How to Build Courage: Take Small Steps & Channel Your Future Self
We all love to learn. But sometimes “one more course” becomes a very elegant way to stay still.
In this episode of Your Dream Life, I sat down with the inspiring Carlii Lyon to talk about courage, identity, purpose - and why confidence is built on action.
Her journey from high-school dropout to PR founder to author/speaker is a masterclass in taking one small step, then another.
Why courage looks ordinary most days
Courage isn’t always fireworks. Often it’s sending the email, booking the room, standing up to speak even when your hands shake - or pressing record.
Carlii shared how she spent years championing iconic names, only to realise during extended maternity leave that she hadn’t applied that same brand-building to herself.
That wake-up call was the beginning of a new chapter.
The three sneaky thoughts that keep you quiet
Carlii’s viral piece named three thoughts almost everyone has when they’re about to put themselves out there:
· Who am I to speak?
· I’m not saying anything new.
· Everyone will think I have a big ego.
Naming them is powerful. Seeing them as universal (not personal) helps us move anyway. And remember: your voice reaches someone who can only hear it from you.
Stop learning, start doing
We’re pro-learning forever. But if you’ve been collecting diplomas to feel “ready,” consider this your loving nudge.
Confidence is the by-product of doing. Take the talk, pitch the piece, post the article. Action compounds. As I often say in our DL community: start today. (Your future self will thank you.)
The life-changing magic of I
Language shapes identity. Pay attention to how you complete the sentence, “I am…”.
If we want a different future, we may need to practice different “I” statements - ones that align with where we’re going, not where we’ve been.
Pair those statements with small daily proof, and watch your identity catch up.
Your future self is waiting - ask her for advice
Future-self psychology shows we underestimate how much we’ll change. Treat your future self like a mentor: what is she doing this quarter?
What does she say no to? What habit would make today easier for her?
In my coaching, we love ending the year strong - don’t coast the final quarter.
Choose your top three outcomes and one energy-giving habit, then imagine New Year’s Eve “you” looking back proud.
Morning rituals, journaling & small joys
I smiled when Carlii described her coffee overlooking the river - simple, sacred.
I’m a journaling girl, inspired years ago by Julia Cameron’s morning pages; pen-to-paper has changed my life and countless DL customers’ lives too.
Writing dreams down makes them real - and research shows it boosts achievement. Start with five quiet minutes tomorrow.
Five Key Insights You’ll Take From This Episode
1. Confidence follows action. You don’t learn to swim by reading about water - jump in.
2. Name the blockers. Those three thoughts are common - and survivable. Move anyway.
3. Identity is a practice. Upgrade “I am…” and back it with tiny daily evidence.
4. Future-you as compass. Make today’s choices with her in mind; she’s counting on you.
5. Don’t wait for January. Finish the year strong with three priorities and one joy-giving habit.
Want support to plan and do?
If you’d love guidance, accountability and a sparkly community of dreamers, join me in DL Coaching - the perfect place to turn learning into doing: yourdreamlifestartshere.com/course.
Let’s make your dream life real, one small courageous step at a time.
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