How to Be Brave

Hi. I'm Tracy Carlson.

Let me be direct: I was a corporate lawyer for fifteen years. The kind who wore busy like a badge. I billed insane hours, never said no, and thought exhaustion was proof I was doing it right. At 42, I crashed. Hard. Not a graceful slowdown—a full system failure. I spent a year mostly in bed, unable to function.

Here's what no one tells you: bravery isn't about being fearless. It's about knowing what you're willing to lose. I had to learn that the hard way.

Where to Start

If you need courage at work:

Saying No — The hardest word. Also the most powerful.
Difficult Conversations — How to have them without destroying yourself.
Standing Up To Authority — Yes, it's terrifying. Yes, sometimes you have to.

If you're facing a big decision:

The Courage To Quit — Sometimes brave means walking away.
Brave Enough To Change — Starting over isn't failure.
When The Safe Choice Isn't Right — Comfort can be its own kind of trap.

If you're rebuilding:

Courage After Burnout — I've been there. Here's what helped.
Setting Boundaries — Not selfish. Essential.
Brave Enough To Rest — The most radical act in a culture of hustle.

If you're struggling:

When Courage Fails — It happens. Now what?
The Bravery Of Asking For Help — Harder than doing it alone.
Brave In Small Ways — Grand gestures aren't the only kind.

A Note on This Wiki

I'm a mother of twins now. I rebuilt my life from scratch after burnout, and I teach others how to avoid the same cliff edge. Not by working less—I still work hard—but by working differently. By knowing what matters. By protecting my boundaries fiercely.

Bravery, I've learned, isn't about pushing through. Sometimes it's about stopping. About saying "this isn't working" when everyone expects you to keep going. About choosing your own wellbeing over someone else's approval.

That takes more guts than any 80-hour week ever did.

— Tracy Carlson, recovering perfectionist