The characteristics of a courageous woman are easy to spot when they’re in use but are difficult to characterize in words. Nevertheless, this post breaks down the behaviors that courageous women possess which give them an aura of confidence and invincibility.

Courageous women try

They recognize fear and self-doubt as an opportunity to forge ahead and work diligently on overcoming impostor syndrome. Courageous women know that these emotions are growth indicators, so rather than cower, they try anyway- they step out of their comfort zone, try the new software, or experiment with a new management style.

“Maybe the hardest part of life is having the courage to try.” Rachel Hollis

Courageous women take decisive action

They are secure in their convictions. Courageous women know what they are striving toward and do not allow distractions to slow them down. They are oftentimes confident business women – they accelerate towards their goals by taking decisive action.

“The thing that makes you come alive that you’ve just been waiting for the courage to do? It’s time to give it a go.” Jessica Honegger

Courageous women trust

They know they cannot do it all. While they may be afraid of trusting others with their projects or ideas, courageous women are not afraid of asking for help at work. They put their fears in the backseat and trust others to help them advance their goals.

Courageous women are assertive

They know that taking a stand for what they believe in means using their voice. When courageous women see opportunities to make a positive impact, they speak up, even when it is unpopular to do so. Courageous women understand the difference between assertiveness vs. aggressiveness.

It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.- Madeline Albright, first female US Secretary of State

Courageous women admit when they are wrong

They are self-aware enough to distinguish between their need to protect their ego and the importance of maintaining their integrity. Courageous women are capable of saying, “I’m sorry”.

Courageous women listen to feedback

They know that growth involves listening to influences who are trying to help them improve. Courageous women expect the truth to hurt sometimes; they are humble enough to accept their imperfections but driven enough to continue to improve on their shortcomings.

For instance, if an executive woman is navigating a career plateau, she will not spend much time idling. She will immediately seek out feedback that will help her move from stasis to momentum – fast.

Courageous women confront problems head-on, without delay

They do not allow problems to grow or fester. Courageous women get to work researching solutions to problems rather than ruminating about what might be. They take charge of the outcome by getting straight to work.

For instance, if an executive woman is feeling overwhelmed at work, she will ask for help without feeling incompetent. She knows that delaying her communication about her needs gets her nowhere.

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the things you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Courageous women focus on their dreams, not their fears

They have a vision they are chasing and they keep this vision at the forefront of their mind at all times. Courageous women actively choose to focus on their dreams, not their fears.

Courageous women act independently

Their self-esteem is high enough for them to have boundaries that they maintain unapologetically. Courageous women know the difference between assertiveness vs. aggressiveness and are confident that acting in their own best interests usually falls into the former. They are in tune with what’s best for them and are not afraid of criticisms that come along with saying “no” to invitations that are not in alignment with their goals.

“Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage.” Maya Angelou

Courageous women are capable of siting still

Executive women know it is important to take time to rest. They understand that by connecting with their inner knowing, they develop a strong presence of mind. By centering themselves with mediation, stillness, exercise, or prayer, courageous women prioritize coming back to center to align their body, mind, and spirit.

Courageous women are in touch with reality

They understand the need to be honest with oneself. Courageous women don’t waste time looking for a hype team; rather, they focus centering themselves, and those whom they surround themselves with, in truth.

In the workplace, one of the ways courageous women surround themselves with the truth is by asking for a big raise. Whether or not the raise itself is given, the outcome of asking is more information from which to plan their next move.

Courageous women are open-minded

They know what they believe in and are not scared by beliefs or paths different than the ones they’ve chosen. Courageous women are not afraid of considering alternatives; they are open to new perspectives and are secure enough to know that they have the ability to choose a new direction if they wish to do so.

“My courage will come from knowing I can handle whatever I encounter there – because I was designed by my creator to not only handle pain but also to become whole inside it.” Glennon Doyle

Characteristics of a Courageous Woman