One Positive Action

Micro-Courage Check:

You know that feeling when something sounds like a good idea, but then your brain immediately starts listing all the reasons why you shouldn't do it? That's your comfort zone working overtime to keep you safe (or maybe a hint of anxiety). However, growth doesn't need to be anything scary or dramatic. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is just notice what makes you hesitate and reflect on why that might be.

What's the smallest thing you could do today that would make you feel just a tiny bit nervous? Something as subtle as texting someone you haven't talked to in a while, taking a different route to work, or ordering something new at your usual restaurant. The moment you think of something, pay attention to what your mind does next. Does it tell you you're too busy? That it's pointless? That people will think you're weird? Those thoughts are revealing in the grand scheme of things.

When you actually notice these thoughts instead of just believing them automatically, they start to lose their power over you. You realize that half the stuff holding you back isn't even real. It's just your brain trying to keep you in familiar territory and within your comfort zone. Once you begin to see that pattern, you can start making choices based on what you actually want to do instead of what feels safest.

Take a step of micro-courage, and pick something tiny that would stretch you just 1% outside your normal routine. Write it down, then jot down whatever excuses pop into your head immediately after. Then ask yourself, "What's the worst thing that would actually happen if I did this?" You might surprise yourself with how manageable the answer is.