A quick background on why you can’t be brave if you aren’t scared, and why I’m writing about it. One of my favourite authors is Brené Brown, who studies shame, vulnerability, and fear, among other things. She has a programme on Netflix called ‘The Call to Courage’ and I must have watched it five times now. Obviously, I highly recommend it and it was what inspired todays blog.
Bravery is often shown as the absence of fear. But fear is something that is deeply embedded in both human culture and psychology. As people, we admire those around us who who face challenges head-on. It can even seem like they are unbothered by fear or uncertainty.
However, what if I told you that true bravery isn’t about the absence of fear, but rather the ability to act despite it? In short – you can’t be brave if you aren’t scared first. If you do something and it doesn’t bother you, then you’re not showing courage.
Understanding Fear.
To understand bravery, we must first look at fear. Fear is a primal emotion, hardwired into our brains as a survival mechanism. It alerts us to potential threats, triggering the famous fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response. Psychologists have long studied fear, exploring how it works and its impact on human behaviour.
One theory is the Yerkes-Dodson law, which suggests that performance increases with either physiological or mental arousal (e.g., fear) but only up to a point. Beyond this optimal level of arousal, performance begins to decline. This theory implies that a certain level of fear or anxiety can be beneficial, as it heightens our senses and motivates us to perform better. However, excessive fear can be paralyzing, obstructing our ability to act.
So why do we feel fear?
Survival Instinct:
From an evolutionary viewpoint, fear is essential for survival. Our ancestors encountered numerous predators, natural disasters, and other life-threatening situations. Fear helped them to recognize and then respond to these dangers which increased their chances of survival.
Threat Detection:
The brain’s limbic system, particularly the amygdala, plays a central role in processing fear. When we perceive a potential threat, sensory information is rapidly relayed to the amygdala, which evaluates the threat and initiates the appropriate response. This allows us to react quickly to danger, whether it’s running from a predator or preparing to defend ourselves.
Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn Response:
One of the most well-known physiological responses to fear is the this response. When faced with a threat, the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which trigger a series of changes designed to prepare us for action. Heart rate and breathing increases, muscles tense up, and blood is redirected to essential organs, enabling us to deal with the threat in the way our body sees fit.
Learning and Memory:
Fear also plays a crucial role in learning and memory. When we experience something frightening or traumatic, the brain forms strong associations between the perceived threat and the context in which it occurred. These memories help us avoid similar situations in the future, contributing to our overall safety and well-being. This can contribute to mental health conditions such as PTSD and anxiety.
Social Influence:
Fear is not only an individual experience but also a social phenomenon. We as humans are highly social creatures, and fear can spread rapidly through communication, observation, and shared experiences. This social aspect of fear can serve as a protective mechanism, alerting entire communities to potential dangers and facilitating coordinated responses to threats.
Cognitive Appraisal:
In addition to external threats, fear can also arise from internal sources such as uncertainty, failure, or the unknown. Cognitive appraisal theory suggests that our perception and interpretation of a situation play a crucial role in determining whether we experience fear or not. Events that are perceived as uncontrollable, unpredictable, or potentially harmful are more likely to elicit fear responses.
Cultural and Environmental Factors:
Cultural norms, beliefs, and past experiences can significantly influence how we experience and express fear. For example, some cultures may encourage the expression of fear as a sign of vulnerability, while others may emphasize stoicism and emotional restraint. Similarly, environmental factors such as upbringing, socioeconomic status, and exposure to trauma can shape an individual’s fear responses.
The Role of Courage.
Courage appears when we confront our fears and act despite being scared. Contrary to popular belief, courage does not mean you don’t feel fear. It means that you acknowledge that you’re nervous and choosing to move forward regardless. This distinction is crucial, as it reframes bravery as a conscious decision rather than an innate trait.
Psychologist Susan Jeffers famously coined the phrase “Feel the fear and do it anyway,” summarising the essence of courage. Her work emphasizes the importance of confronting fears head-on and embracing them as opportunities for growth. By reframing fear as a natural part of life, Jeffers empowers people to harness their inner courage with confidence. Fear is healthy! You can’t be brave if you aren’t scared.
The Neuroscience of Bravery.
Neuroscience offers insights into the neural mechanisms underlying bravery. Research shows that the prefrontal cortex (the part of the brain responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and self-control) plays a crucial role in regulating fear responses. Those with higher levels of prefrontal cortex activity often exhibit greater resilience in the face of fear, enabling them to act courageously even in challenging circumstances.
Studies have shown that exposure therapy, a psychological technique aimed at reducing fear and anxiety by gradually exposing individuals to the source of their fears, can control fear responses in the brain. By repeatedly confronting your fears in a controlled environment, you can desensitize yourself to perceived threats and build resilience. Of course, this isn’t an overnight fix.
The Psychology of Risk-Taking.
Bravery often involves taking risks, whether it’s pursuing a new career path, starting a business, or speaking up for what you believe in. The psychology of risk-taking looks to understand why some people are more inclined to take risks than others.
One theory, known as sensation seeking, suggests that some people are biologically predisposed to seek out exciting or dangerous experiences. These individuals have a higher tolerance for uncertainty and a tendency for risk-taking behaviour. However, risk-taking is not solely determined by genetics. Environmental factors, past experiences, and individual differences also play significant roles as to why some people are wired like this.
The Importance of Vulnerability.
At the core of bravery lies vulnerability—the willingness to expose yourself to potential harm or rejection. The woman I mentioned at the start of this blog, Brené Brown, is known for her work on vulnerability and courage. She says that embracing vulnerability is essential if you want to cultivating resilience and build authentic connections with others.
Her research highlights the societal misconception that vulnerability is a sign of weakness. In reality, being vulnerabe requires immense courage and strength, as it involves opening yourself up to uncertainty and emotional discomfort. If you choose to accept vulnerability, you will can forge deeper connections with others, cultivate empathy, and ultimately lead a more fulfilling life.
Practical Strategies for Cultivating Bravery.
While the concept of bravery may seem abstract, there are practical strategies that you can use to build your courage.
Recognize and acknowledge your fears: Take the time to identify the fears that may be holding you back, whether they’re related to career aspirations, relationships, or personal goals.
Reframe fear as an opportunity for growth: Instead of viewing fear as a barrier to success, see it as a sign that you’re stepping outside of your comfort zone and challenging yourself to grow.
Break tasks down into smaller steps: If something feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. By tackling each step one at a time, you can gradually build momentum and confidence.
Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself, especially when facing challenges or setbacks. Remember that bravery isn’t about perfection but rather flexibility and resilience.
Surround yourself with supportive people: Spend time with friends or family members who encourage and inspire you to pursue your goals. Their support will bolster your confidence and provide valuable perspective.
Conclusion
Bravery is not the absence of fear but rather the willingness to confront fear and act despite it. By understanding the psychology behind bravery, you can empower yourself to embrace vulnerability, take calculated risks, and pursue your goals with courage and resilience. Through facing our fears that we discover our true strength and potential. Remember – You can’t be brave if you aren’t scared.