the brave coward
I was asked at a job interview yesterday to describe the bravest thing I've ever done.
I'm not going to lie, it caught me a bit off guard. Not surprisingly, my first thoughts were hilariously bad, especially compared to better answers that came to me later — while driving back home.
Anyway.
My initial answer and following discussion eventually led me to highlight some simple, seemingly boring everyday situations where one might put themselves out there and be vulnerable: starting a difficult conversation, asking that person out, revealing your true feelings, asking for a promotion or a raise, or trying anything new in public.
I started to feel OK-ish about my answer at this point.
But my brain wasn't done and kept going — out loud, of course.
Actually, I wasn't sure those were acts of bravery after all, despite seeming like such on the outside. When I really think about it, I didn't do any of them because I'm so brave and overcame the fear. It's actually quite cowardly. I did them because I fear the alternative much, much more.
Regret.
The possibility of that is so much scarier than any rejection could ever be.
You want to be really brave? To stare fear into the eyes and not flinch?
Just do nothing and face the consequences.
I'm happily a coward.
Putting yourself out there and going for it is the safe option.