What if bravery looks like asking for help?

Jill Schulman shares how nearly quitting the Marines became the start of something bigger.

Author

Matt Gilhooly
August 19, 2025

Marine Corps veteran and leadership expert Jill Schulman didn’t expect compassion when she walked into her ROTC unit ready to quit. But that one surprising act of empathy changed everything — and eventually led her to write The Bravery Effect, a book about building courage in everyday moments.

📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/thelifeshiftpodcast

We often imagine bravery as loud, bold, maybe even reckless. But Jill shows us something quieter — the kind that happens when no one’s looking. In this episode, she opens up about falling behind, pushing through, and the moment she nearly gave it all up. Her story is a reminder that real courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it looks like showing up again. And again. And again.

THREE things to think about

  • Bravery isn’t just about bold actions. It's about staying when leaving feels easier.

  • The people who challenge us might light a fire we didn’t know we needed.

  • Real growth happens in the space between “I can’t do this” and “I’m still here.”

TWO things to ask yourself

  • What’s one area of life where you’re holding back out of fear or self-doubt?

  • Who could you invite into your corner if you were brave enough to ask?

ONE thing to try this week

Start a list called “Brave Moments.” Add one small choice each day where you showed up, asked for help, or did something hard.

Here’s to the quiet kind of courage.

Matt

P.S. I’d love to know — what’s your definition of bravery these days? Just hit reply.

PS: During a long weekend trip in May, I created a short-form podcast, “It’s Okay If…” Each episode is under three minutes long and provides a permission slip to simply be human. I’d be honored if you subscribed to the show. New episodes are released every Wednesday at noon ET.