What Does It Mean to Be Career Courageous?

Most people don't choose their careers.
They fall into them.

They take the job that pays the bills.
The one that looks good on paper.
The one their parents, teachers, or friends nudged them toward.

But deep down, they wonder:

Is this really what I want?
Is this it?

That’s where Being Career Courageous™ comes in.

It’s not about knowing exactly what you want to do with your life.
It’s about having the bravery to ask the question, and the guts to start doing something about it.

So, What Is Being Career Courageous?

It’s the quiet confidence to say:
“I want something different.”
“I don’t want to settle.”
“I want work that means something to me.”

Being Career Courageous™ means deciding what you want in your career and taking one tiny step toward that life every day.

No, not a leap.
Not a grand gesture.
Not quitting your job tomorrow to “go find yourself.”

Just a step.

Because courage isn’t loud.
It’s intentional.
It’s consistent.
And it changes everything.

How to Be Career Courageous

Ready to build a career you actually care about?

Here’s how to start:

1. Know What You Want

This is the step most people skip.
They jump into job boards, update their resumes, and start applying blindly without ever figuring out what kind of work would actually light them up.

Before you move, pause.

Ask:

• What kinds of tasks energize me?

• What environments do I thrive in?

• What impact do I want to have?

You can’t aim if you don’t know your target.

Be Career Courageous™ means starting with clarity, not chaos.

2. Believe in Yourself (Even When It’s Unclear)

Most people wait to believe in themselves after they’ve proven something.

Spoiler: You’ll be waiting forever.

Courage is believing in yourself before the path is obvious.
It’s saying, “I don’t know how this ends, but I know I’m capable.”

Even when you're unsure. Even when you're new. Even when you're scared.

Confidence isn’t the absence of doubt, it’s the decision to act anyway.

3. Identify What Scares You—And Do It Anyway

Maybe it’s:

• Asking for that internship.

• Telling your parents you don’t want to follow the “safe” path.

• Taking a class in something completely new.

• Admitting that what you're doing now isn’t working.
  

Fear points to the edge of your growth.

Instead of running from it, pay attention to it.

Being Career Courageous™ means doing the hard, awkward, uncomfortable thing. Because it matters.

4. Lean Into What You Do Well

Forget the humble brag. This is your life.

If you know you’re great at something, own it.

Better yet, ask for opportunities that match your strengths:

• If you’re a natural organizer, volunteer to lead a project.

• If you’re a great communicator, speak up in meetings.

• If you’re creative, pitch an idea you’ve been sitting on.

Not sure what your strengths are? CliftonStrengths is our go to assessment.

Don’t dim your strengths just to blend in. Use them to stand out and move forward.

5. Build a Brave Network

You don’t have to do this alone. And honestly? You shouldn’t.

Surround yourself with:

• Mentors who’ve been where you are

• Friends who remind you of your potential

• Coaches who push you to grow

• Family who cheers you on (even if they don’t fully “get” it)
  

Your circle can either lift you up or hold you back. Choose wisely.

Being Career Courageous™ means letting others in and letting them help.

6. Take Action—No Matter How Small

Big moves are great. But tiny consistent actions are what change your life.

Pick one:

• Send the email.

• Book the call.

• Write the resume bullet.

• Sign up for the course.

• Ask the question.
  

Momentum builds confidence. And confidence fuels courage.

Wishing for change won’t get you there. Action will.

7. Ask for Help

Here’s a bold truth: asking for help is one of the most courageous things you can do.

Whether you’re:

• A high school senior overwhelmed by college choices

• A recent grad unsure of your next move

• A 20-something that figured out the job you chose isn’t right

• A parent trying to support your kid’s future
  

Asking for guidance doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re serious about figuring it out.

Be Career Courageous™ — Starting Today

So, here’s your moment:

Do you know what you want in and from your career?

If you said “no,” that’s okay. You’re not alone.

If you said “sort of,” let’s clarify it.

And if you said “yes”? Amazing. Now let’s build a plan to get there.

Need a weekly nudge to figure it out

Start Here

Get one step closer to a career that lights you up.