The 7-Minute Exercise That Can Build Your Courage
Jun 22, 2026
We often think courage is something we’re either born with or we’re not.
But after years of leading people, coaching pastors, and navigating difficult decisions myself, I’ve become convinced that courage usually isn’t the problem.
Avoidance is.
Most of us know what we need to do. We simply don’t do it.
Maybe it’s the difficult conversation you’ve been postponing. Maybe it’s the ministry God has been nudging you to start. Maybe it’s finally taking your health seriously, making the phone call, writing the book, or making the leadership decision you’ve been delaying for weeks.
The longer we avoid something, the bigger it becomes in our minds. Fear fills in the blanks. Our imagination begins writing stories that often never come true.
One of the most helpful exercises I’ve found takes less than seven minutes.
Set a timer and honestly answer these seven questions:
1. What have I been avoiding?
Name it.
Not five things.
One thing.
Clarity is powerful.
2. Why have I been avoiding it?
Fear almost always has a reason.
Sometimes it’s fear of loss. We think we’ll lose influence, comfort, money, or relationships.
Sometimes it’s fear of the process. We don’t want to go through the hard work.
Sometimes it’s fear of the outcome. We’re afraid we’ll fail.
Understanding your fear removes some of its power.
3. What’s it costing me?
This question changes everything.
What’s avoidance costing your leadership?
Your family?
Your team?
Your future?
Eventually the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing. That’s when transformation begins.
4. What courageous action should I take?
Not every possible action.
The next right action.
Leadership is built one courageous decision at a time.
5. When will I do it?
If it isn’t scheduled, it’s usually just a wish.
Put a date on it.
6. Who will I tell?
Accountability is one of courage’s greatest allies.
Invite someone into the process.
You’ll be amazed how simply telling another person helps you follow through.
7. What’s the very first step?
Don’t focus on finishing.
Focus on starting.
If you want to write a book, maybe your first step is opening a blank document.
If you need to have a difficult conversation, maybe your first step is sending the text asking to meet.
Small beginnings often create remarkable momentum.
The goal isn’t to become fearless.
The goal is to become someone who acts despite fear.
That’s courage.
And it might begin with just seven intentional minutes today.
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