9.3 Jill Schulman: Be Brave

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, but because we do not dare things that are difficult. Courage over regret." - Jill Schulman

How many opportunities have you avoided because of fear?

The key to having a fulfilling, regret-free life isn’t avoiding discomfort—it’s leaning into it. This is what it means to be brave.

Jill Schulman is a former U.S. Marine Corps officer turned leadership development expert who recently wrote a book on bravery. She says bravery is defined not as being fearless, but stepping forward and taking action in the presence of fear.

She says, “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, but because we do not dare things that are difficult. Courage over regret."

Schulman teaches that bravery isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. She calls courage a muscle that grows stronger with use.

She breaks it down into three main areas:

1. Mindset – Shift how you see fear. Instead of treating it as a stop sign, see it as a signal you’re on the edge of growth.
   
   

2. Behavior – Take small, deliberate actions that stretch you. Look at it like a long staircase: be brave enough to just take the next step.
   
   

3. Environment – Bravery is contagious. Surround yourself with people who encourage bold action.

One of her favorite mantras is “Courage over regret”—reminding us that it’s usually scarier to look back and wish you’d acted than to step forward when you’re afraid.

Don’t let fear stop you. Take the next, small step and do it afraid.

Question of the Day: What’s one small step you can take today that feels a little scary—but will move you forward?