A simple way to build courage is to make commitments that don’t require much courage to accept but that require significant courage to implement. When you put yourself on record, you’ll tend to follow through. Small commitments can help you overcome complacency and build significant courage.

During my first few months as a member of Toastmasters International, I decided to enter their humorous-speech contest. I’d never competed in an adult speech contest before, but when I was asked if I wanted to participate, it didn’t take much courage for me to say, “Sure, I’ll do it.” As the contest date drew closer, however, I began to second-guess my decision: What have I gotten myself into here? But since I was already committed to the contest, I followed through and did my best.

Preparing for each round of competition was hard work, but I had a lot of fun and probably advanced my speaking skills by the equivalent of 6 to 12 months of regular club attendance. After that first contest season, I felt much more confident and courageous as a speaker, and I went on to compete in other speech contests. I’m sure I wouldn’t be as comfortable with public speaking today if I hadn’t committed to that first competition many years ago. All it took to get moving was to open my mouth and say, “I’ll do it.”

Instead of avoiding your fears, make a commitment to face them. If you’re afraid of public speaking, commit to giving a speech. If you’re afraid of heights, enroll in a rock-climbing class. If you’re afraid of the water, sign up for swimming lessons. Remember that whatever you fear, you must eventually face, including death itself.

Courage is a choice. To be courageous is to confront your fear with the power that emanates from your deepest connections. As you bring your life into alignment with truth, love, and power, fear’s hold on you will gradually weaken. Truth helps you see through the illusion of fear, so you can maintain authority over your life. Love motivates you to deepen your connections and achieve the fearless state of oneness. And power provides the strength to act in spite of fear, building courage in the process.

No matter how difficult it may seem, choose to face your fears consciously. Don’t die without embracing the daring adventure your life is meant to be. You may go broke. You may experience failure and rejection repeatedly. You may endure multiple dysfunctional relationships. But these are all milestones on the path of a life lived courageously. These are your private victories, carving a deeper space within you to be filled with an abundance of joy, happiness, and fulfillment. Be afraid if you must; then summon the courage to follow your dreams anyway. That strength is undefeatable.