In this empowering episode of Sparks of Gratitude, host Randy Sparks welcomes Jill Schulman, a former U.S. Marine, leadership expert, and author of The Bravery Effect, to explore the true meaning of bravery. Together, they dive into how fear holds us back, why courage is built through daily habits, and how embracing discomfort can unlock growth, resilience, and joy.
From lessons learned in the Marine Corps to insights rooted in psychology and neuroscience, Jill shares practical strategies for building a courageous mindset, taking bold action, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
Whether you’re striving to overcome fear, elevate your happiness, or step into the life you truly want, this conversation will inspire you to choose courage over regret and start doing the hard things that matter most.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
03:35 - What bravery really means (not being fearless)
04:02 - Why Jill wrote The Bravery Effect
07:08 - Positive psychology and elevating happiness
09:04 - Jill’s Marine Corps background and first struggles
12:34 - Building bravery with small daily decisions
14:03 - Confidence boost at Officer Candidate School
16:50 - Gratitude letters and embracing challenges
20:27 - Myths and misconceptions about bravery
23:07 - Comfort vs. growth: why discomfort matters
26:21 - Stress reframing: fear as a signal to move forward
30:30 - The buffalo vs. cow storm analogy
36:35 - Daily bravery practice: 15-second pause exercise
44:00 - Bravery model: Mindset, Action, Connection (three doors)
48:05 - Importance of your “brave tribe” (who you surround yourself with)
51:07 - Stories of mentors and people who believed in Jill
57:38 - Strive, don’t just arrive: finding meaning beyond milestones
01:01:10 - Advice to teenage self: dream big, swing for the fences
01:04:06 - Jill Schulman’s New Book: https://www.jillschulman.com/book
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