Ani Filipova on Cultivating Courage: It’s a Muscle, Not a Feeling

In a recent LinkedIn post, Ani Filipova explores the common misconceptions surrounding courage and offers a practical framework for cultivating it, asserting that many individuals mistakenly practice courage on external pressures rather than their own life aspirations.

Filipova challenges the notion that courage is a rare trait, suggesting instead that it is a skill that can be developed through consistent, albeit uncomfortable, practice. She highlights a critical point: people often direct their bravery towards appeasing others or conforming to societal expectations, such as a boss’s opinion or parental disappointment, while neglecting their own personal growth and desires.

“Courage looks good on everyone. But most people never wear it. Not because they lack bravery – But because they’re practising courage on the wrong things.”

Rethinking Courage: A Muscle to be Trained

Filipova argues that the most significant barrier to courage is not a lack of bravery, but a misunderstanding of how courage actually functions. She posits that many treat courage like a form of enlightenment, waiting for a specific feeling or moment to strike, rather than actively engaging in its practice.

“Most people treat courage like enlightenment waiting for the moment they feel different. But courage works like going to the gym. You don’t wait until you feel strong to lift weights,” Filipova writes. This analogy underscores her core message: courage is built through consistent effort, much like physical strength.

The Difference Between Courage and Certainty

A key distinction Filipova makes is between courage and certainty. She explains that certainty involves knowing the outcome of an action, while courage is the willingness to proceed even without such guarantees. This is particularly relevant in professional life, where significant career shifts often involve navigating uncertainty.

To combat this, Filipova suggests a practical exercise: “Write ‘I don’t know if this will work, but I’m going to try _______.'” This simple reframing, she implies, helps individuals to embrace the unknown and take action despite the lack of a guaranteed positive outcome.

Training Courage in Low-Stakes Environments

Filipova emphasizes the importance of building courage incrementally, advocating for what she calls “courage sprints.” She likens attempting to build courage only during major life decisions to training for a marathon by running a marathon – an impractical and overwhelming approach.

Instead, she advises practicing courage in smaller, everyday situations. Examples she provides include voicing disagreement in low-stakes meetings, wearing a bolder outfit, or being the first to speak in a virtual setting. These “sprints” help to strengthen the courage ‘muscle’ without the pressure of high stakes.

Courage as Tolerance for Discomfort

Furthermore, Filipova redefines courage not as the absence of fear or the presence of confidence, but as the tolerance for discomfort. She suggests that individuals need to build their capacity to withstand unease, comparing it to altitude training.

“You don’t need to feel confident. You need to tolerate discomfort.”

Her actionable advice includes starting with brief periods of vulnerability, such as sharing a slightly honest post on social media, and gradually increasing the duration and intensity, moving towards harder conversations. This progressive exposure, according to Filipova, builds resilience and makes future acts of courage more manageable.

The Social Dimension of Courage

Filipova also touches upon the social aspect of courage, noting that it is contagious, much like cowardice. She suggests that one’s immediate social circle can significantly influence their willingness to take risks and pursue growth.

“Your five closest friends are your courage ceiling.”

She encourages readers to audit their social networks, questioning whether their friends inspire boldness or reinforce comfort. Filipova advocates for surrounding oneself with individuals who exhibit courage, thereby creating a supportive “courage ecosystem” rather than a “comfort cartel.” This social reinforcement, she believes, is crucial for sustained personal development.

In conclusion, Ani Filipova’s insights on LinkedIn offer a compelling perspective on courage, shifting the focus from an innate trait to a cultivable skill. By reframing courage as a muscle, emphasizing practice over feeling, and advocating for incremental steps, she provides a practical roadmap for individuals seeking to live a more courageous and growth-oriented life.