When it comes to success, most people think that being successful is reserved for a select few. They believe that if they are not just born with the ‘success’ gene, they have no chance of being successful or happy. The truth is that there are so many things that lead up to one having both success and happiness. And one of the most important factors is being courageous enough to try whatever you would like to achieve instead of merely dreaming about it.
Everything they do is in some way based on how they see themselves in relation to others, which makes them both vulnerable to criticism yet determined to prove themselves. Whether or not you’re skilled with tools or learned, whether or not you’re good at sports, these are the things that won’t matter in the end. What matters is your courage. The ability to keep going even when things get tough. Your determination to try no matter what your circumstances may be. And most importantly your willingness to learn from mistakes and change direction if need be without letting fear hold you back.
Be Your Kids’ Hero.
If you want your children to be brave, then you have to be brave. Allow them to witness you stepping out of your comfort zones. For instance, you might be afraid of speaking on stage – but step up and speak something when you get a chance. Your actions like these will really inspire your children. If you are afraid to get on a rollercoaster, then your kid will also be scared to get on it. In short, be an active role model for the kind of person they should aspire to be as their future selves. Also, encourage them to tackle their fears and test their boundaries every day too.
Give them challenges
It’s nearly impossible to complete a brave act without backing from your people. Your culture and heritage acts as the backbone when it comes to defining your beliefs. “Son, you are a Thompson and we have a long history of doing what’s right.” When we say this it’s important, children will know that their family has been closely associated with courage for many years. If they receive a sense of identity from their past, then they will be able to muster up more courage in the future for daring things.
Show real-life heroes
When we think of heroes, we often think of soldiers, firefighters, or police officers. All of these people are certainly fine examples of courage and valor. Point that out to your kids. Go even further by giving them quotes from influential sources which expand upon the idea of being courageous – for example, consider this quote like: “Life begins where fear ends” which you could be telling them can be a great way to get kids’ minds thinking in the right direction.
Build confidence and conviction
As a parent, one of the greatest gifts you can give your child is the ability to walk with confidence. The more time you spend with them now, the more self-assured they will become later on in life. Instill in them now the fact they are safe and accepted for who they are at their core – not what they have or what people say about them. Knowing this helps foster bravery so they can develop healthy relationships as adults. Also, get creative. Make up different scenarios with your child where they pretend to be someone truly courageous and selfless. Doing so will help them learn how to react appropriately in difficult or dangerous situations later in life. Who knows, it might even turn into a family game!
