courage act essay

Essay About Courage: Top 5 Examples and 6 Prompts 

Courage covers a range of topics and meanings. Here are examples and prompts to help you write your essay about courage.

Many believe bravery and courage mean the same thing and even use them interchangeably. However, though both describe heroic acts, they are not the same. Where bravery is the lack of fear, courage is taking action despite it. 

Some argue that courage takes more strength because it means sharing your story even though you may be ridiculed, rejected, and misunderstood. It takes courage to admit when you’re hurt or feel lost, vulnerable, and need help. 

If you’re having problems channeling and describing what courage is, here are examples that will assist you in connecting with this subject:

1. My Opinion About Courage by Gary Collins

2. moral courage by fernando wood, 3. courage by benjamin patrick, 4. the importance of courage by saloni, 5. essay on courage by manasi shewale, 1. what does courage mean to you, 2. your most courageous act, 3. a courageous hero, 4. things you are most afraid of, 5. what creates doubt, 6. a time when you failed to show courage and regretted it.

“And even then, she had no grudge against the world. She doesn’t think the world owes her. She never takes money or even grains that she hasn’t earned.”

In this essay, Collins shares his experience with courage through someone named Sunita. Sunita told Collins about her life and what made her who she is. Such as at a very young age, she fought to support herself because no one would have done that for her, and many other tales. 

Her stories made Collins realize how lucky he is and how he should be grateful for the many opportunities that come his way without the need to suffer as she did. He also includes that Sunita lives on to inspire others with her courage.

Check out these essays about beliefs .

“Moral courage is standing up for values such as honesty, fairness, compassion, respect, and responsibility but just having these values are not enough we have to try to put them into practice, and we have to commit to moral principles as well…”

Moral courage is doing what’s right and following what your conscience dictates. Wood has three significant elements of moral courage: principle, endurance, and danger.

He explains moral courage through Geoge Norris, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Youssafzai. These people took risks even if their lives were in danger to follow their conscience and do the right things. Wood instills that moral courage is essential in making a critical move, especially when choosing the greater good.

“Courage is the only thing that gets us through the hard times, and the tempting opportunities. Courage is vital to the evolution of the human population. It is also an essential quality to becoming a successful person.”

Patrick discusses how courage helps a person succeed in life. He mentions that we all have courage, but some use it differently than others.

He gives an example of a girl who plays hockey, where the other members are all boys. They looked down on her because of her gender. But instead of giving up, she took it as a challenge and courageously showed them she could play at their level. She became friends with most of the team, but there was one boy who kept on bullying her. The boy misused his courage, but the girl used her courage to fight him off.

“Courage is mental and moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is the firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.”

Saloni’s essay shows two kinds of courage: physical and moral. People who depend on physical strength show physical courage. They can protect and help others. If a person is weak, they are not physically courageous. 

On the other hand, one’s honesty connects to their moral courage. They are the ones with convictions and don’t support evil works. Even if you are a weak person, you can still be morally courageous. Unfortunately, this courage is rare nowadays because people are afraid of being attacked mentally and emotionally. To be morally courageous means to be a fighter to go against wrong-doings.

“It is very difficult to keep up your morals and therefore, gather up the necessary courage to fight against the wrong situations. Therefore, in today’s date, it is even rarer to find a person with the proper morals required to live a satisfactory life.”

Shewale shares little acts of courage in our everyday lives – such as a girl who loves to dance but is afraid of the stage or a person who’s readying themselves for a job interview. Courage is not only shown in grand scenes but in small acts that help us survive our daily lives.

The author further discusses events where courage helps in more controversial fields, such as injustices to farmers and students’ bullying. 

If you want to upgrade your writing style, check out these top essay writing tips to level up your essay.

6 Prompts on Essay About Courage

After reading relevant examples in essays about courage, it’s now your turn to try your hand at creating one. Below are prompts that can guide you in your essay writing:

There is no one definition of courage. It differs from each individual, and its meaning is affected by our experiences and knowledge. In this prompt, share the word “courage” and discuss what courage means to you. When do you feel courageous, and why? Then, describe personal experiences of being courageous or stories of courageous people who inspire you.

Think about a time when you were courageous. Create an essay based on this event and describe in detail what happened. Convey your thoughts and feelings, and show why you were courageous. 

Write an essay about a hero in your life. This could be a celebrity you admire, a relative or friend, or a teacher in school. Describe why this person is courageous, why you look up to them, and how they inspire you. Make sure to include fine details of their personality and how they act. This will make for an exciting and compelling essay.

The first step to being courageous is acknowledging you are afraid. Then, to get your fears out of the way, you need to identify what and why they exist. This prompt lets you connect with your readers who have the same worries. 

For example, you can share that you’re afraid of rejection, being alone, etc. Then, discuss why and what you plan to do to overcome them. You can also write about how you plan to be courageous while still afraid.

