About this quote

Most people treat courage like a personality trait you either possess or lack. In reality, courage is a set of choices you repeat when fear shows up. Ask yourself what small, uncomfortable step you can take today and then do that step within 24 hours. It won't make the fear disappear, but it will change how you respond the next time.

When to use it

• At work: before asking my boss for a raise, I reminded myself of Rickenbacker's line and walked into the meeting anyway.
• Study: the night before I hit submit on my PhD application, I said the quote out loud and uploaded the files even though I was nervous they'd be judged.
• Health: when I finally booked the colonoscopy I'd been avoiding, I thought of that quote and showed up despite the fear.
• Family: I used the idea to tell my aging dad that I couldn't manage his finances anymore and offered a plan to change it.