Everyday Courage: More Common Than You Think

“But that isn’t right. The King of Beasts shouldn’t be a coward,” said the Scarecrow.

“I know it,” returned the Lion. “It is my greatest sorrow. But whenever there is danger, my heart begins to beat fast.”

It takes the Cowardly Lion until the end of The Wizard of Oz to realize something important:

Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is acting despite fear.

When we hear the word courage, we often think of extraordinary acts of heroism, a firefighter rushing into a burning building, a soldier risking everything to protect others, or a whistleblower exposing wrongdoing despite significant personal risk.

Those are certainly acts of courage. But they aren’t the only kind.

Most of us are not called upon to make life-or-death decisions on a daily basis. Yet every day presents opportunities to be courageous.

In fact, courage may be more common than we think. Everyday courage is the strength to do what is needed even when it feels uncomfortable, uncertain, or difficult. It is the willingness to take a step forward when it would be easier to stay where you are.

It is showing up when life is hard.

It is speaking up when silence would be easier.

It is doing the right thing when no one is watching.

These moments may never make headlines, but they often have a lasting impact on our lives and the lives of others.

Here are three examples of everyday courage.

Saying No

Many people find it easier to say yes than no. We don’t want to disappoint others. We don’t want to create conflict. We don’t want to appear selfish or difficult.

Yet every time we say yes to something, we are also saying no to something else our time, energy, priorities, or well-being.

Setting healthy boundaries takes courage.

A helpful question to consider is: What am I saying yes to when I say no?

Sometimes saying no to one request allows you to say yes to your health, your family, your values, or your most important goals.

Showing Up

Showing up comes in many forms. It may mean sharing an idea, expressing a need, having a difficult conversation, asking for help, pursuing a dream, or allowing others to see who you truly are. Showing up requires vulnerability. It asks us to risk being seen.

Yet when we show up authentically with respect for ourselves and others, we build trust, strengthen relationships, and create opportunities that might never have existed otherwise.

Where in your life are you being invited to show up more fully?

Taking Ownership

One of the most powerful forms of courage is taking responsibility for our choices and responses. When something goes wrong, it can be tempting to blame circumstances, other people, or even ourselves in ways that keep us stuck.

Taking ownership is different. It means acknowledging what is within our control and choosing our response intentionally.

When we focus on what we can influence, we gain clarity, confidence, and a greater sense of personal agency.

Courageous people understand that while they cannot control everything that happens to them, they can choose how they respond.

Courage Is Closer Than You Think

We often overlook the courage we already use. We notice the moments when we feel afraid, uncertain, or uncomfortable, but we fail to recognize the strength it takes to keep going anyway.

The Cowardly Lion spent most of his journey believing he lacked courage. The truth was that he had been demonstrating courage all along.

The same may be true for you.

We don’t have to wait for a crisis to demonstrate courage. Courage lives in everyday moments.

It appears when we speak up, set a boundary, ask for help, take responsibility, try again, or take the next step despite uncertainty. The more we recognize those moments, the more we realize courage isn’t something reserved for a few extraordinary people.

It’s a strength available to all of us.

Reflection Questions

• Where have I demonstrated courage recently?
• What conversation, decision, or action am I avoiding because it feels uncomfortable?
• What would courage look like in this situation?
• Where do I need to show up more fully?
• What is one small courageous step I can take this week?

Courage is more common than we think.

The question is not whether you have courage.

The question is whether you’re recognizing and using it.

Continue the Conversation

If you found this resource helpful, you may enjoy my book:

GUMPTION: Power Phrases & Insights to Strengthen Your Spirit

A collection of reflections, stories, and questions designed to help readers strengthen perspective, build resilience, and move forward with greater intention.

About Jewel Holly Ware

Jewel is an author, speaker, coach, and trainer who helps people access their strengths, think more clearly, and move forward with greater confidence and intention through the Own Your Gumption™ philosophy.