Every Week I Ask My Brave New Girls Podcast Guest How They Define Courage

This week, filmmaker Sue Kim gives her deeply insightful perspective:

“Courage. That's a really good one. I think courage is just the act of doing what is necessary. What you think is vital to do in the moment, what the moment calls for, whether or not you want to do it or whether or not you feel prepared to do it, or whether or not you feel qualified to do it, just moving your body and your mind into action is courage, I think.

And I think that's like that. That's the, that's the rub of it is it's not—I don't think it's necessarily a feeling. And I don't think it's certainly not. It's certainly not the absence of fear. I think the fact that you have fear, you have uncertainty, you have doubt. I also I'm sure you've probably discussed this with many of your guests, like the imposter syndrome that happens with all of us... It's part of being human on this planet, living this life.

So I think courage is just the motion of moving forward into the action that you feel compelled to do, whether or not you do it successfully. It doesn't matter. You're moving towards the thing that you feel you have to do, even if it’s going to be difficult, even if you're not going to do it right. I would say that's my daily struggle. It's I'm probably not the best person to be doing this, but I'm just going to do it anyways.”

Sue’s perspective reframes courage not as a triumph over fear, but as a motion toward what feels necessary—regardless of qualifications, readiness, or outcome. In a world brimming with uncertainty, Sue reminds us that courage lies in the doing, in taking one step forward despite doubt.

In her documentary The Last of the Sea Women, Sue embodies this philosophy by telling the story of the haenyeo, South Korea’s legendary female divers. Their centuries-old traditions, threatened by environmental change and a modernizing world, required courage not just to endure but to be brought to light. Sue took up the challenge of creating the film even when she felt unqualified and unsure—and in doing so, she became a voice for these women and a witness to their remarkable lives.

So, how can we apply Sue’s definition of courage to our own lives? Here are 10 actionable steps to move forward with courage, no matter the challenge:

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10 Steps to Cultivate Courage Through Action

1. Acknowledge Fear and Move Anyway
   Fear doesn’t disqualify you; it’s a natural part of courage. Accept it, but don’t let it stop you from taking the next step.

2. Start Small
   Break intimidating tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. Each step builds momentum and confidence.

3. Prepare, but Don’t Overthink
   Perfection isn’t the goal—action is. Prepare as best you can, then dive in.

4. Challenge Imposter Syndrome
   Recognize feelings of inadequacy as part of the process. Remind yourself that no one is truly “ready” or “qualified” for life’s big challenges.

5. Focus on the Mission, Not the Outcome
   Let go of the need for success. What matters is acting on what you feel is necessary or vital.

6. Lean Into Discomfort
   Growth happens outside your comfort zone. If something feels hard, it’s likely a step worth taking.

7. Surround Yourself with Support
   Courage isn’t a solo act. Build a network of allies who encourage you to take bold steps.

8. Celebrate Action, Not Results
   Success is in the effort, not the outcome. Celebrate the fact that you tried, regardless of the result.

9. Learn from Each Step
   Mistakes and failures are part of the process. Treat them as opportunities to refine your approach.

10. Anchor Yourself to a Greater Purpose
    Like the haenyeo, who dive to provide for their families and preserve their culture, connect your actions to something larger than yourself.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the willingness to take action despite it. Filmmaker Sue Kim reminds us to embrace imperfection, doubt, and discomfort as we move toward what truly matters.

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