The film “Braveheart”, an epic historical drama Starring Mel Gibson draws inspiration from a true story, with Gibson portraying the role of William Wallace. Wallace was a Scottish rebel who fought for his country’s independence from England. Wallace was a brave man who was willing to risk everything for what he believed in. He faced many challenges, but he never gave up. He inspired his people to fight for their freedom saying “Men don’t follow titles, they follow courage”.
Courage, as portrayed in movies, often serves as a powerful source of inspiration for viewers seeking to embrace their own bravery in real life. One key aspect highlighted in cinematic tales of courage is the willingness to confront fear and adversity head-on.
How can movies inspire you to be brave?
Most of us love to stay within our comfort zones. A “comfort zone” can be a place where you feel comfortable, and ease, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety. However, the comfort zone is called “graveyard of dreams” as no growth happens there. If you want to live a happy and fulfilling life, it’s important to step outside of your comfort zone occasionally. Getting out of your comfort zone is not easy, but it is worth it.
Expanding your comfort zone takes time and, most importantly, patience. To expand your comfort zone, start doing everyday things differently. Break your daily routine. Try out new things like going to a new restaurant, ordering something new from the menu, or leaving your cell phone at home. Start doing things that make you discomfort, like initiating a conversation with a stranger, public speaking, etc. Try something new every week or every month
Many of us are motivated to something different but soon let our fears get in the way. We are afraid to grab new opportunities that come our way. Overthinking and “what-if” hold us back in our professional and personal lives and opportunities slip through. Later, we lament about missed opportunities. When challenged, when trying out something new, a “braveheart” is necessary.
How to tackle our fear?
- Acknowledge the fear: Don’t run away from the fear. In doing so, magnitude of fear increases manifold. Acknowledging fear is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of self-awareness and the first step towards mastering your fears and exhibiting true bravery.
- Confront your fear: Understand the reason (why) behind your fear. What are the worst things that could happen if you face your fear? Are the risks as bad as you think they are?
- Gradual exposure: Exposure therapy is a widely recognized technique for overcoming fears. Gradually exposing yourself to the source of your fear in a controlled and safe manner can help desensitize you over time. This slow exposure allows you to build resilience and confidence as you face your fear in manageable doses.
- Get comfortable being uncomfortable: Put yourself in situations that intimidates you, makes you uncomfortable. More you do this, less afraid you become. If you are afraid of public speaking, speak every opportunity you get. You may do a terrible job to begin with, but it will improve with time.
- Create an action plan: How are you going to face your fear? Start small and gradually work your way up to the things that scare you the most.
- Set realistic goals: Break down the process of overcoming your fear into small, achievable goals. Celebrate each success, no matter how minor, as it contributes to your overall progress. Setting realistic goals helps build a sense of accomplishment and boosts your confidence along the way.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment, not thinking about similar past experiences. When you’re feeling afraid, take a few deep breaths and focus on your surroundings. This can help you to calm down and think more clearly.
- Don’t rush: Remember that overcoming fear is a gradual process, and it’s okay to progress at your own pace. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate the small victories along the way.
- Seek support: Talk to a therapist or counsellor if you’re struggling to face your fear on your own. They can provide you with the support and guidance you need. Let your friends and family know about what you are going through, so that they can be of support.
So, if you’re feeling afraid, looking for inspiration to be brave, remember the story of William Wallace. I encourage you to watch Braveheart. If you have watched it already, do watch it again. Bravery is possible, even when it seems impossible. And remember that bravery is contagious. When we are brave, we can inspire others to be brave too. Take calculated risks, face challenges, and stand up for what you believe in. The world needs more brave people. I leave you with a list of movies and movie characters who were brave and fought again all the odds.
