Do what you can't: Live courageously and achieve your impossible

Courage is the oldest and most admired virtue of mankind. Plato and Aristotle philosophised about the physical bravado of soldiers on the battlefield, and whilst physical bravery is an admirable quality, positive psychology also explores several other types of courage that are just as admirable, and can be integral to overcoming fear and self-doubt, so you can achieve what matters to you.

Personal courage is the type of courage that nobody else sees. It’s the type of courage required to walk into a gym class for the very first time or give a presentation to your co-workers.

Psychological courage is required to speak out about a mistake or call out a popular but unhealthy idea at work, even though you risk being disliked. It’s the kind of courage you use to cope with a painful illness or overcome a destructive habit.

Moral courage is the ability to stand up for others and do the right thing, despite personal risk.

A lot of people wish they had more confidence to achieve the things they want, such as starting a business, running a marathon, performing on stage, writing a book, etc. But the truth is that confidence can develop through repeated action, practice and experience. Courage is what you need to take action in the first place, and it’s something you already have within you.

Courage comes from the Latin word ‘cor’, meaning ‘heart’. The connection between courage and the heart is a reminder that being courageous can mean acting on what truly matters to us, even when we feel afraid.

What are your true heart’s desires? What are the things you’d love to achieve if you knew anything was possible? What are the things you’re too scared to speak of for fear of sounding silly, irresponsible or downright deluded?

What are the things you’re telling yourself you can’t do?

Sometimes, 'I can't' is a thought driven by fear or self-doubt rather than a reflection of what we're truly capable of. While some limitations are real, we may be capable of more than we initially believe. Unless you’re thinking about swimming to the moon, here are some suggestions about how you can tap into your inner strength of courage and achieve what you think you can’t.

4 ways to build courage and confidence

The VIA Institute on Character presents four strengths of courage: bravery, perseverance, honesty and zest. These strengths are already within you, waiting for you to notice and nurture them. They may be strengths that have been forgotten about, or strengths that you don’t use very often, but they are there and can be grown and strengthened with a little attention.

1. Choose to be brave

Choosing to live courageously can help you explore your potential and work towards happiness, meaning and fulfilment, whatever that looks like for you. Growth can happen outside of your comfort zone. New opportunities can feel scary and risky, but if you don’t act on them, you risk living with regrets and a life unfulfilled.

How can you dial up your strength of bravery? What aspects of your life and work are calling for you to show valour?

Don’t shrink from fear; face it. Sometimes fear comes from uncertainty rather than immediate danger. Taking small, manageable steps can help you become more comfortable with that uncertainty and gradually build confidence.

2. Persevere

Perseverance is one of the valuable strengths of successful people. Successful people are often willing to do the things others are not and persevere until it’s done. What are you giving up on? What tasks, positive changes, and goals require you to be persistent and industrious? What’s been started but not finished?

Dig deep and persevere with the things that matter to you, even when it feels hard, even when you don’t feel like it. Keep working towards your heart's desires, while recognising when you may need to rest, adapt your approach or reconsider what matters most to you.

3. Be honest

Being honest means being authentic, trustworthy and sincere. To what extent are you being honest with yourself and others? To what extent are you living authentically, in your personal life and professional life? What changes do you need to make to be true to yourself? Who are the people you feel inauthentic around?

It’s important to understand who you are and what you want. Say ‘no’ to people and things that don’t align with your values and wants. Strive every day towards the things that matter to you.

4. Bring the zest

The strength of ‘zest’ is often forgotten about in the chaos of life. How can you nurture enthusiasm and energy? Are you looking after yourself properly? Sleeping well and exercising?

Think about the activities that leave you feeling energised and enthusiastic. Is there something you've stopped doing that used to bring you joy? Perhaps it's a hobby, spending time outdoors or connecting with people who inspire you. Making space for these experiences, alongside rest and looking after your wellbeing, can help you reconnect with what motivates you.

Living courageously and achieving your impossible needn’t be an arduous task. Make your goals easy to approach and make them fun. Show up with positivity, hope and optimism, and you may inspire others to do the same.

Remember, there is no courage without risk. Feeling a little bit scared is natural, but fear doesn't always have to stop you from taking action. Start exercising your courage muscle a little bit each day. What’s one small thing you can do today to start achieving the things you think you can’t…?

Yes, you can!

If fear or self-doubt is holding you back from pursuing something important to you, working with a confidence coach can offer a supportive space to explore your goals, recognise your strengths and take manageable steps towards building courage and confidence.