Our greatest challenge to succeeding in something is doubting ourselves. When we doubt ourselves, we start to think of all the things that can go wrong. So we show our courage by being afraid of these negative consequences but still trying and hoping for a good result. 

Share an experience when you still tried, even when you’re unsure. It doesn’t need to have the best ending. You only have to prove that it’s better to try and fail than fail without trying at all. 

There will always be times when we desperately want to be more courageous but fail to do so due to various factors. Write about that experience, share your feelings, and what you’ll do if you have the chance to repeat that situation. 

Do you want to write about another topic aside from courage? Check out this list of best writing topics for students !

Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Courage as an Important Virtue in Life Essay

In a societal context, courage is a state of an individual’s ability to venture, endure and resist hazard, terror, or difficulties. A courageous person is considered to be brave in society. There are different types of courage that enable individuals to discover their abilities. Venturing into a new business and also soldiers going into war with an aid of protecting citizens is an act of courage in a society. Courage is an important virtue in one’s life since it boosts self-confidence and helps an individual venture into risky activities that have a good final product. A multidisciplinary perspective on courage should be advised since it elevates a person’s confidence, enabling them to endeavor and persevere circumstances thus achieving desired goals.

Courage is an essential virtue that is traditionally sought after and lauded as a crucial quality. Described by Maya Angelou as the most important of all the virtues because without courage you can’t practice any other virtue consistently”, it is composed of different types, including physical courage, moral courage, social courage, spiritual courage, emotional courage, and intellectual courage (Shew &Garchar, 2020). Moral courage is a form of ethical behavior that involves a person doing a good thing despite possible risks such as the loss of a job. An example of moral courage entails the prevention of listening to gossip and also practicing good qualities even when nobody is watching. Social courage entails individual confidence to attend social events and be ready to face embarrassment and mockery. An example of social courage involves performing in concerts and also creating charity events and presenting a group in a social forum. It plays a vital role in an individual that encourages networking. Finally, spiritual courage refers to unfolding ourselves to our own susceptible and the enigma of life. Examples of spiritual courage includes attending different religious events and listening to their beliefs, and communicating honestly with individuals about death.

Intellectual courage refers to the capability of a person to tackle strenuous concepts, ask for illumination and explanation, and challenge another person’s point of view. It broadens an individual way of thinking. A good example of intellectual courage is Edward Murrow’s famous World War II news broadcasts. Intellectual courage is often contrasted to physical courage, which mostly implies facing the threat of bodily harm as a part of a specific ethical dilemma. Physical courage entails facing physical pain, for example, engaging in deadly fights (Howard &Reiley, 2020). Examples of physical courage involve going into war. Specifically, when choosing between the fear of being heavily injured and the need to protect the loved ones and the freedom of one’s country, one demonstrates an instance of physical courage. Physical courage creates fitness and also prepares an individual to tackle any form of challenge. However, distancing the concept of physical courage from intellectual one completely would mean doing both an injustice since one is often accompanied by the other. Specifically, intellectual courage collides with physical one when having to demonstrate intellectual prowess in fighting the enemy and utilizing all available resources in a unique and original manner in order to retain tactical and strategic advantages.

Moreover, courage can be defined in different ways in modern society. Most frequently, it is interpreted as the ability to face difficulties and threats straightforwardly as opposed to avoiding them. However, courage may also be interpreted as overcoming a personal issue, such as admitting one’s fault or defeat (Pendlebury, 2017). Therefore, the diversity of definitions is quite impressive, causing the process of analyzing courage rather tricky. For instance, in the present-day context, courage may involve being able to oppose the ideas that are promoted as the unquestionable truth that must not be doubted in any circumstances. In the present-day social environment, when modern media makes it possible for cyberbullying and similar attacks to take most violent forms, leading to doxing and similar issues threatening one’s safety, expressing a dissenting opinion does take impressive courage.

Furthermore, an attempt to challenge the existing status quo in relation to societal norms can be considered an example of how courage is redefined in the present-day context. Despite the tendency to embrace cultural and social change in a number of communities, a significant range of modern institutions and communities remain steeped in prejudice. Therefore, challenging how specific populations and their needs are perceived ought to be regarded as doubtless acts of bravery and manifestations of courage. Even though the specified actions might seem as trivial from the perspective of a broader concept of courage as it was represented during the Civil Rights era and similar movements, the described scenarios also suggest mustering a significant amount of courage. For example, a rally geared at promoting the rights of a marginalized minority should be seen as an act of courage.

The essay comprehensively describes the word courage in various dimensions. In conclusion, courage is depicted as a virtue in life and its components are applied in different fields. Additionally, the importance of courage has been discussed for instance, it promotes peace, enhances good leadership, builds self-confidence, and promotes innovation consequently, leading to the success of an organization. Furthermore, the significance of courage as an act of selflessness and an attempt to challenge the existing status quo has been raised, thus, adding to the proposed definition of the subject matter. The essay is clearly essential because it illustrates to the reader how knowledge can be boosted for example, by acknowledging one’s fear and working on it.

