Trevor Noah’s pre-show habit can boost your courage
Some moments ask more of us than we feel ready to give.
For Trevor Noah, that moment came when he stepped into Jon Stewart’s chair on The Daily Show. It was one of the most visible and high-stakes transitions in television.
And he told me he had a lot of doubt.
What We Know: Courage Takes Different Forms
When we hear the word courage, we often think of life-or-death situations like running into a burning building or facing down real physical danger.
But courage is also required for quieter acts.
Starting a new job.
Raising your hand in a meeting.
Telling someone the truth.
What I Learned: Trevor Noah’s Practice
Before going on stage, Trevor would stand in front of a mirror.
But instead of seeing himself, he would imagine that he was looking into his grandmother’s eyes. She had raised him. And when she looked at him, there was no judgment. Just belief.
Why? “Because my grandmother always looked at me with unconditional love,” he told me.
So before stepping out, he would take a moment and see himself the way she saw him.
And then he would walk on stage.
What You Can Try: Borrow Courage
Think of someone in your life who has truly believed in you, whether they’re still with us or not.
Before your next moment of pressure — a meeting, a conversation, a decision — take a few seconds and see yourself through their eyes.
Then move forward from that place.
Sometimes, courage isn’t something you need to generate.
It’s something you borrow.
Who’s someone who truly believed in you—whose belief you can channel right now? Tap into that before your next big moment.
Let’s keep playing the Game of Now.