Some people are born tall and beautiful, others get intelligence from the gene pool, talent comes in various forms and measures? courage however, is something we all have. Oftentimes people see courage as a virtue that is owed to others: they jump into rivers to save children from drowning, they go to war, they form unions and associations speaking up when it is more convenient to be silent. Are you one of those people who give so much to others that you have little or nothing left over for yourself? Do you dare to follow your dreams? This article shows you how to find your inner reservoir of courage and channel it toward any worthwhile goal.

1. Think Courage- You are as bold and brave as you think. Don't crowd your mind with fearful thoughts, think constructively. Constantly picture yourself slaying dragons, rescuing a kitten trapped in a tree, speaking up at an important meeting, finding and following your dreams. Give these heroic movies primetime, rewinding and replaying them over and over again. Whatever you focus intently on will grow and that includes the courage to follow your dreams.

2. Speak Courage- Spring clean your vocabulary, trashing negative words such as ?I can't'. Discipline your tongue to speak the language of hope despite your circumstances. ?Show me how to do it' is better than ?I can't do it'. ?I'll get it right next time' is better than, ?see? I told you I couldn't do it.' Learn to respect yourself. You can sing R-E-S-P-E-C-T all you like, but if you keep referring to yourself as ?clumsy, stupid and a big joke' you'll become permanently discouraged and unable to follow your dreams.

3. Earn Courage- It's perfectly natural to feel nervous at the prospect of leaving your comfort zone. Many world class actors and speakers still experience stage fright before a big performance. Earn courage by pressing on despite your fears. Act bold and confident even when you're not. Except you hand out stethoscopes, people will never really know that your heart is pounding ninety times a second. If your hands start to sweat, shove them in your pocket or wipe them with a hanky. Don't give in to fear, be encouraged. If you don't get anything right the first time, learn from your shortcomings and try again. Remember persistence is the only guarantee of success.

4. Keep Courage- When you accomplish anything worthwhile, make a note in your book of remembrance- simply document steps taken and consequent results in a diary or journal. Whenever you feel low on courage, go through your records and say to yourself, ?if I could do it then, I can certainly do it now'. Great things are rarely accomplished easily or quickly. Obstacles are a test of your worthiness, a pre-screening of sorts. Remain focused as you follow the winding path to your dreams.

You are capable of great and wonderful things. Don't let difficult people and circumstances keep you down. Stretch out your hands and seize the courage you need to become everything you were born to be.