Revision of a paper before submitting is essential because it helps a person to identify a mistake and rectify it. Style benefits from revision because it enhances the intelligibility and the conciseness of a document. The most challenging area in the draft paper is focusing on the topic to write about and an introduction as well because it is from them that a reader gets a broad view of the research. Avoidance of plagiarism, the capability of following given instructions clearly, and identifying grammar errors are the main strengths of the draft. Repetition of words is the main challenge and it can be rectified by avoiding unimportant phrases by using different words with similar meanings. It can also be prevented by using short sentences, using various transition words, and avoiding stating the obvious. The unfocused topic sentence is also a weakness and can be corrected by accentuating and broadening it with evidence.

This essay has a rather high significance since it examines the nature of courage as one of the major characteristics lauded in modern culture. Being courageous is typically seen not as an extra trait but as a necessary prerequisite for being respected. Moreover, the notion of courage is quite subjective, which complicates the subject matter even further. In turn, this essay considers the phenomenon of courage in its different interpretations, which is why readers are likely to care about this discussion. Currently it seems that the parts of the draft addressing the types of courage will benefit from the revision most. In addition, the analytical parts represent quite a struggle.

Howard, M. C., &Reiley, P. J. (2020). Physical courage predicts relevant outcomes in associated contexts: The creation of a measure and empirical analysis into the construct. Journal of Business Research , 110 , 80-94.

Pendlebury, G. (2017). Action and ethics in Aristotle and Hegel: escaping the malign influence of Kant . Routledge.

Shew, M., &Garchar, K. (Eds.). (2020). Philosophy for Girls: An Invitation to the Life of Thought . Oxford University Press.

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Essay on Courage

Courage, a virtue celebrated across cultures and ages, is the mental or moral strength to persevere and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. It is not the absence of fear but the ability to act in spite of it. This essay delves into the essence of courage, its various forms, and its significance in personal development and societal progress.

Courage is the spark that ignites action in the face of adversity. It is a pivotal quality that enables individuals to confront challenges, take risks, and stand up for what they believe in. Courage is multifaceted, encompassing physical bravery, moral integrity, and the resilience to pursue one’s convictions even when faced with opposition or uncertainty.

Forms of Courage

• Physical Courage: This involves facing physical harm or enduring pain. It is often associated with soldiers in battle, firefighters, or anyone who risks their safety to protect others.
• Moral Courage: Moral courage is the resolve to stand up for what is right, ethical, or just, regardless of the consequences. It includes whistleblowing, defending the oppressed, and upholding justice.
• Psychological Courage: This form of courage involves facing personal fears, insecurities, or psychological challenges. It is about overcoming internal battles, such as confronting anxiety or depression.

Historical Examples of Courage

Throughout history, countless examples highlight the profound impact of courage. Figures like Martin Luther King Jr., who fought tirelessly for civil rights, and Malala Yousafzai, who advocated for girls’ education despite life-threatening opposition, exemplify moral courage. These individuals did not act without fear but chose to prioritize their principles above personal safety.

Courage in Everyday Life

Courage is not only demonstrated on the battlefield or in grand historical narratives. It is present in the daily lives of ordinary people making difficult decisions. It is the single parent working multiple jobs to provide for their children, the student standing up against bullying, or the individual seeking help for mental health issues. Everyday courage may not make headlines, but it is equally significant.

The Role of Courage in Personal Development

Courage plays a vital role in personal development, enabling individuals to grow, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals. Here are some key points highlighting its significance:

• Facing Fears: Courage involves confronting one’s fears and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It is through these challenges that personal growth occurs, as individuals discover their strengths and resilience.
• Building Confidence: Overcoming challenges with courage boosts self-confidence. Successes, even small ones, build a sense of self-assuredness that encourages individuals to take on more significant challenges.
• Embracing Change: Personal development often requires adapting to new situations and embracing change. Courage allows individuals to let go of the familiar and embrace the unknown, fostering personal growth.
• Learning from Failure: Courage helps individuals accept failures and setbacks as learning opportunities. Instead of giving up, they gather the lessons from their experiences, which contributes to personal development.
• Exploring New Horizons: Courageous individuals are more likely to explore new interests, hobbies, and career paths. This exploration broadens their horizons and leads to personal growth through varied experiences.
• Overcoming Adversity: In the face of adversity, courage is a powerful tool for resilience. It enables individuals to persevere through difficult times and emerge from challenges stronger and wiser.
• Setting Ambitious Goals: Courageous individuals are more likely to set ambitious, long-term goals. They believe in their ability to achieve these goals and are willing to take the necessary risks and actions.
• Inspiring Others: Demonstrating courage can inspire and motivate others to embark on their own personal development journeys. Leading by example encourages a culture of growth and self-improvement.

Courage and Society

Courage drives societal progress. It is the force behind social movements, scientific advancements, and the pursuit of justice. Without the courage of individuals and groups to challenge the status quo, societal evolution would stagnate. Courageous actions inspire others, creating a ripple effect that can transform communities and, ultimately, the world.

