In order to be brave we have to first realize that there is a fear that we need to conquer. Some fears are easy to recognize others are not so simple. Sometimes we deny that we are afraid in order to hide weakness. Sometimes we have been pushing those fears down for so long that show up as anxiety or stress. (A little disclaimer: Fear is not always a bad thing. Sometimes fear does stop us from doing dumb things or being dangerous. For example the fear you may feel walking down a dark alley in the bad part of town by yourself is a good fear. This fear should tell you to stop and do something different that we aren’t talking about here. We are talking about the fears that keep you from doing the things that will help you live your best life. )

Here are some simple steps you can take to start recognizing fears and then take the steps to be BRAVE.

Awareness   First is Awareness: we need to start noticing when there is resistance in our heart, mind, or body. This resistance usually means that something is happening that we may not be acknowledging. So the first step is awareness of the feelings and thoughts that are happening inside of you.  

Identify   Once you are aware of this resistance you can start to identify it. Why do I feel this way? What am I feeling? Is it fear of failing? Fear of what others will say? Fear of falling? Identify that feeling and what that fear is.

Acknowledge    After we identify it the next step is to acknowledge it. Acknowledge what you are afraid of. I usually encourage people to write it down, or say it out loud. I am afraid of _______. Sometimes it helps to tell someone you trust.

Ask Questions    The next step is to ask questions. Ask yourself questions about this fear.  Is this a rational fear? Why am I afraid of this? Is there something that happen to make you fearful? What’s the worst that could happen? At the bottom of this post is a list of questions you can ask yourself when you are identifying and acknowledging your fear. These Questions will help you understand the fear and start to overcome it.

Release Control     the next step is acknowledging the things you have control of and the things you do not have control of and releasing the control. Most times our fear comes from things we have no control over. Recognizing the things we do not have control over and letting those things go will help us step out and be Brave. You have no control over another person’s words or thoughts. You cannot control how the world will respond to your ideas. You cannot control the weather on race day. Let go of the things you cannot control and focus on the things you can. You can choose to think positively. You can be thankful for the things you have. You can love yourself. You can put on your shoes and walk out that door.

Take a Step     The next part of being brave and overcoming fear is to take a step. Start somewhere, even if it is somewhere small. Just take one step and see how it feels. Be aware of taking that step and aware of what things are happening inside of you. Are you afraid? What is that fear making you feel? Go back through the questions and see where you are. If you can take another step and another and another.

Focus on the positives.       Once you are able to take BRAVE steps you can start to move forward and conquer your fear. Sometimes during this process we fall a little or step back into fear. It is important to acknowledge that and to focus on the positives. Instead of feeling like you failed, look at how far you have come! Change your narrative and keep the positives. You may not accomplish all of your goals in one day, but you can take steps in at least one of them. That is reason enough to celebrate.