Courage to live your values.

Dr Sundya’s Definition of Courage for creating a purposeful life.

Every week, I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. My guest this week is Dr. Sundhya Raman, founder of My Wellness Doctor. This is how she defines courage:

"I think one of the most fundamental things is deprioritising external validation and learning to live and fulfill your inner values. And so whatever we want to change, whether that is changing our weight, changing our job, changing our health, if we feel that there is an external pressure or reason for doing this, it not only feels much less empowering, quite disempowering, it is hard to sustain.

I think that connecting with our values is a form of self-care. I think this is by far the most enduring way to live in a way that is fulfilling for ourselves and is likely to lead to us having a more fulfilling and successful life."

Dr. Sundhya’s words remind us that courage often comes from within. It’s not about grand gestures or external recognition but about aligning with our inner values. This shift away from seeking approval from others and turning inward is where we build resilience, fulfilment, and the ability to make sustainable changes in our lives.

Courage, in this sense, is about understanding that external pressures—whether societal norms, expectations from others, or social media comparisons—can drain our energy and lead us astray from what really matters to us. When we focus on internal values, we not only empower ourselves but also create a life that’s authentic and sustainable.

To build courage in this way requires practice, reflection, and action. By focusing on our internal values, we empower ourselves to lead lives that are authentic, fulfilling, and sustainable. Dr. Sundhya’s insight on courage teaches us that self-care isn’t just about pampering ourselves—it’s about nurturing a life grounded in what truly matters to us. This approach allows us to make meaningful changes, build resilience, and live with greater purpose and satisfaction.

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Dare to do things differently, for a happier, healthier, impactful life.

Here are ten actionable steps based on Dr Sundhya's philosophy:

1.     Identify your core values – Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What principles guide your life, and how can you align your actions with these values?

2.     Silence external noise – Limit your consumption of social media and other external sources of validation. Pay attention to how you feel when you seek approval from others, and practice letting it go.

3.     Set personal goals – Rather than chasing goals that are driven by others’ expectations, set goals that align with your values and personal aspirations.

4.     Practice self-compassion – Understand that making changes based on internal values is a journey. Be kind to yourself when things don’t go perfectly and acknowledge the courage it takes to walk this path.

5.     Take small, meaningful actions – Courage doesn’t have to come from huge leaps. Start by taking small steps toward changes that align with your inner values, whether it’s in your health, career, or personal life.

6.     Reflect on your progress – Journaling or regular reflection can help you stay aligned with your values and track how far you’ve come on your journey to living courageously.

7.     Surround yourself with supportive people – Find a community or support system that encourages you to live by your values rather than seeking external validation.

8.     Face discomfort – Understand that stepping away from external validation can feel uncomfortable at first. Lean into that discomfort, knowing that it’s part of the process of building inner courage.

9.     Celebrate intrinsic rewards – Acknowledge the intrinsic satisfaction and sense of fulfillment that comes from living authentically rather than chasing external rewards.

10.  Develop resilience – The journey toward living by your values will have ups and downs. Building resilience and perseverance is key to sustaining this courageous path.

Courage is about living by our inner values rather than seeking external validation. Dr. Sundhya Raman teaches us how to build this lasting form of courage, helping us lead more fulfilling and authentic lives.

PS. As your Wellbeing Coach, I give you the tools to heal, grow & create the life you want. 

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