The Moral Imperative of Courage

Courage is not just a personal virtue but a moral imperative. It compels individuals to act in the service of others, defend the vulnerable, and strive for a just society. The moral dimension of courage underscores the importance of acting ethically, even when it is easier or safer to remain silent or inactive.

Cultivating Courage

Courage can be cultivated through reflection, education, and practice. Understanding one’s values, facing small fears in everyday life, and learning from courageous role models can strengthen one’s resolve. It is also essential to foster environments that encourage and reward courageous behavior, whether in families, schools, or workplaces.

The Challenges of Courage

Courage is not without its challenges. It often involves risk, sacrifice, and uncertainty. Courageous individuals may face criticism, ostracism, or even danger. However, these challenges are integral to the nature of courage, testing the strength of one’s convictions and the depth of one’s character.

The Paradox of Courage

There exists a paradox at the heart of courage: it is both universal and personal. While the concept of courage is admired across different cultures, the specific actions deemed courageous can vary widely. What is considered an act of bravery in one context may be seen as folly or recklessness in another. This paradox highlights the subjective nature of courage and the importance of cultural and ethical frameworks in understanding it.

In conclusion, Courage is a multifaceted virtue that plays a crucial role in personal development and societal progress. It encompasses the physical, moral, and psychological strength to face fear, danger, and difficulty. Courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to act in spite of it. By cultivating courage, individuals can overcome challenges, grow personally, and contribute to a more just and compassionate world. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us strive to embody courage in all its forms, recognizing its power to transform ourselves and the society we inhabit.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Courage — Courage And Its Importance In Life

Understanding The Importance of Courage in Life

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Published: Jan 28, 2021

Words: 746 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

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The role of courage in history, works cited:, learning from mistakes , whereas fear leaves us stagnant. thus, the significance of courage in our lives cannot be overstated.\n\nthroughout history, numerous individuals have demonstrated extraordinary courage, reshaping the course of world events. rosa parks, an african american woman, exemplifies such courage as she bravely challenged the status quo and effectuated lasting change. in the early 20th century, the oppressive jim crow laws sanctioned racial segregation, subjecting african americans and impoverished whites to unjust treatment, including discriminatory bus seating policies that favored affluent whites. rosa parks, an unassuming, hardworking woman, was arrested on december 1, 1955, for refusing to yield her bus seat to a white man. she became a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement and was a member of the national association for the advancement of colored people (naacp).\n\nfollowing her second confrontation with the bus driver, james blake, who had twice humiliated her by demanding her seat, rosa parks's resolve to fight grew stronger. it takes immense courage for an individual to stand against an inherently biased system that exploited a marginalized segment of society. while many perceived her as physically tired, her weariness was not physical but stemmed from her refusal to acquiesce to an unjust situation. this incident served as the spark igniting a wildfire. her courage inspired and mobilized countless others, culminating in the montgomery bus boycott, led by dr. martin luther king jr. this year-long protest resulted in a landmark u.s. supreme court decision declaring bus segregation unconstitutional.\n\nrosa parks drew strength from her family, raised in an environment that esteemed education. her family values and education played a pivotal role in nurturing her courage. despite facing discouragement from her husband and other family members due to concerns for her safety, she pressed forward with unwavering courage. her humble beginnings did not deter her. in recognition of her exceptional courage, rosa parks was awarded the congressional gold medal by the u.s. government. her resolute courage resonated with and motivated countless individuals. it fueled their aspirations for equal rights and the abolition of racial segregation, propelling them toward their dreams. one brave individual can ignite the spirits of millions, as exemplified by rosa parks, mahatma gandhi, and nelson mandela , all of whom demonstrated exceptional courage in their quests for freedom. courage, akin to wildfire, has the power to spark hope and move multitudes.\n\nin conclusion, courage plays a pivotal role in life, compelling us to stand up for our convictions. it empowers us to act boldly and share our beliefs with the world. our world's greatness is a testament to the courage displayed by countless individuals. wholeheartedly embraced, courage can turn the seemingly impossible into reality. courage, when translated into action, has the potential to make anything achievable."}" data-sheets-userformat='{"2":515,"3":{"1":0},"4":{"1":2,"2":14281427},"12":0}'>conclusion.

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5 Inspiring Essays on Courage

Courage is a value held in high regard. There are countless quotes and explanations of what “courage” is. Some believe it’s the same as being fearless, while others say that courage is doing the right thing even if you’re afraid. Brene Brown says that “You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you can’t choose both.” Courage is about stepping outside of what’s familiar and comfortable. Here are five essays exploring what courage looks like:

“The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage” (2017) – Susan David

While technically not an essay, the transcript from this 2017 TEDTalk (and the speech itself) is a powerful exploration of emotional courage. Dr. Susan David, who lost her father when she was 15, describes how she dealt with grief. Societies often encourage people to suppress these types of emotions. She talks about a “radical acceptance” of every emotion, even the hard ones, and how this acceptance is necessary for true happiness. This acceptance isn’t easy. It takes courage. She has an especially poignant way of describing courage: she calls it “fear walking.”

