The Art of Embracing Courage
Courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about creating despite fear.
The Universal Fear of Starting
Have you ever stood on the edge of a creative idea, feeling the weight of fear holding you back? Maybe it was the fear of judgment, of failing, or simply of not being “good enough.” If you’ve felt this way, you’re not alone. Every artist—yes, even the ones we admire most—has faced that same moment of self-doubt. And I'm not coming up with this because I read it somewhere, I lived in this feeling too, for many many years.
What I came to understand after these years: the fear will sit next to you all the time - you just gotta accept it as if you're accepting a friend. Now you are the one who's changing the narrative.
Why Fear Can Be a Sign of Greatness
There’s a secret every artist needs to know: fear is often a sign you’re about to do something meaningful. In The War of Art, Steven Pressfield talks about fear as a form of Resistance. He writes, “Resistance will tell you anything to keep you from doing your work. It will perjure. It will falsify; it will tell you you’re not ready.” Imagine Resistance as Karen and you're step closer to putting your beautiful work of art outside.
Today's formula, therefore, goes:
RESISTANCE = KAREN (yapping all year round)
(note: If your name is Karen, but you don't act like THE Karen, you're absolutely fabulous)
But then, here’s where it gets interesting: the greater the fear, the greater the importance of the task at hand. Courage, as Elizabeth Gilbert writes in Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, isn’t about perfection or brilliance; it’s about the determination to try. Gilbert reminds us, “Fear is boring. Fear only ever has one thing to say, and that thing is: ‘STOP.’” But your job isn’t to stop. Your job is to begin and continue, relentlessly!
Think of Vincent van Gogh. Do you know how many of his works were celebrated during his lifetime? Not many. And yet, he kept creating, fueled by courage, passion and purpose (and OBSESSION)—not by confidence, recognition, or ease.
Courage and Fear Coexist
The truth is, courage and fear are roommates. They’ll always live together in your creative journey. But here’s the good news: courage can drive the car. It’s not about kicking fear out—it’s about choosing to move forward even when fear whispers, “You can’t do this.”
In Atomic Habits, James Clear emphasizes, “The most effective way to do it is to do it.” (well it's not NOT true...) - In other words, courage doesn’t grow before the work—it grows because of it. Every small act of creativity—every brushstroke, every word written—is an act of bravery. Look - gaining respect towards yourself is no different that respecting your friend or someone famous. As these people do extraordinary things, you automatically (consciously or subconsciously) respect them, because they just GO FOR IT. And this is, really, exact same process with yourself.
Courage in Small Steps
So, how do you embrace courage? Start small. Here are two exercises to get you moving:
1. Take a Tiny Risk Today: Pick one creative task that feels manageable but slightly outside your comfort zone. Maybe it’s sketching for 10 minutes, sharing a rough draft with a friend, or trying a new medium. Celebrate the act of doing it—not the result. For me it's to make time to learn and create new melodies/beats. This part is always the most resistant but once I get in ease with it, oh boy, it's a show.
2. Visualization Exercise: Close your eyes and imagine your project complete. Picture the joy of holding your finished painting, the pride of watching someone connect with your writing, or the excitement of sharing your work. Anchor yourself in that joy. Try to imagine how your parents or your friends are literally celebrating with you and telling you "wow, you've really made it". Really - imagine it - it's a feeling I can't really describe just finish the reading and then go for few minutes into this.
Every Act of Creation is Brave
Here’s the truth I want you to remember: every time you create, you’re winning over fear. It doesn’t matter if it’s messy or imperfect. The simple act of starting—of showing up—is a masterpiece in itself.
“Courage is the foundation of every masterpiece.”
For You and the Community
Now, it’s your turn. What small act of courage will you take today? Write it down, share it with someone, or better yet, tell us! Post your journey on Instagram with #ArtCheckout, and let’s celebrate every brave step together.
Follow us on Instagram @ArtCheckout for more inspiration, connection, and a community that believes in you. Together, we’ll take the leap, one courageous step at a time.
With love, Meda.
