Shaka Senghor provides a powerful reframe of courage, arguing it is not the absence of fear. In fact, one cannot be courageous without first being afraid. Courage is simply the decision to move forward and take action in the presence of fear.

Labeling emotions like fear as 'bad' leads to suppression. This act disconnects you from your body and forces your attention into your mind, which creates debilitating self-talk. True confidence is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to feel everything without judgment or suppression.

The primary obstacle to courage isn't fear itself, but the defensive mechanisms we use to avoid feeling it. This protective 'armor,' while instinctual, ultimately disconnects us from our values and meaningful connections. The most difficult work is recognizing these automatic, self-sabotaging responses when we're afraid.

Society often mistakes emotional suppression for strength and discipline, a form of "toxic stoicism." However, true resilience involves feeling emotions deeply and acting despite them. Choosing to be vulnerable—speaking your truth when it's scary—is an act of courage, not weakness.

Leaders often believe fear is the enemy of courage. Brené Brown argues it's actually the "armor" we unconsciously use to self-protect—like perfectionism or becoming overly decisive—that hinders bravery. Recognizing your personal armor is the first step to disarming it.

Bravery isn't a permanent trait but a momentary act. Frame intimidating actions, like approaching a key prospect or asking a tough question, as something you only need to endure for a few seconds. This psychological trick makes it easier to overcome the initial fear and take the necessary leap.

Waiting to overcome fear before pursuing new ventures is a recipe for stagnation. Pushing beyond your comfort zone is naturally terrifying, but it's also exhilarating and essential for growth. The key is to act in spite of the fear, because that is when you are most alive and your potential expands.

Courage isn't the absence of fear but the decision to act despite it. This reframes bravery from a fixed personality characteristic to a skill that can be developed by choosing to lean into fear and not let it dictate actions.

We fear things not because we are incapable of doing them, but because we haven't done them yet. This reframes fear as a simple information gap that can be closed through action. The problem to solve is the inexperience itself, which diminishes with every step taken.