Courage grows in moments of discomfort—it’s not just a nice idea, it’s a psychological fact. Think of it like a muscle that only gets stronger when you push it past its comfort zone. The magic happens right when you feel that initial resistance.
Share Image Quote:Table of Contents
Meaning
The core message is simple but profound: courage isn’t a pre-existing quality you’re born with. It’s a direct result of choosing to act despite feeling fear or discomfort.
Explanation
Here’s the thing most people get wrong. They wait to *feel* courageous before they act. And they wait. And wait. The truth is, the feeling of courage always comes *after* the action. It’s a reward for leaning into the discomfort. Every time you force yourself to speak up in a meeting, or introduce yourself to a stranger, or take on a challenging project, you’re not just doing the thing—you’re building your courage muscle for next time. The discomfort is the signal that you’re in the growth zone.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Personal Development (697) |
| Topics | courage (145), discomfort (3), growth (413) |
| Literary Style | minimalist (442), poetic (635) |
| Emotion / Mood | encouraging (304), resolute (28) |
| Overall Quote Score | 84 (319) |
Origin & Factcheck
This gem comes straight from Leil Lowndes’s 2005 book, Goodbye to Shy: 85 Shybusters That Work, published in the United States. It’s a practical guide, and this quote is the backbone of its philosophy. You won’t find it misattributed to someone like Roosevelt or Mandela—it’s authentically Lowndes.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Leil Lowndes (235) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | Goodbye to Shy: 85 Shybusters That Work (50) |
| Origin Timeperiod | Contemporary (1615) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Leil Lowndes writes about striking conversations with unknown people and how to put others at ease and maintain relationships. Her techniques are straightforward and practically usable that readers can apply immediately in their workplace, and everyday life. Her book list includes How to Talk to Anyone and Goodbye to Shy which have reached international audiences.
Official Website |Facebook | X | YouTube |
Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | Courage grows in moments of discomfort |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2000; ISBN: 9780071412946; Last edition: McGraw-Hill, 2004; Number of pages: 304 |
| Where is it? | Chapter 10: Facing Fear, Approximate page from 2004 edition |