Dr. Susan David is a world-leading management thinker and Harvard Medical School psychologist. She’s also an author and contributor to publications like The Harvard Business Review, New York Times, and more. David lectures around the world for clients like the United Nations, Google, and the World Economic Forum.

“Profile in Courage” (2004) – Dana Calvo

The photo of a single protester facing off a line of tanks is one of history’s most iconic images. In this essay from Smithsonian Magazine, readers learn the story behind it. In 1989, students from over three dozen universities gathered in Tiananmen Square to protest government corruption, joblessness, and attacks on free speech. The government declared martial law, sending tens of thousands of troops to the area. Violence erupted. Several hundred protesters were killed, thousands wounded. The story of the photograph, taken by 33-year old Jeff Widener of the Associated Press, is a story of courage.

Dana Calvo is a former national and foreign journalist. She now works in television.

“This Is A Crisis of Civil-Military Relations” (2020) – Eliot A. Cohen

In this piece, author Eliot Cohen examines what’s going on with military leadership in the age of the Trump administration. While these people are willing to “take a bullet” for America and take on responsibility for the “gravest decisions anyone can make,” they must now show a different kind of courage. Under President Trump’s leadership, the military brass must stand up and risk getting fired. While this essay describes a specific situation between two incredibly powerful branches of American society, it taps into the essence of courage. Courage comes with risks. It often requires people to risk something they didn’t anticipate losing.

Eliot A. Cohen is the dean of The John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. He served as the Counselor of the Department of State from 2007-2009. A contributing writer at The Atlantic, he’s also the author of The Big Stick: The Limits of Soft Power and the Necessity of Military Force.

“How To Find and Practice Courage” (2020) – Manfred F. R. Kets de Vries

This essay opens with a story of a CEO who went against shareholder advice to do what he believed was right, even as he feared the consequences. What gave him courage? Had it always been there under the surface? If you’re interested in brain science and the psychology behind courage, this is a great piece. At the end, it offers techniques on how to “practice courage,” such as going out of your comfort zone and taking care of your body when it’s afraid.

Manfred F.R. Kets de Vries is a psychoanalyst, management scholar, and executive coach. At INSEAD in France, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore , he is the Distinguished Clinical Professor of Leadership Development and Organizational Change. He wrote Down the Rabbit Hole of Leadership: Leadership Pathology in Everyday Life (2018).

“The Six Attributes of Courage” – Melanie Greenberg

What is courage? It’s something most people recognize when they see it, but there are different kinds of courage. In this essay, Dr. Greenberg briefly describes six defining characteristics of courage. She uses quotes from people like Nelson Mandela, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and others. Attributes include following your heart and letting go of what’s familiar and comfortable. The piece concludes with a courage-building exercise.

Dr. Melanie Greenberg is a psychologist, speaker, author, and coach. Her book The Stress-Proof Brain is an Amazon bestseller. She travels the world giving talks to non-profits, businesses, and professional organizations. Active on Twitter, she has been featured in media like CNN, Forbes, BBC Radio, and more.

The Six Attributes of Courage

Quotes and exercises to help you be your best and bravest self..

Posted August 23, 2012 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

• Courage is not just physical bravery; it can also mean speaking out against injustice, for example, or taking a financial risk to follow a dream.
• Courage also means feeling afraid, yet choosing to act anyway.
• Reflecting on one's past displays of courage can help summon more courage for the present.

Courage is something that everybody wants—an attribute of good character that makes us worthy of respect. From the Bible to fairy tales; ancient myths to Hollywood movies, our culture is rich with exemplary tales of bravery and self-sacrifice for the greater good. From the cowardly lion in The Wizard of Oz who finds the courage to face the witch, to David battling Goliath in the Bible, to Star Wars and Harry Potte r, children are raised on a diet of heroic and inspirational tales.

Yet courage is not just physical bravery. History books tell colorful tales of social activists, such as Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, who chose to speak out against injustice at great personal risk. Entrepreneurs such as Steve Jobs and Walt Disney, who took financial risks to follow their dreams and innovate, are like modern-day knights, exemplifying the rewards and public accolades that courage can bring.

There are different types of courage, ranging from physical strength and endurance to mental stamina and innovation . The below quotes demonstrate six different ways in which we define courage. Which are most relevant to you? In the last section, I present an exercise to help you define and harness your own courage.

