Courage

There is a big difference between the idea of courage and being courageous. 

It is one thing to think to yourself, “I’m going to do this thing — I’ve got to do it.” Declaring an intent to do something courageous seems to be the relatively easy part. 

It’s another, far more challenging thing entirely to be moments away from executing a pivotal decision or action only to find yourself needing to first contend with a sudden and palpable surge of adrenaline, doubt, and fear. 

I’ve been sitting here for the last hour trying to think of an elegant response to the question of how one should prepare for being courageous, but I’m not sure it’s something you can truly prepare for. 

To be ready to be courageous is, in a very ironic way, to give up on needing to be ready. 

Doubts and fears will always exist. 

Instead of trying to console them, sometimes you just need to say ‘f- it’ and swing for the fences. 

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About the Daily Spark:

The Daily Spark is a life-long project where I show up every day with one idea that I've found helpful for doing my best work and living a meaningful life.

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About me:

I'm a second-generation Taiwanese American with a passion for writing, storytelling, mindfulness, philosophy, effective altruism, and photography.

I'm not a guru by any measure, but I would like to think that some of the thinking that has helped me may be of benefit to someone else.

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Connections are welcome.