When I was asked to write about courage, I was lost for words, but after reflecting on my own experiences of setbacks and successes I realized that my inability to write wasn’t because I haven’t faced adversity. It was because of the passage of time that has made times of adversity almost a distant memory.
Brene Brown said, “You can choose courage or you can choose comfort but you cannot choose both,” but in life I’ve learned that courage is not the absence of fear but the strength to persevere in the midst of fear.
After graduating from university I began my search for employment. What I thought would come very quickly and easily for me soon became an endless wait, and living in the comfort of my parents’ household became a challenge. The choice that confronted me was either to stay with what I was familiar with or to step out to face my fears.
I applied to numerous employers with every effort made to progress against the discontent of unemployment. The desire to be self-sufficient and financially stable was a great motivator for me. I saw these as a stepping stone to other aspirations. But despite how motivated I was, I still wasn’t receiving responses.
That time in my life looked bleak but I always found the courage to look forward. I took it as a challenge to step outside my comfort zone and into the new. I began volunteering at and job searching with OFE, which led to my current position.
While Covid-19 has changed the circumstances, the fear is the same. Just like I was then, you may be applying to countless positions with no response, but that shouldn’t stop you from applying. Albert Einstein once said, “I have tried 99 times and have failed, but on the 100th time came success.” Never let fear determine the trajectory of your future.
For those who are discouraged and feel that nothing is in your control, I encourage you to keep moving forward. Sometimes we are tested and we must remember to be diligent and persistent. Refuse to accept failure as an option and courageously maintain a positive outlook of life.
What is courage? And what does courage mean to you?
Author: Miracle Fayokun, Employment Services Advisor