1. Feeling Fear Yet Choosing to Act

“Bran thought about it. 'Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?' 'That is the only time a man can be brave,' his father told him.” —George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones

" Fear and courage are brothers." —Proverb

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." —Nelson Mandela

"There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is in facing danger when you are afraid." —L.Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

"Being terrified but going ahead and doing what must be done—that's courage. The one who feels no fear is a fool, and the one who lets fear rule him is a coward." —Piers Anthony

"Courage is about doing what you're afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you're scared. Have the courage to act instead of react." —Oliver Wendell Holmes

2. Following Your Heart

“Passion is what drives us crazy, what makes us do extraordinary things, to discover, to challenge ourselves. Passion is and should always be the heart of courage.” —Midori Komatsu

"And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition . They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” —Steve Jobs, Stanford commencement speech, June 2005

"To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself."
 —Soren Kierkegaard

“It takes courage...to endure the sharp pains of self discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives.” —Marianne Williamson, "Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of 'A Course in Miracles'"

3. Persevering in the Face of Adversity

"When we are afraid, we ought not to occupy ourselves with endeavoring to prove that there is no danger, but in strengthening ourselves to go on in spite of the danger." —Mark Rutherford

"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer." —Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

"Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them." —Orison Swett Marden (1850-1924)

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, 'I'll try again tomorrow.'" —Mary Anne Radmacher

“'Go back?' he thought. 'No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!' So up he got, and trotted along with his little sword held in front of him and one hand feeling the wall, and his heart all of a patter and a pitter.” —J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.” —Mark Twain

4. Standing Up for What Is Right

"Sometimes standing against evil is more important than defeating it. The greatest heroes stand because it is right to do so, not because they believe they will walk away with their lives. Such selfless courage is a victory in itself." —N.D. Wilson, Dandelion Fire

"Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes." —Maggie Kuhn, social activist

"From caring comes courage." —Lao Tzu

" Anger is the prelude to courage." —Eric Hoffer

5. Expanding Your Horizons; Letting Go of the Familiar

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." —Lord Chesterfield

“This world demands the qualities of youth; not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of the imagination , a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the life of ease.” —Robert F. Kennedy

"Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." —Anais Nin

6. Facing Suffering With Dignity or Faith

“There is no need to be ashamed of tears, for tears bear witness that a man has the greatest of courage, the courage to suffer.” —Viktor Frankl

"The ideal man bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of circumstances." —Aristotle

"Until the day of his death, no man can be sure of his courage." —Jean Anoulh

"A man of courage is also full of faith." —Marcus Tullius Cicero

Courage-Building Exercise

For this exercise, you will need a notebook and pen, as well as a quiet, uninterrupted space in which you can reflect. Beginning with the first definition of courage—"feeling afraid yet choosing to act"—answer the following questions:

Think of a situation as an adult when you felt afraid, yet chose to face your fear.

• What did you observe, think, and feel at the time? (e.g., "I saw the rollercoaster and felt butterflies in my stomach")
• What did you or the people around you say, think, and do to help you face your fear? (e.g., "I told myself that if little kids could go on it, so could I")
• At what point did your fear start to go down? How did you feel afterwards?
• Now, think back on a situation in childhood in which you faced your fear. How was it the same or different than the first situation?
• Finally, think of a situation you are currently facing that creates fear or anxiety . What are you most afraid of? (e.g., being fired if I ask my boss for a raise)
• Now, is there a way to apply the same skills you used in the two earlier situations to be more courageous in this situation? Remind yourself that you have these skills and have used them successfully in the past. What mental or environmental barriers stand in the way of using these skills? How can you cope with or get rid of these barriers?

Repeat this exercise over the course of a week, using each definition of courage above. On Day 7, come up with your own definition of courage that is most meaningful to you and repeat the whole exercise using this definition.

Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D. , is a licensed clinical psychologist and life coach practicing internationally via distance technologies. She is a former professor, national speaker, and the author of The Stress Proof Brain .

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Essay on Courage – What is Courage Essay and Importance of Courage Essay in English

June 16, 2021 by Manasi Shewale Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

What is Courage?

If we go to see for the actual or literal meaning of courage, it refers to “an act of bravery or to do a challenging task without being afraid”. Now, when we speak of doing a challenging or a difficult task that does not mean to go and act rashly or do some unlawful thing.

A courageous act can be a small act also which is done when a person overcomes his fear and then goes and performs the act. It can be anything, for example, a small girl who loves dancing but is afraid of the stage where she must perform. When she overcomes her fear and becomes brave enough to perform her dance, it is called a courageous act.

Why is Courage Important?

To be courageous or to have that much confidence to overcome our fear is courage. We fight our fear in our daily lives as well. For example, when a person goes for an interview, he or she will feel some kind of nervousness or anxiety or insecurity about his/ her skills.

These feelings and the emotional state of mind can affect one’s behavior and therefore, have a bad effect on his/ her interview. Therefore, it can be said that being courageous enough to make use of the given opportunity is a very essential factor in today’s world of competition.

We all know the hardships faced by every working person in our country. The hardships regarding studies, career, a person having a very good (but stressful) job, etc. all require some or the other courageous input to achieve the goal.

