3 Ways To Boost Courage and Confidence

In 2006, Will Smith took on the lead role in The Pursuit of Happiness, portraying the real-life struggles of Chris Gardner, a man who battled homelessness while striving for success. In a poignant scene, Chris and his young son play basketball on the roof of a city building. The boy exclaims, “I’m going pro!” His father, however, advises him not to focus too much on basketball, suggesting his own below-average experience in the sport. Crestfallen, the boy walks away, tucks his ball into a shopping bag, and gazes out over the city. Recognizing his mistake, Smith's character implores his son, “Don’t ever let somebody tell you you can’t do something. Not even me.”

Embarking on new, challenging endeavors demands courage. Despite the desire to be courageous, fear can often paralyze our efforts. Sadly, as depicted in the movie, the fear projected by others can extinguish our own courage. Here are three ways in which we allow others to extinguish our courage:

1. Don’t Fear Disappointing Others:

While we should strive not to disappoint others intentionally, expecting to never fall short is unrealistic. The real concern is not trying at all. The fear of failure looms large for many, deterring them from stepping onto the field of action. However, the key to consistent success lies in forging ahead despite the possibility of failure. Show courage by focusing on effort, irrespective of the outcome.

2. Don’t Place Too Much Value on Their Opinions:

Have you ever been discouraged by remarks about your perceived shortcomings? When we internalize the opinions of others, our resolve often wavers. Counter this tendency by recalling moments of personal triumph—a first home run, a significant sale, or acing an important test. Your past achievements can serve as a reservoir of confidence, shielding your courage from the impact of naysayers.

3. Don’t Worry About the Lack of Courage in Others:

It’s a common pitfall to allow the lack of courage in others to dictate our own actions. Drawing from the movie’s narrative, Smith’s character imparts invaluable wisdom after his basketball misstep. He advises his son, “You got a dream, you got to protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they want to tell you you can’t do it. You want something, go get it. Period.”

What are some ways you can harness your courage in the contexts of your relationships, marriage, and professional life this week? As you embark on each day, remember that courage is not the absence of fear, but the determination to push forward despite it. By acknowledging and confronting the ways in which others might attempt to dampen your courage, you pave the way for your own growth, success, and fulfillment. Stand strong, embrace challenges, and seize opportunities with the unwavering spirit of a true trailblazer.