Bravery is often seen as big moments. Perhaps you see someone standing on stage doing something you cannot do and admire their bravery. Maybe a friend makes a big decision you would not have the confidence for. Have you seen someone challenge the behaviour of others and wonder where they got the strength to do this from? Or, perhaps you see someone climbing a cliff face freestyle and admire their bravery and wonder why you could not do that.
Such acts of bravery did not just start big, however. These people started small and have built that courage over time. Neuroscience supports this. Every time that you do something slightly beyond your comfort zone (but not so far it causes a negative response), your brain learns that it can handle the additional discomfort, and with this, your comfort zone and confidence builds.
Small acts of bravery are one of the fastest ways to grow academically, socially, and personally.
What does this look like in practice?
Speak to a new classmate:
Start with a smile - build your confidence looking at them and getting their attention first.
Say hello next time you see them - take the next step in connecting with this person.
Ask them a question - show your interest in them so they feel comfortable engaging with you.
Try a different study spot:
Build adaptability by using a new space to study, perhaps a cafe, park or library.
On first visit, take a short amount of work (perhaps 10 minutes) that is ‘low-risk’, such as reviewing notes rather than intense test revision.
Reflect on the experience - how did it help, what study could work well here, what is the right frequency of use and length of time to spend here?
Share an idea:
Start with those you know well - tell a friend about a book you are reading and why you recommend it to them.
Build up to those you know less well - offer an opinion or thought in a group or class discussion.
Share with those you don’t know - post a reflection online, ask to talk to a homeroom class in a lower year group.
Say ‘no’ or ‘yes’ intentionally:
Accept an invitation to do something you would normally avoid and not have the confidence to join.
Put a boundary in place for something you normally do because you feel you need to, rather than really want to do.
Bravery is not about one huge leap. It is about hundreds of small steps that change who you become.
Charlie