Even the first day of our college needs us to gather up some courage and make some good self-introduction and make some friends. The first impression is the best (or the last) impression. This is the most famous saying and therefore, we need to have enough courage to stand up for ourselves and make an impression.

Now, as there are some above mentioned situations where we need courage for our own benefit, similarly, there are other situations where we need to be brave, not for our benefit but for the entire society or our environment, etc.

For example, it takes courage for a person to fight against the injustice faced by him or his fellow companion. The best example of this can be of the farmers. Today’s situation of the farmers’ financial condition and the ongoing summer season is going to take a heavy toll on the farmer to earn the daily bread.

To fight against this condition, they need many things but courage will be the most basic thing required by all to at least stand up against the situation and demand for their rights.

There are many other unjust events happening in our daily lives, for example, eve teasing, a very bad aspect of today’s modern world. A girl has to face such rude and humiliating behavior everyday and neither the girl says anything against it nor does the people around her come to her aid to support if she is courageous enough to oppose to such public humiliation.

This is the real problem that is along with courage, one needs proper support and guidance to fight such events and bring out a change for the betterment of the society.

All these were examples of how a person needs courage and proper morals to fight for the injustice faced by himself and others. It is very difficult to keep up your morals and therefore, gather up the necessary courage to fight against the wrong situations.

Therefore, in todays date, it is even rarer to find a person with the proper morals required to live a satisfactory life.

Another aspect of having courage comes with adventurous activities. This type of courage is required to go on carrying physical adventurous activities. Many people of scared of adventures and therefore, they do not know how exhilarating it feels after completing the adventurous tasks or activity.

For example, a person wants to go scuba diving or sky diving but is afraid of the water or the height and the speed or maybe the pressure or anything which he finds will hurt him physically. Now, a person needs courage to overcome this fear and therefore, go ahead and live that adventure.

No third person is involved in pushing away one’s fear in case of such physical activities. The person should be brave enough and should have that mind set, that yes, he needs to jump of the cliff (adventure only) and then only will he be able to live the adventure and enjoy it to the fullest.

There are similar sensitive topics where courage is the need. We have the required strength to fight against the black holes but we do not have enough courage or we do not have the trigger that is needed to fight these social demons as well as our personal fears.

Courage is not a feeling neither is it an emotion, it is a trigger which when triggered with enough force can make wonders and bring in a change in his life as well as in the society to live the better and face the bitter aspects of life.

These are different aspects of life which may include some adventures, some social stressful situations, personal issues, etc. which require courage at both, physical as well as the moral level to overcome the fear and be brave enough to live our lives satisfactorily.

About Manasi Shewale

Manasi Shewale loves to read novels and review them inturn. She is an avid reader of various topics of scientific interest in Chemistry and Biology.

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How to live a more courageous life, learning strategies to deal with your fears can help prepare you to take risks and change your life..

On any given day, many of us wrestle with our fears. We might be contemplating a career change, telling someone we love them, or wanting to speak up for what’s right when we see injustice. But a voice within us pipes up saying that there’s no point, or that we aren’t really capable of creating the life or world we desire.

Whether you call it “fear” or some other name—anxiety, stress, discomfort, life challenges—the cycle often plays out in the same way. We have a desire for change, but our fear of what might happen or the worry that we are somehow not enough can keep us stuck.

In my new book, The Courage Habit , I argue that when it comes to dealing with fear, we often go about it all wrong. Instead of seeing fear as bad and trying to get rid of it when it arises, we can choose to accept fear as part of the process of change and instead practice courage. This choice can help you to feel more emotionally resilient as you make life changes or go after big dreams.

The courage habit

Though courage is often thought of as an inborn character trait, it’s actually a way of being and a practice that can be learned for coping with difficulty . In other words, courage can become a habit.

Usually, we think of habits as actions, like brushing your teeth or exercising. But habits also consist of our behavioral responses to different emotions. For many people, fear-based responses are the natural, habitual response to adversity, because our brains tend to seek the fastest, most efficient way to relieve stress when we feel it. That means we rely on solutions that have provided short-term stress relief in the past—like procrastinating in response to feelings of self-doubt, or putting perfectionism into overdrive (which eventually ends up sabotaging us through burnout).

Your brain likes predictability, and it’s primed to “reward” you for choosing familiar responses and routines. So, if you ditch the plan to go after that dream and instead choose what’s known and therefore safe, you’ll be “rewarded” as the brain relaxes.

How do you manage fear differently? You can understand that it’s part of the human condition and aim to work with it rather than against it. Drawing from research on habit formation and stress reduction—and my own work with clients facing fear—I have discovered four useful strategies for dealing with fear and moving closer to courage.

1. Access the body

Fear shows up in the body, often as sweaty palms, a sick-feeling stomach, or a vague sense of discomfort. Once our bodies head into fear mode, we need a way to recognize the signs and work with what the feelings are telling us. A body-based practice can help.

