By Anna Lappe
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"Courage is saying, ‘Maybe what I’m doing isn’t working; maybe I should try something else.’" This Anna Lappe quote about courage offers a refreshing angle on bravery, especially for those of us who face tough choices and uncertain outcomes every day. The idea strikes a chord emotionally and practically, inviting us to think differently about what it means to be brave. Many people feel stuck or hesitant to admit when a path isn’t working, so this thought is relevant whether you’re reflecting on career, relationships, or personal habits. Courage sometimes requires a gentle, honest pivot rather than sheer force.
What Does This Quote Mean?
Anna Lappe’s statement asks us to rethink our definition of courage. Traditionally, courage is pictured as an act of determination or facing danger head-on. But this Anna Lappe quote about courage points us toward a subtler kind of bravery — the willingness to recognize and admit when something is not effective. The literal message is about pausing to evaluate where your actions are leading and being honest when those actions aren’t yielding the results you want.
Digging deeper, the quote highlights the courage it takes to challenge our sense of certainty and pride. Change can be intimidating, and there’s a vulnerability in acknowledging that your efforts haven’t worked out as planned. Letting go of a long-held approach or belief can feel risky. Yet, the quote champions the idea that growth begins the moment we recognize a need for change. It welcomes trial and error as an essential part of the process, rather than marking any adjustment as a sign of weakness.
At its heart, Anna Lappe is speaking to the empowering side of humility. Courage isn’t stubbornly clinging to failing patterns, but instead having the guts to be flexible and adaptable. This quote encourages us to see reevaluation not as failure, but as an essential part of genuine progress. Sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is admit what’s not working and allow ourselves to try something new. That is a form of courage within reach for everyone, every day.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Career and Work Decisions:
Maybe you’ve been in a job that feels stagnant or unfulfilling. Applying this Anna Lappe quote about courage can mean honestly assessing whether your current work aligns with your values and goals. If your answer is no, it takes courage to look for new opportunities or learn new skills, even if the next step is uncertain or intimidating.
2. Personal Relationships:
It’s common to invest time and energy into relationships, even when they become unhealthy or one-sided. Courage in this context is the ability to step back and question if your patterns are helping or hurting you. Maybe it’s initiating a tough conversation, setting boundaries, or, in rare cases, moving on. Changing how you approach relationships is sometimes the braver, wiser move.
3. Habits and Routines:
Sticking to a routine can feel safe, but sometimes our routines hold us back. Are your daily habits truly supporting your well-being? If not, this is a chance to practice courage by experimenting with a new schedule, healthier routines, or dropping habits that no longer serve you. It’s about staying open to change as you learn more about what works for you.
4. Learning and Growth:
In school or personal learning, persisting with an ineffective study technique can lead to frustration. Courage might mean asking for help, changing your approach, or even admitting you don’t have something figured out yet. The willingness to revise your strategy fuels real progress and lasting understanding.
5. Setting Boundaries With Yourself:
Self-discipline isn’t just about forcing yourself to stick to a plan. Sometimes it’s about recognizing when your approach needs tweaking. If you’re stuck in negative self-talk or unrealistic standards, courage can mean letting go of self-judgment and trying out a kinder, more flexible approach.
By embracing the spirit of this quote, real change becomes possible. Each time you acknowledge something isn’t working and try another way, you exercise and strengthen your own courage, building resilience along the way.
✨ The Motivation Message
Let this idea ignite your confidence! The next time you hit a wall, remember: there’s bravery in reassessing, not just pushing harder. You have every right to step back, take stock, and pivot. That’s not giving up — it’s growing smarter and stronger! 🌱
You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to admit when something isn’t working, without shame or fear. Everyone faces setbacks, but not everyone has your openness to adapt and keep moving forward. That sets you apart! New doors open when you give yourself permission to try a different path — and you never know what breakthroughs are just around the corner.
Be proud of your willingness to evolve. Challenge yourself today: if something feels stuck, say it out loud and explore one small new action. Your courage is already growing! 🚀
About Anna Lappe
Anna Lappe, who was born in 1973, is a widely respected American author and educator. She has built her career around promoting sustainable food systems, climate action, and social justice. The daughter of renowned activist Frances Moore Lappé, Anna Lappe has written influential books and appeared in media worldwide, making complex issues accessible and actionable for a broad audience.
Her worldview centers on the power of individual and collective change — recognizing that big impact often comes from small, brave decisions. Throughout her work, she encourages people to question established routines and push for a better way, whether it’s in food choices or broader lifestyle habits. This quote perfectly reflects her belief that meaningful change always starts from honest self-reflection and the willingness to adapt, even when it feels uncomfortable. Anna Lappe’s writing and activism consistently remind us that courage often looks like the quiet, persistent effort to improve — not just for ourselves, but for our communities and our world.
