Going to university. It’s a waste of time and money. I learnt from the university of life.
Having a long distance relationship. They just don’t work. I know because my friend was in one and it didn’t last.
Getting married. You’ve seen the statistics on this one. It’s way too risky.
Starting your own business. What if it doesn’t succeed? It’ll be too hard.
Moving abroad. Because I haven’t got the courage to do it, so why should you?
How often have you been confronted with a naysayer whenever you are attempting to make a …

How resilient do you think you are?  How easily do you bounce back when bad things happen? Do you think you would manage if disability or serious illness were to come your way, or do you think you would buckle under the misery and give up on life? People sometimes say ‘I don’t know what I would do if’. But people do manage, somehow life goes on and for some their life is more satisfying and meaningful than it was previously. You are probably more resilient than you think you …

Positive psychologists Chris Peterson and Martin Seligman have identified 24 strengths which can be seen as character traits. All of these strengths can be developed.  A great deal of research has gone into looking into these strengths and how they can benefit happiness and wellbeing. Seligman suggests that we identify our signature strengths (our top strengths) and use these regularly in our lives. You can do this by visiting the Authentic Happiness website and completing the VIA Signature Strengths questionnaire. Using your signature strengths will feel effortless as they are …

If you want to increase your happiness, one way is through nurturing your character strengths. Positive psychology has identified 24 strengths which can be divided into 6 distinct virtues. In this article I will talk about the strengths which make up the virtue ‘courage’: bravery, persistence, authenticity and vitality. In addition, I offer tips to help you develop each strength.
Bravery
Bravery is about facing a danger, despite misgivings. Such bravery can be physical, moral or psychological. It is easy to think of physical courage as a form of bravery, yet having …

Spend time collecting stories of people displaying acts of bravery. Consider the following sources: television shows, the news, the internet, newspapers (national and local), things you see in your everyday life as well as stories people share with you. Let such stories help you define what it means to be brave, and use them to inspire you to be braver in your own life.

Sometimes we are faced with the difficult decision of whether to speak out about something that concerns us, knowing that it risks being unpopular, or to stay quiet and keep the peace. This is especially true if you know your opinion is in the minority. However, having the courage to express your opinion in the face of potential opposition shows you are willing to stand up for what you believe in. You will probably like yourself more than if you kept quiet.

Don’t be afraid to ask for support when it is needed. Your friends, family and colleagues can assist you in many ways, from practical help, offering an opinion, giving encouragement or just being there to listen. Also, if someone offers to help, don’t automatically knock them back. There is no rule that says you should always go it alone.

If you find yourself amongst a group of people who are being critical of one of your , don’t join in. Even better, have courage and come to your friend’s defence.It’s sometimes easier to follow the majority opinion, even if you don’t believe it. Would you not want your friend to do the same if they were in your place?

Have you ever been in a situation where people were expressing opinions that differed to yours? What did you do next? Say something or keep quiet? Having the courage to speak up and express yourself shows your integrity. People may not agree with you and may not want to hear it but at least you are being true to yourself and the ideals you value so much.

Have you a long-held goal that you never quite got around to completing? Do you believe you lack the courage to achieve it? Well take a look at that goal. Work out a plan of action for everything you need to do to reach that goal. Then break down your list into achievable chunks, giving yourself deadlines. Ask for help if needed. Then go for it. The pride you will feel will far outweigh the feelings of fear and anxiety that plagued you for so long. You will wonder what …