Podcast Summary: "How To Build Courage with Dr. Margie Warrell | Episode 273"
This Is Woman's Work with Nicole Kalil delves deep into the concept of courage in Episode 273, featuring the esteemed Dr. Margie Warrell. Throughout the episode, Nicole Kalil and Dr. Warrell explore the intricate relationship between courage and confidence, debunk common misconceptions, and provide actionable steps to cultivate bravery in everyday life. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the essence of their enlightening conversation.
Introduction to Courage and Confidence
Nicole Kalil begins the episode by outlining her passion for confidence-building and how societal narratives often misrepresent true confidence. She highlights the intertwined nature of confidence and courage, emphasizing that while they overlap, they are distinct concepts.
"The sweet spot where confidence and courage overlap is where trusting yourself firmly and boldly drives you to do brave things and take risks that matter to you."
[00:42] - Nicole Kalil
She introduces Dr. Margie Warrell, a five-time bestselling author and a renowned expert on courage, who has dedicated her career to helping individuals overcome fears and unlock their potential.
Defining Courage: Beyond the Absence of Fear
Dr. Margie Warrell clarifies that courage is often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, courage does not equate to being fearless. Instead, it involves taking action despite feeling fear.
"The number one thing that courage is not is an absence of fear. It is not fearlessness."
[03:38] - Dr. Margie Warrell
She emphasizes that courage and confidence are mutually reinforcing. Taking courageous actions builds confidence through experiential learning, creating a "compounding cycle of growth and awesomeness."
Choice and Action: Foundations of Building Courage
Nicole Kalil echoes Dr. Warrell’s sentiments by stressing that confidence and courage stem from intentional choices and actions rather than waiting for emotions to align.
"Choose confidence. Choose courage over and over and over again until the feeling catches up."
[07:00] - Nicole Kalil
Dr. Warrell agrees, highlighting that courage can be developed like a muscle. Regularly stepping out of one’s comfort zone strengthens one’s ability to act bravely in future situations.
"We can strengthen our courage muscles by taking consistent brave actions, even when we don't feel like it."
[07:49] - Dr. Margie Warrell
The Courage Gap: Bridging Potential and Action
Dr. Warrell introduces the concept of the "Courage Gap," the chasm between one’s potential aspirations and the actions taken to achieve them, often hindered by fear.
"The courage gap is the gap between you and the life that you really want to have, that you're entirely capable of creating."
[13:13] - Dr. Margie Warrell
She shares a personal anecdote about relocating to the United States with four children and launching her coaching business despite numerous fears and obstacles. This narrative underscores the importance of overcoming the courage gap to realize one’s full potential.
Practical Steps to Cultivate Courage
Dr. Warrell outlines five actionable steps from her book, "The Courage Gap," designed to help listeners build courage and close the courage gap.
1. Focus on What You Want, Not What You Fear
Shifting attention from fears to clear, heartfelt desires provides a guiding direction and motivation to take courageous actions.
"Getting really clear about what it is you want... anchors your decisions and makes courage more compelling."
[17:16] - Dr. Margie Warrell
Nicole Kalil reinforces this by noting the common tendency to dwell on worst-case scenarios rather than aspirations.
2. Rescript Your Limiting Stories
Many of our fears are rooted in self-limiting narratives. By rewriting these stories, individuals can dismantle the barriers that fear erects.
"I had to rewrite my story that I could have four children, be a good mother, and launch a business in a new country."
[13:43] - Dr. Margie Warrell
3. Embody Courage
This step involves managing one’s physiological responses to fear and creating an environment that supports brave actions. Techniques like regulating the nervous system and adopting confident body language are essential.
"Manage the fear in your body and connect to people who help you walk a little taller through life."
[24:29] - Dr. Margie Warrell
4. Embrace Discomfort for Growth
Growth requires stepping into discomfort. By viewing uncomfortable situations as opportunities for growth, individuals can progressively expand their courage.
"Growth and comfort can't ride the same horse unless we're willing to step into discomfort."
[27:00] - Dr. Margie Warrell
5. Forgive Yourself and Find Treasure in Failure
Failure is an inevitable part of courageous actions. Learning to forgive oneself and extracting valuable lessons from failures fosters resilience and continued bravery.
"Find the treasure that your failures hold... practice self-compassion to become more resilient."
[29:03] - Dr. Margie Warrell
Nicole Kalil highlights the importance of self-compassion, agreeing that embracing failures as learning experiences is crucial for building confidence.
Closing Thoughts: Empowering Self-Trust Through Courage
As the episode concludes, Nicole reiterates the symbiotic relationship between courage and confidence, emphasizing that courage bridges gaps created by fear and self-doubt.
"Closing all the gaps, well, that's most certainly woman's work."
[32:57] - Nicole Kalil
Dr. Margie Warrell leaves listeners with a powerful reminder to practice self-compassion and continuously engage in brave actions to foster personal growth and self-trust.
Key Takeaways
- Courage Defined: Courage is the ability to take action despite feeling fear, not the absence of fear.
- Interconnectedness: Confidence and courage reinforce each other; courageous actions build confidence.
- Courage Gap: Fear creates a gap between one's current state and potential, which courage can bridge.
- Five Practical Steps:
- Focus on desires, not fears.
- Rescript limiting narratives.
- Embody courage through physiological and environmental adjustments.
- Embrace discomfort as a catalyst for growth.
- Forgive oneself and extract lessons from failures.
- Self-Compassion: Essential for resilience and continued courageous actions.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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"There is no courage without fear."
[03:38] - Dr. Margie Warrell -
"Don't wait for confidence. Start before you feel ready."
[06:56] - Dr. Margie Warrell -
"The courage gap is the gap between you and the life that you really want to have."
[13:13] - Dr. Margie Warrell -
"Growth and comfort can't ride the same horse unless we're willing to step into discomfort."
[27:00] - Dr. Margie Warrell -
"Find the treasure that your failures hold."
[29:03] - Dr. Margie Warrell
Resources Mentioned
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Dr. Margie Warrell’s Book: The Courage Gap: Five Steps to Braver Action
Available on Amazon and local bookstores. -
Dr. Margie Warrell’s Website: margiewarrell.com
This episode serves as a masterclass on courage, providing listeners with both inspiration and practical tools to cultivate bravery in their personal and professional lives. By addressing the misconceptions around courage and offering a structured approach to overcoming fear, both Nicole Kalil and Dr. Margie Warrell empower women to bridge the gaps that stand between them and their fullest potential.