Put one foot in front of the other.

Courage is "putting one foot in front of the other and not giving up, even when everything goes completely sideways or backwards... and do the best that you can in the circumstances that you find yourself, and try and bring joy and remain optimistic and hopeful and the rest will sort itself out" Saasha Celestial-One founder of the Olio food sharing app.

Courage in Action: Lessons from Saasha Celestial-One

When we face life with so many uncertainties and challenges, the idea of courage is like a light, guiding us through tough times. Saasha Celestial-One, the co-founder of the Olio food-sharing app, captured the essence of courage in my interview with her on the Brave New Girls podcast. Her definition - putting one foot in front of the other, not giving up even when things go sideways, doing the best in any circumstances, and maintaining joy and optimism - provides a rounded view of what it truly means to be courageous.

At its core, courage is the mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It's not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it. This definition is illustrated in the entrepreneurial journey of Saasha Celestial-One. Starting a business, especially one aimed at reducing food waste and promoting sharing, is a path fraught with obstacles. Yet, it is the relentless pursuit of her vision, amidst setbacks and uncertainties, that embodies true courage.

The first aspect of courage, as per Saasha's definition, is persistence – the ‘putting one foot in front of the other’. In life's journey, we often encounter situations where the path forward is not clear, and the outcomes are uncertain. Courage in this context is about moving forward, even if it's just a small step, in the direction of our goals and values. It's about not letting fear of the unknown or failure immobilize us.

Another critical element of courage is resilience in the face of adversity. When everything seems to be going sideways or backwards, the easy response can be to give up. However, courage involves facing these challenges, learning from them, and continuing to move forward. This resilience is crucial, not just in extraordinary circumstances but in our everyday lives, where we constantly face small and large battles.

Saasha’s emphasis on doing the best in given circumstances highlights an often-overlooked aspect of courage: adaptability and resourcefulness. Courage is not just about bold, heroic actions; it's also about making the best out of the situations we find ourselves in. It's about making decisions that align with our values and goals, irrespective of the pressures and temptations to do otherwise.

Perhaps the most profound element in Saasha's definition is the emphasis on joy and optimism. Courage is often associated with grit and endurance, but the addition of joy and optimism adds a new dimension to it. It's about finding happiness and hope even in the face of difficulties. This positive attitude not only helps us to cope with our current challenges but also inspires those around us.

Saasha Celestial-One’s perspective on courage is a powerful reminder that courage has many faces It’s about persistence, resilience, adaptability, and maintaining a positive outlook. These attributes are essential not just for entrepreneurs like Saasha but for each of us as we navigate the complexities of our lives. Courage, as it turns out, is not just about facing grand challenges; it's about how we choose to live our everyday lives, confronting each small hurdle with a spirit of perseverance and optimism.

10 Actionable Steps to Cultivate Courage:

Reflect on Past Challenges: Identify past situations where you showed courage and what you learned from them.

Set Small, Brave Goals: Start with small challenges to build your courage muscle.

Practice Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with affirmations that reinforce your ability to handle tough situations. 

Seek Inspirational Stories: Read or listen to stories of people who have demonstrated courage.

Develop a Support Network: Surround yourself with people who encourage and support your brave decisions.

Learn to Accept Failure: Understand that failure is a part of the journey and a stepping stone to success.

Volunteer for Challenging Tasks: In your professional or personal life, take on tasks that push you out of your comfort zone.

Maintain a Journal: Write about your experiences and feelings when facing challenging situations.

Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of your life, which can boost optimism and courage.

Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate when you overcome challenges, no matter how small.

PS. If you would like support in growing your inner courage, calm and confidence for a better life, book in for a free chat and we can take it from there: BOOK A CHAT