You can’t do everything.
You can do your thing: Harnessing the Power of Everyday Courage.
My Brave New Girls podcast guest Dr. Camilla Pang offers a nuanced take on courage — it's not just about being our best selves and chasing dreams, it's about the quiet acknowledgment of our limitations and the willingness to persist despite them.
In a society that prizes success and certainty, admitting to our boundaries can be the most courageous act of all. It's in this vulnerability that we find the true measure of our strength. This admission doesn't mean we accept defeat; rather, it reflects a realistic understanding of our capabilities and the state of the world around us.
Dr. Pang’s perspective shifts the paradigm from a courage that is loud and assertive to one that is reflective and grounded. It's the courage to say, "I can’t do everything, but I can do something." This is particularly potent in the context of global challenges, like climate change, where the actions of individuals may seem inconsequential in the grand scheme. Yet, it is these small contributions that amass to create significant impact.
It's also the courage to step back, to take stock, and to listen — truly listen — not just waiting for your turn to speak, but to understand deeply and act meaningfully. Such courage doesn't always roar; sometimes, it's the quiet voice at the end of the day whispering, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’
You can’t do everything- do your thing.
10 Actionable Tips for Everyday Courage:
Acknowledge Limits: Understand what is within your capacity to change and accept what isn't.
Start Small: Begin with manageable actions that contribute positively to your environment and community.
Listen More: Practice active listening without planning your response while the other person is still talking.
Educate Yourself: Learn about issues like climate change and consider how indigenous knowledge can inform modern practices.
Reflect Daily: Spend time in introspection to understand your fears and how they shape your actions.
Embrace Discomfort: Step out of your comfort zone with the knowledge that growth often accompanies discomfort.
Take Breaks: Give yourself permission to step back and recharge when needed.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognise and celebrate your minor achievements, as they are steps towards bigger goals.
Support Others: Offer help and encouragement to those around you, amplifying their efforts and your own.
Persist: Remember that courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to continue in spite of it.
PS. If you would like support in growing your inner courage, calm and confidence for a better life, book in for a free chat and we can take it from there: BOOK A CHAT
