanding of courage.

What are the three 'courage stranglers' identified by the speaker?

The three 'courage stranglers' are: 1) The myth that courage is only about big, heroic acts; 2) The myth that courage means no fear; 3) The myth that courage is something you're either born with or not.

How does the speaker describe the difference between fear and courage?

The speaker explains that courage is not about being fearless. Instead, it involves feeling fear and continuing to act despite it, rather than allowing fear to paralyze you.

What did the speaker learn from interviewing over 8,000 people regarding courage?

The speaker discovered that only one in three people believe they are courageous, which is surprising given the complex challenges people face in today's world.

What does the speaker suggest is a more realistic view of courage?

Courage should be seen as a set of smaller, everyday actions rather than only big, heroic deeds. It's about making decisions, taking action, and facing challenges with resolve.

How can courage be developed according to the speaker?

Courage can be developed and strengthened like a muscle. The speaker encourages practicing courage by recognizing moments of fear, pushing through discomfort, and reflecting on the positive outcomes of courageous actions.

What does the speaker mean by 'get comfortable with discomfort'?

The speaker suggests that building courage, much like learning a new skill, involves discomfort, failure, and practice. It's important to push through these moments of discomfort to strengthen your courage.

Why is the speaker's perspective on courage important in the context of societal challenges?

The speaker argues that if more people consciously practiced courage, we could tackle the complex and pressing issues facing society, such as climate change, social injustices, and political crises.

How does the concept of courage being contagious play a role in creating change?

Courage can be contagious because when one person acts courageously, it encourages others to do the same. This collective courage can create positive momentum in teams, communities, and organizations.

What is the significance of the quote 'Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage' in the speaker's message?

The quote emphasizes that personal growth and opportunities are directly linked to our courage. The more courage we have, the more we can expand our lives, tackle challenges, and make a positive impact.