Using focused breathing or body scans —both practices associated with mindful meditation—can help us tune into our body’s sensations without trying to change them or judge them. In this way, we can access our fear without rejecting it or being pulled into an old fear routine . That leaves us freer to better identify the source of the fear and pursue the things we want in life.

Feeling tense? Feel your body relax as you try this practice.

If mindfulness practices don’t cut it for you, you can also try dancing, running, yoga, stretching, hiking, or even sex. Just increasing your enjoyment and acceptance of your body can help you listen to it when it’s telling you something’s wrong.

2. Listen without attachment

Many of us who are stuck in fear have an inner critic, constantly feeding us misinformation about our abilities and telling us we are doomed to fail. Often, we’re not even aware of that voice. Or, if we are aware of it, we try strategies to quiet or get rid of it—like ignoring the critic entirely, placating it by trying to do things perfectly (so there won’t be anything for the critic to focus on), or attacking it directly by saying to ourselves, “I’m not going to listen to you—shut up and leave me alone!”

While these strategies can give us temporary relief, they don’t actually make the critic go away. Instead, we need to reframe the voice as a part of ourselves that’s trying to get our attention, and to learn to listen.

If we can take time to listen to our inner critic without attachment—without the need to ignore or accept what it is saying—we’re in a better position to learn from it. Expressive writing or working with a coach or therapist can help us to understand the origins of our critical thoughts and to glean helpful information without getting hijacked.

3. Reframe limiting stories

As humans, we make meaning out of our experiences by telling stories to ourselves about how the world operates. But here’s the important part: Those stories might not be objectively true. They are more like your personal lens on life, coloring your experiences just as if you were wearing sunglasses. Your stories have everything to do with how you see yourself and the world—whether you’re a victim or a survivor, whether an experience is dangerous or an opportunity, and whether you have the capacity to develop more courage or you are “just not very brave.”

It’s not wrong to adopt stories—everyone has internal assumptions to orient themselves in the world. But some stories are more helpful than others. For instance, we’ve probably all met people who tell themselves that “everyone is selfish and only out for themselves.” Because they see the world through that lens, they are suspicious of people’s motives, inclined to tally up people’s wrongs, and have a “gotta look out for myself” attitude—which isn’t necessarily helpful.

Luckily, we can reframe limiting stories through various techniques—like challenging overly negative interpretations of our abilities, or gaining perspective by looking at a difficult situation as an outsider or a close friend would—that can help us cope better with the stress that fear or anxiety inevitably brings.

Gaining Perspective on Negative Events

Take a step back and analyze your feelings without ruminating

Rather than seeing reframing as a “Pollyanna” approach that bypasses very real challenges in the world, reframing is about emotion regulation . It stops you from ruminating about what’s going wrong to the point of giving up. Reframes need not be wildly optimistic. For example, instead of saying, “I can’t,” you might say, “I’m at least willing to try”; “This is too overwhelming!” can become “Let me slow down, and take it one step at a time, to get through this.” This reframing process, which involves positive self-talk, can help you see results in your life—including a greater sense of capability and more positive emotion and optimism, which lead to greater resilience.

4. Create community

To truly live courageous lives, we need like-minded people around us who are also trying to honor the values of courage. Creating courageous communities gives us the support to face challenges . Sometimes our stories get in our way, and we need people who are doing similar work to help us see where we’re getting stuck or what we’re truly capable of.

Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit , writes, “For most people who overhaul their lives, there are no seminal moments or life-altering disasters. There are simply communities—sometimes of just one other person—who make change believable.” Making change is simply easier when we have support.

To apply this to living with more courage, we need to examine our relationships and distinguish those that are rooted simply in convenience (such as meeting up with coworkers for a drink) from those where like-minded people share similar, courageous values such as kindness, vulnerability, optimism, and empathy. Relationships of convenience aren’t “bad,” but those other relationships are the ones that provide the most support to buffer you from the stress of taking a risk and going after big life changes.

Putting everything together

As you become more practiced with accessing the body, you’ll find it easier to recognize your fear patterns at work. As you tune in to your fear by listening without attachment, you’ll find it easier to see what your fear is rooted in, and then use practices such as reframing limiting stories. Integrating more courage-based relationships into your life will help you to both notice those times when you’re getting stuck in old fear patterns, and remember your bigger vision of stepping into more courage and emotional resilience.

The more you interrupt the old fear-based habits and replace fear-based responses with responses to boost courage, the more you create a “courage habit.” By living your life with courage, you’ll be more likely to make the changes that will lead to greater fulfillment—whether that’s embarking on a new relationship or job, or helping to save the world.

New Course! Courage in Education

Facing Challenges with Strength, Determination, and Hope

About the Author

Kate Swoboda

Kate Swoboda is the creator of YourCourageousLife.com , and author of  The Courage Habit: How to Accept Your Fears, Release the Past, and Live Your Courageous Life . She coaches individuals, teams, and organizations on developing more courage in life and in business, and her work has been featured in  USA Today , Forbes , Business Insider , and other publications.

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