How to Be Brave: 7 Ways to Be Brave Every Day
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Fear doesn’t play fair. It whispers lies—"What if you fail?" "What will people think?"—until you feel stuck, small, and powerless.
What if I told you that bravery isn’t the absence of fear? It’s simply choosing to act despite it.
Bravery is for all of us. It’s not about skydiving or walking into burning buildings (though props to those brave souls).
For most of us, it’s about showing up—facing that meeting, saying “no” to something that drains you, or simply being honest with yourself.
This post is about small, powerful acts of courage that can shift your life over time. You’ll learn why bravery matters, practical ways to flex your courage muscles daily, and how conquering fear can help squash shame.
If you’re ready to stop letting fear call the shots, keep reading.
Why Bravery Matters
First, can we clear something up? Bravery isn’t some grand, movie-worthy display. It’s showing up for yourself even when the stakes feel high (which they often do).
Bravery can mean declining an invitation because your mental health needs a night in.
Or ordering dessert when your diet-obsessed friends look at you like you just adopted a basket of puppies.
Or asking for the raise, even though your inner critic says you don’t deserve it (spoiler alert: you do).
But what’s the payoff for all these tiny acts of courage? Confidence. Self-respect. And, maybe most importantly, shame loses its grip.
Dr. Brené Brown, a queen in the world of courage and vulnerability research, explains shame thrives when we stay silent and scared. But bravery? It shines a big, bright light on shame and says, “Not today!”
For many women—my clients, friends, and even me—bravery looks like reclaiming your worth in a world eager to shrink you. It’s realizing that fear will knock on your door, but you get to decide whether or not to invite it inside.
7 Ways to Be Brave Every Day
Want to try on some courage? I’ve got you covered.
Here are 7 practical ways to be brave on the daily:
1. Face yourself
Sounds scary? Of course, it does. We spend so much time avoiding uncomfortable thoughts about who we are and what we really want.
But self-awareness is the foundation of bravery.
How to try it:
Spend five minutes looking in the mirror—not to check for flyaways, but to really look at yourself. Ask, “How am I feeling today?” Then sit with whatever comes up without judgment.
2. Practice self-talk
You’d never speak to a friend the way your inner critic speaks to you, right? Shut that bully down with self-compassion.
How to try it:
Write 3 affirmations that resonate with you, like, “I am more than enough” or “My feelings are valid.” Stick them to your bathroom mirror, fridge, or wherever you’ll see them often. Say them aloud (yes, actually say them) whenever fear starts creeping in.
Read more: Undermining Your Success: Overcoming Negative Self-Talk
3. Embrace mistakes and failures
Here’s the truth no one wants to admit—failing is inevitable. Failure also teaches you what works, what doesn’t, and how strong you really are.
How to try it:
Next time you mess up, resist the urge to spiral. Instead, grab a notebook and write down one thing you’ve learned from the experience. Then repeat to yourself, “Mistakes are lessons in disguise.”
4. Set boundaries and say “No”
Bravery often means protecting your time and energy. It’s giving less of yourself to things that don’t serve you and more to things that do.
How to try it:
The next time someone asks for your time (but your plate is already full), politely decline. Try something like, “I’m honored you thought of me, but I can’t commit to this right now.”
That’s it. You don’t owe anyone an explanation or apology. Stop over-explaining and trust that your feelings and choices are valid.
5. Try something new
Sometimes the simplest path to courage is stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, going somewhere you’ve never been, or letting go of control (maybe you didn’t make the reservation for dinner or you let someone else drive to the restaurant).
How to try it:
This week, pick one new thing to try. It can be as small as listening to a different type of music or as bold as attending a boxing class. Bonus points for doing something you’ve been avoiding for years and have always been intrigued by.
6. Speak up
Sharing your thoughts or needs can feel terrifying, especially if you’re used to keeping the peace. Speaking your truth (even in tiny ways) is one of the bravest things you can do.
How to try it:
Challenge yourself to express an opinion during a casual group conversation—or advocate for your needs in a work meeting. Start small. And remind yourself that your voice matters. Take up space, babe!
7. Do something alone
Independence is brave. Doing things solo—whether it’s going to a café, hitting the movies, or exploring a museum—builds confidence and teaches you to enjoy your own company.
How to try it:
Pick one activity you’d typically do with friends and schedule it as a “solo date.” Take yourself to coffee, lunch, or somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit. No distractions, no excuses—just you.
How Bravery Overcomes Shame
Here’s the thing about shame. It wants you to stay quiet. It loves fear because when you’re scared, you’re less likely to speak up, stand up, or even look up.
Every brave act—no matter how small—is a reminder that you’re stronger than your doubts. Over time, courage becomes the habit, replacing fear with confidence.
Dr. Janina Fisher, an expert in shame and trauma healing, often teaches that shame thrives on isolation, and compassion (especially toward yourself) is the antidote.
Each time you face a fear head-on or refuse to cater to shame's script, you’re actively reclaiming your power. You’re actively taking up the space you deserve as a human being.
And trust me—shame hates that.
Read more: Understanding Shame: How It Shapes Your Life and Self-Worth
Be Your Own Hero
Bravery isn’t just a trait—it’s a skill you can build.
Think of it as a muscle that grows stronger every time you flex it. You don’t need to take massive leaps to prove your courage. Brave acts can be as simple as saying, “I deserve better.”
If fear is running the show right now, I want you to know you don’t have to face it alone. At The Sassy Shrink, I help women like you step into their power, bust through anxiety, and say goodbye to shame for good.
Through online therapy, we’ll work together to build your bravery skills and create a life that feels true and fulfilling. Because you deserve nothing less!
Book a free consultation today and take your first (brave) step toward the life you deserve.
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