When we lack courage and struggle to build it, reflecting on insight from others can inspire us to action.
“Courage is found in unlikely places” - J R R Tolkien, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
This quote is taken from one of the most popular fantasy books of all time. In this world, it is the unlikeliest of people: the Hobbits, who were considered small and insignificant by others, are those who end up saving the world from a terrible evil.
“He has not learned the lesson of life who does not every day surmount a fear” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Every day carries its own unique moments of fear. This could be the fear of attempting a skydive or simply the fear of speaking out in a company meeting. A fear mindset sees these moments as insurmountable obstacles. A courage mindset sees these moments as opportunities to overcome.
“One man with courage makes a majority” - Andrew Jackson (US President)
Most people dislike being part of the minority. We learn from childhood that conformity often meets safety. However, as we grow older, we can soon find ourselves using this as an excellent excuse for inaction. History has often been changed by one person with the requisite courage to stand out from the crowd.
“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself” - Soren Kiekergaard
Every day carries its own unique moments of fear. This could be the fear of attempting a skydive or simply the fear of speaking out in a company meeting. A fear mindset sees these moments as insurmountable obstacles. A courage mindset sees these moments as opportunities to overcome.
“Tell a man that he is brave, and you help him become so” - Thomas Carlyle
The spoken word is one of the most powerful tools available to human beings. How often do we use our words to dismiss, disparage or discourage others? Courage can be forged in the crucible of encouraging words.
“The greatest test of courage is to bear defeat without losing heart.“ - Robert G. Ingersoll
Courage is not always about victory. Sometimes courage is the ability to persevere despite defeat. It about taking the hits but getting back up and trying again.
“Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace“ - Amelia Earhart
Every day carries its own unique moments of fear. This could be the fear of attempting a skydive or simply the fear of speaking out in a company meeting. A fear mindset sees these moments as insurmountable obstacles. A courage mindset sees these moments as opportunities to overcome.
“Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision” - Winston Churchill
Many of us have little control over the things that happen to us. Large global events such as financial crashes, war or pandemics can result in the individual feeling small, powerless and fearful. Sometimes the only thing that we can control is our reaction. Do we react in fear or do we make the conscious decision to be courageous despite our external circumstances.
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” - Anais Nin
The biological response to fear is to shrink. A person who is afraid will change their body language, making themselves smaller and their brain function can be impaired affecting their decision making ability. A person full of courage stands tall, commanding the room and retains the mental capacity to make good decisions.