Be Brave. Or Pretend to Be. It’s All the Same.

The Pharmacist Wordsmith – January 9, 2025 – Life-Changing Words Post #39

Let’s talk about bravery. A lot of people think it’s about doing big, bold things like jumping into danger or making huge life decisions without a second thought. But honestly? Most of the time, bravery is just showing up when you’d rather hide. Sometimes, it’s faking confidence until you actually feel it.

What Bravery Really Looks Like

Here’s a secret: bravery doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It’s about doing the thing anyway. Whether it’s a job interview, a hard conversation, or trying something new, bravery often feels like a knot in your stomach or a shaky breath. But nobody else sees that. All they see is you showing up. And that’s what counts.

I’ve learned this firsthand. There have been so many moments where I felt totally unprepared or scared out of my mind. But I pretended I wasn’t, took a deep breath, and went for it. And you know what? It worked. Pretending to be brave is still being brave.

Why Faking Confidence Works

There’s something called “acting as if,” and it’s a game-changer. When you act as if you’re confident, your brain starts to believe it. It’s like putting on a new pair of shoes. At first, it feels awkward, but soon, you’re walking like they’ve always been yours.

Think back to a time when you were scared but did the thing anyway. Maybe you spoke up in a meeting, introduced yourself to someone new, or tried a hobby you’d never done before. Did you feel ready? Probably not. But you did it. That’s bravery.

Everyday Ways to Be Brave

Bravery doesn’t have to be dramatic. Most of the time, it’s about taking small steps outside your comfort zone. Here are a few examples:

1. Trying Something New

Starting anything new—a fitness class, a hobby, or even a new recipe—can feel intimidating. Pretend you’re confident enough to walk in the door. Chances are, everyone else feels just as nervous as you do.

2. Having Hard Conversations

Setting boundaries or apologizing takes guts. Even if your voice shakes, say what needs to be said. Bravery is showing up and speaking your truth.

3. Going After Your Dreams

Big goals are scary. Whether it’s writing a book, starting a business, or traveling solo, it’s easy to feel like you’re not ready. Pretend you are. Take one small step and see what happens.

How Being Brave Changes Everything

When you step up, even when you’re scared, it changes how you see yourself. You start to think, “If I can do that, what else can I do?” And here’s the best part: your bravery inspires others. When people see you trying, they feel like they can try, too. It’s a ripple effect.

A Simple Trick to Tap into Your Bravery

Next time you’re nervous, think of someone you admire—a friend, a mentor, or even a character from a movie. Ask yourself, “What would they do?” Then, act like them. Pretend you’ve got their confidence. Before you know it, you’ll realize you’re not pretending anymore.

Final Thoughts

Bravery isn’t about feeling fearless. It’s about showing up and trying, even when you’re scared. So, the next time you’re facing something big or nerve-wracking, just remember: be brave. Or pretend to be. It’s all the same.

You’ve got this. Take that first step. Even if it feels small, it’s still a step forward.