Courage Is a Practice, Not a Feeling: Why You Don’t Need to Wait to Be Brave

Hello again

Today I'm talking courage...

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve stood on stage thinking, “I can't do this.”

That voice—the one that says you haven’t practised enough, you are too old, too tired, not good enough—doesn’t go away just because you’ve done something a hundred times before. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had this feeling as I wait to go on stage.  That moment right before stepping out, where I’d honestly rather crawl into a cupboard and close the door than have a bunch of people stare at me as I bare my bones and sing the things I’d rather not even say.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned:
| Courage isn’t a mood. It’s a habit.

It’s not a feeling that swoops in and carries you like a superhero into the spotlight. It’s a muscle. One that grows from repetition. One tiny action at a time.

When I started performing, I thought I had to feel brave to be brave. I thought I had to feel confident, talented, worthy, capable.

Over time, I learnt this was NOT the case. 

I started out busking a cappella on the streets of Kings Cross—nothing but my voice, my breath, and all the fear and discomfort  in my body. I kept showing up. I kept singing. I kept doing it,  feeling afraid, embarrassed and unworthy. That’s how the muscle grew.

And the same thing is true offstage, too.

It’s not just about performing. It’s about saying the thing. Singing the song. Writing the line. Asking the question. Telling the truth.

We live in a culture that celebrates confidence but doesn’t teach people how to build it. So I’ll say it again:

| You don’t have to feel brave to be brave.

If your voice shakes, that’s fine. If you need to rehearse your truth in the mirror before you speak it, that’s fine too.

What matters is that you show up.

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If something in this post hits home, I invite you to try singing or songwriting—not to impress anyone, but as an act of courage.

Whether you’ve never sung before, or you’re coming back after years of silence, I offer private lessons, songwriting support, and group workshops for people just like you.

Bravery isn’t a prerequisite.  Showing up is the name of the game

Visit LisaRichardsMusic.com to learn more

Lisa