Where There's No Fear, There's No Courage

Where there's no fear, there can be no courage.

For years, I've struggled with excessive anxiety over seemingly small things. Going out to dinner with my parents. An evening with friends. A work social event.

For me, it's exhausting. I worry that I might have a panic attack. That I'll feel sick and throw up. That the bathroom will be occupied and I'll wet myself, or just do something embarrassing that people will laugh at.

I've often wondered why I make such a big deal of things.

Why isn't this a problem for others, but it is for me? Why do others seem so much better at handling some excitement or nervousness than I am? Comparing yourself to others is rarely good, but that's another topic.

Am I simply not brave enough?

What Is Courage Really?

I always thought other people were braver than me because they don't constantly fear everything like I do.

But what exactly is courage?

"Courage, also known as bravery or valor, means that one dares and is capable of venturing something, that is, exposing oneself to a dangerous situation fraught with uncertainties."

So courage doesn't mean having no fear, but rather deciding to do something despite it. When you expose yourself to a situation where you don't know what might happen. Those who have no fear are, de facto, not courageous.

Fear: Friend or Foe?

I long thought fear was bad. That it proved I was weak. Even today, I catch myself thinking this way. Always in exactly those situations where I should least think this - when I'm afraid.

Fear is often portrayed as something bad. As if you're not allowed to have it.

But when we stand before a cliff whose abyss means certain death, it's not bad that we fear falling, is it? In that case, it's something good. And not just in that case.

So how can fear help us?

The Good Qualities of Fear

Fear isn't just good. It's essential for survival. Fear can make us better.

Research actually shows that a moderate level of anxiety can improve performance. Just think about adrenaline. We're full of energy and drive. This energy needs to be harnessed.

That racing heart? It pumps extra oxygen to our brain and muscles, making us physically and mentally stronger.

One of the best qualities of fear is that it pushes us to become better. In a YouTube video last year, I heard this sentence: "Use anxiety as a tool for growth, not as a stick to beat yourself."

It's not about avoiding fear, but about using it correctly.

The Antidote

Change your opinion about fear.

As so often, it's not the feeling itself that's good or bad, but how we deal with it.

Shakespeare once said: "For there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."

Fear is only bad when we let ourselves be paralyzed by it. Instead, ask yourself this: What value does this fear offer me?

In the case of the cliff, it's quite clear - the value is survival.

But when this fear offers no obvious value, then think of just one thing: Do it anyway!

"Action is the antidote of anxiety" - action is the antidote to fear. When I go to an appointment despite fear and realize that nothing bad happens, it slowly takes away fear's power. Fear lives mainly on one thing - avoidance.

Use the fear and see it as a sign that you're doing something important. As a signal to say: "Now more than ever."

Situations where we feel fear are always opportunities to become better and braver. In my own life, I've noticed that every time I faced a situation despite fear, the next similar situation became a little easier.

Fear Is Not Weakness

Thorsten Sträter once said: "People with depression, for me they're not weak, but the strongest people walking around. Because for them, every day is a battle."

Fear is not a sign of weakness.

You're not brave because you have no fear. You're brave because you act despite fear.

My Journey with Fear

There are still days when I'd rather stay home. Situations where I let myself be guided by my fear - my handling of anxiety is far from perfect, but it's getting better.

I've learned that every small step counts. Sometimes courage for me simply means leaving the house and being around people.

And every time I remind myself: This isn't a fight against fear, but living with it - in a way that still allows me to pursue my goals.

Fear Is Your Signal to Act!

Perhaps fear is ultimately not just a necessary companion to courage, but even its origin. Without it, there would be no opportunity to be brave. It's not the enemy, but the signpost to personal growth.

The next situation that scares you could be exactly the one where you learn the most about yourself.