Take the Reins: Let Your Brave Self Lead

I’ve always loved The Wizard of Oz—especially the Cowardly Lion. His famous question always makes me smile: “What have they got that I don’t got?” And the answer? “Courage!” 

Isn’t that how it feels sometimes? We get these great ideas—ones that light us up, excite us, and make us think, This could really be something. For a moment, we feel energized and inspired. And then… it’s time to actually do something about it. That’s when self-doubt quietly creeps in.
Who are you to do this?
What if people don’t get it?
What if they think you’re being too much… or not enough? 

Suddenly, all that excitement gets tangled up with fear. Old stories resurface. Past experiences try to hitch a ride on your new idea. And before you know it, you’re hesitating instead of moving forward.

But here’s the truth: You don’t need more courage. You already have it.
You just need to let that brave part of yourself take the reins. 

When Fear Tries to Take Over

Fear has a way of showing up right when you’re about to grow.

When you have a new idea
You’re excited at first, but then the questions start: Is this realistic? Am I qualified? Will anyone care?

When it’s time to be visible
Sharing your voice, your work, or your vision can feel vulnerable. The fear of being misunderstood or judged suddenly feels very real.

When the past shows up uninvited
Old doubts, past failures, or limiting beliefs try to convince you that this time won’t be any different.

These moments can feel convincing—but they’re not truth. They’re just fear trying to keep you in the familiar. 

Simple Ways to Let Your Brave Self Lead

Courage isn’t about eliminating fear. It’s about moving forward anyway. Here are a few ways to step back into your power and take the reins.

1. Call Out the Inner Doubt

That voice in your head? It’s not always right. In fact, it often speaks from old fears, not current reality.

Action Step:
When you hear “Who are you to do this?” respond with:
I’m someone who is willing to try.

Let that be enough. 

2. Separate the Past From the Present

Just because something didn’t work before doesn’t mean it won’t work now. You’re not the same person you were then.

Action Step:
Remind yourself: That was then. This is now.
Give your current self a chance to show up differently. 

3. Take One Brave Step

You don’t have to do everything at once. Courage builds with action—one step at a time.

Action Step:
Identify one small action you can take today toward your idea.
Send the message. Share the thought. Start the draft.
Momentum begins with movement. 

4. Stop Waiting to Feel “Ready”

Feeling ready is often a myth. Most of the time, confidence comes after you begin—not before.

Action Step:
Instead of asking, Am I ready? ask, Am I willing?
Willingness is where courage lives. 

5. Claim Your Power

There comes a moment when you have to decide that your dreams matter more than your doubts.

Action Step:
Say this out loud:
“I’ve got this.”
Even if your voice shakes a little, say it anyway.

The Wise Woman says . . .

You don’t need permission. You don’t need perfection. And you certainly don’t need to wait until fear disappears. What you need is already within you—the brave part of yourself that knows there’s more for you, that believes in your ideas, that’s ready to step forward even when it feels uncomfortable. 

So when doubt shows up—and it will—acknowledge it, then gently move it aside. Let courage take the lead. Let your voice be heard. Let your ideas come to life. Because at the end of the day, the question isn’t: “What have they got that I don’t got?” The answer is simple: Nothing. You’ve got this. Now it’s time to take the reins and prove it—to yourself.