The Real Rewards of Courage
(aren't necessarily what you think)
Hello To You,
What do you think of my latest illustration? Do you like? Maybe even want to share it with someone who might need a little reminder?
How about understanding more about what sits behind it? I kind of hoped you would say yes. Now let me tell you……
Courage WILL reward you.
But not always how you expect. And almost never on your timeline.
That’s not the feel-good slogan you perhaps hoped for, but it’s an uncomfortable truth.
Because the moment you need courage most, is the moment your brain tries to talk you out of it.
Your Brain’s Not Broken - It’s Just Doing Its Job
Researchers have shown us again and again: your brain is not nearly as rational or reliable as you think it is.
It’s optimised for survival, not success.
It clings to comfort. It avoids risk. It assumes the worst because once upon a time, that kept us alive.
But today, that same system can keep you stuck.
You might think you're being “realistic” when you hesitate to apply for a job, pitch an idea or take a leap. But more often, you’re just being protective.
You’re trying to avoid rejection, disappointment, failure, because your brain overestimates how painful it’ll be and underestimates how well you can bounce back. How well you have before.
So instead of stepping forward, you wait. You hold back. You tell yourself you’ll try when you’re more ready.
But readiness isn’t a prerequisite for courage. It’s often the result of it.
Courage Creates Its Own Kind of Reward
Maybe you apply and get rejected. Maybe the interview goes nowhere.
But what if the feedback sparks a new idea?
What if that conversation connects you to someone else?
What if simply preparing made you realise: I’m more capable than I thought?
Maybe you get the job, and realise the culture’s all wrong for you. Would you say that’s a loss, or do you think it might be clarity?
Or maybe, quietly, privately, you just feel proud.
Because you showed up. You tried. You did the hard thing. And even if no one else saw it, you did.
As I describe in my Be Braver framework, you see you Quiet Courage or Personal Bravery. That gives something to to the soul which only courage can.
This Is Why Courage Matters
We don’t need courage when life is predictable.
We need it when we’re growing. When we’re stretching into the unknown. When something important is on the line, and there’s no script, no safety net, no certainty.
Because courage isn’t just about reaching a goal, a desirable outcome. In some ways it’s almost a bonus if we get that. It provides us the opportunity to test our resolve, spirit and character.
It’s about who you become when you act. What you accept when you turn away.
That’s where the real reward is:
The pride of effort
The clarity of action
The growth that can’t come from playing it safe
And here’s the bit your brain omits to remind you:
Even if it doesn’t work out, you are further along than if you hadn’t tried at all.
You’re braver. Sharper. Stronger.
More in alignment with that which what matters most to you. And better prepared for the next opportunity.
So If You’re Standing in Front of Something That Scares You
Apply. Pitch. Speak. Ask. Begin.
Not because success is guaranteed. But because you are the kind of person who tries.
And if you're hesitating, don’t ask, "What’s the worst that could happen?"
Ask, "Would I be OK if the worst did happen?"
If the answer is yes - you are as ready as you will ever be.
Courage will shape you in ways success never could
Regret for what we didn’t do lingers, far longer than regret for what we did.
I always say that an indicator of brave organisations is when people think it is better to ask for forgiveness than wait for permission. Cultures that fear failure can’t innovate. Stagnate growth, lose talent.
And individually? For the development of yourself, your career or the teams you lead and mentor. The message to them all is the same. It’s better to give yourself permission to try and fail, than to spend years forgiving yourself for never having tried.
Because when you try, you move forward.
You grow.
You become braver.
Bolder.
More in sync with what truly matters.
And best of all?
You’re no longer waiting for life to happen to you.
You’re becoming the kind of person who makes it happen.
One Last Thing
“Live With Courage” - I did the first one with
here on Substack and honestly we had a ball.So we are going to dive in deep again. What’s the one thing you’d want to hear us unpack, challenge, or discuss?
Next one will be Wednesday 4th May 7pm GMT.
Be great to see you there and have you join us?
👉 Ready to explore your next brave move?
I work with organisations and teams, mostly new and emerging leaders, to help them understand what courage looks like in practice. My approach blends research, psychology, and lived experience into practical frameworks leaders can use in moments that matter: high-stakes conversations, major transitions, values-based decisions, and deep uncertainty.
I also work privately with individuals and love collaborating with others who are passionate about reshaping leadership, equity, and well-being. I’m especially interested in funding and partnerships that support sustainable, long-term impact for young people and marginalised communities, those who often need courage the most, but are resourced the least.
If this piece moved you, resonated, feels relevant, or made you think differently about courage, share it. You never know who might need it today.
When you pass it on, you’re not just boosting my work - you’re creating ripples.
You become part of a quiet but powerful shift in how we understand bravery, leadership, and the future we want to build.
And I’d love to hear from you.
What does courage look like for you right now?
What would being braver mean in your world?
