Sometimes to get through life we have to ignore the cowardly lions within, and march ahead. You can act your way into feeling brave and courageous by doing some of the things that scare you.

Ask yourself, ‘If I was totally fearless in this situation, what would I do? How would I behave?’ And then do it! Even if
you don’t make it this time, you will have put on an impressive show and you will be less afraid when you try again.

I have always been averse to taking physical risks, and so the thought of extreme sports has never interested me. But when I was given the opportunity to jump out of a plane 13,000 feet above Nelson in New Zealand, I decided to take the plunge. Just the thought of sky diving was well out of my comfort zone – I have always had a fear of heights – but once I made the decision I knew that I had to follow through.

Once I had faced my fear, the change in my confidence levels was immediate. After bursting through my comfort zone, I found myself more easily able to take on other challenges.

Now when I need courage, I mentally take myself back to other times that I have taken on my fears. The resource of courage is there whenever I need it.

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