5 ways to be brave

If you ever find yourself feeling anxious or afraid, you’re not alone. Everyone is fearful of something (or many things), but the key is how you manage it. This is where bravery comes in.

Being brave is having the ability to face fear, accept it, and move forward. And who better to show us the way to being braver than Amber Rees and Lindsey Clayton from Brave Body Project?

Here, the bootcamp duo shares their five bravery-boosting tips to live by.

1. Step out of your comfort zone

While routine is good, especially when it comes to a healthy diet and regular dose of exercise, it may not be so good in other instances. For example, if you’re unhappy in your social life but continue to do the same things day in and day out, nothing will ever change. Amber says it’s important to force yourself to step out of your comfort zone, and it doesn’t need to be anything extravagant. “It’s trying a new workout, signing up for your first 5K, or inviting a new friend to happy hour, “ she says.

2. Fail big and fail often

Want to make a career shift? Start your own business? You have to push past the fear of making mistakes or failing, says Lindsey. It’s not possible to be successful with every thought, idea, or attempt at something. That’s just not reality. But making excuses not to try is simply accepting defeat without putting up a fight. You’ll never know if you’re not good at something unless you try it, says Lindsey. “Trying and failing is better than not trying at all,” she adds.

3. Share your story

Everything becomes a whole lot easier when there’s a team or support system behind you. To gain that support you’ve got to put yourself out there and connect with others. “No one in the world is like you and by sharing your experiences, highs, and lows, you’re going to inspire others to be brave,” says Amber. This cycle of sharing and connecting is positive for everyone.

4. Speak up for yourself

If you want something or want others to see your point of view you have to put yourself out there. “If you don’t speak up for yourself, no one else is going to,” says Lindsey. It’s better to have stood up for something than to live with the regret of not doing anything at all.

5. Be present

For many people, it’s easier to dwell on the past or dream about the future. But being present - truly living in the moment even when things get tough - can help you be calmer and more collected overall. “The bravest thing you can do is be present in your life,” says Lindsey. “Show up for yourself and the people you love.”