“Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you.” – Bethany Hamilton.
Like a child learning to ride a bicycle. Or the firefighter rushing into a burning building. Or even you speaking up against something you feel is wrong.
Courage comes in all forms and sizes. It’s a personal choice, not something that comes naturally.
It’s something that needs working on, like a muscle, before it becomes strong and well-defined.
Not everyone chooses to use courage. Rather most ignore it existence, preferring to be part of the herd.
But those who dare to take the road less travelled, have made a conscious and calculated choice.
Circumstances vary. Contexts change. But having the courage to follow your heart remains constant.
Everyday Acts Of Courage
You don’t have to be an Ethan Hunt or Captain America to be courageous.
It needs a particular mindset, a specific attitude.
It’s having the courage to go against the tide, your habits, your comfort zone.
For a shy, introvert, speaking up at the meeting or before the classroom needs lots of courage.
Or asking for help when struggling, keeping aside your ego.
It needs courage to admit your mistakes and apologise. Most would rather stew in their misery than say a simple sorry.
It’s these everyday actions, which otherwise appear so innocuous or trivial, are the ones that display the raw state of courage.
Social Courage And Integrity
Courage is having the strength to stand out or disagree or feel vulnerable, be it in a social situation or in a relationship.
Not giving in to pressure just to belong to a social group needs courage.
Being able to think differently, without getting influenced by peers or others around you; being yourself without changing, to match social expectations is an act of courage.
Social courage shines light on your integrity, your sense of self. Not to conform. Not to stay silent. Not to give in.
“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honour.” – TS Elliot
It’s daunting standing up for your values and your principles. Especially when you know to expect a hostile response.
You need a big dose of moral courage. It needs courage to speak up. It needs courage to stand alone. It needs courage to be real.
Look at any whistle blower. They stick to what they believe in, speaking up the uncomfortable truths even though they know the opposition they will face.
Like when Frances Haugen exposed Facebook’s data practices, she knew the backlash would be fierce.
Reporting on unethical behaviour demands moral courage of gigantic proportions.
The latest students protests at HCU against the government’s decision to clear the forest land was another example of moral courage.
It’s working and standing tall under these kinds of pressures what shapes leaders and change makers.
Mindset Shift Behind Courage
Courage comes in all forms.
Be it facing your own personal fears to taking action despite the fear of physical discomfort.
Be it agreeing to go in for therapy, or willing to take the risk despite the possibility of failure.
Whether facing what’s inside or choosing to push your physical limits, you choose deliberately. Courage is choosing challenge over comfort.
This mindset builds resilience, persistence and confidence. It pushes you to challenge yourself, to bring out what’s best in you.
“Courage is grace under pressure.” – Ernest Hemingway
It’s all in the mind. It requires altering your way of thinking.
Instead of saying “I can’t do it”, replace it with “I will do it”, or “I can push through”.
Somehow that micro decision infuses fresh energy and confidence into you. You feel more capable.
Your courage muscle becomes stronger. Intentionally stepping into fear breaks the constricting boundaries, enabling you to push forward.
Haven’t you experienced it? How a tiny change in attitude go you results?
Your Turn Now
Superheroes aren’t the only ones who have courage. Each of you has it; maybe it’s untapped as yet.
All it requires is a change in mindset, in a habit or two, and your perspective.
Maybe you’ve been practicing it already but you just didn’t realised it. Courage doesn’t always make a loud noise; it works quietly.
Review some of your difficult decisions and choices, and you’ll see that courage.
Own it. Be proud of it. Practice it more.
You can be fearless if you choose to. It’s up to you.
