Character - Courageous
‘Not deterred by danger or pain; brave’.
Character - Courageous
‘Not deterred by danger or pain; brave’.
Character - Courageous
‘Not deterred by danger or pain; brave’.
Home > FLHS BEST Character Values > Character – Courageous
The next character trait that we will be focusing on is being Courageous. Having courage can be difficult as it is also linked to confidence and resilience; however students who show courage in themselves and in certain situations are more likely to be successful. Further information on being courageous is found below:
Courageous
What is the true meaning of courageous?
Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
What is another word for courageous?
Some common synonyms of courage are mettle, resolution, spirit, and tenacity. While all these words mean “mental or moral strength to resist opposition, danger, or hardship,” courage implies firmness of mind and will in the face of danger or extreme difficulty.
How do you describe a courageous person?
Courageous, dauntless, perhaps a little bit daring, a person who is brave faces dangerous or difficult situations with courage. The adjective brave can be used to describe anyone or anything that displays courage, such as a brave firefighter, a brave guide dog, or even brave holiday shoppers!
How do you show courage?
Three Ways To Show Courage Every Day:
- Face difficulties head-on. A sure-fire way to exercise courage daily is by facing life’s challenges head-on.
- Challenge the status quo. Don’t be afraid to go against the grain or speak up for yourself or someone else.
- Stand up for your values & beliefs.
Is being courageous a skill?
There are some people who are born braver than others, but the majority of us have to learn—and build—courage as we go along. Aristotle said that “courage is the first of human qualities.” I agree. I believe that courage is among the most essential skills of a good leader.
How to Feel More Courageous
Being fearful is a powerful force that can lead to stagnation. In fact, if fear is not viewed correctly it can prevent you from achieving your goals and pursuing opportunities. Consequently, many people allow fear to keep them stuck in their comfort zone rather than flexing their courage muscles and trying something new in spite of the risks.
If you find this scenario sounds an awful lot like your life, you may want to delve a little deeper and determine the areas in your life where you could be more courageous. For instance, do you feel like you should speak up the next time the school bully is putting someone down? There are probably countless areas in your life where you can be a little more courageous. Here are some ways to help you embrace courage and implement it into your life.
Maintain a Healthy Perspective
Too many times, people assume that you are either born courageous or you’re not. And while it is true that some people could be more predisposed to displaying courage, that doesn’t mean that all is lost for you. In fact, it’s best to view courage as a muscle. And while some people might be born with more defined muscles than others, everyone has the ability to improve their ‘courage muscles’ with the right training and practice.
Likewise, it’s important to recognise that fear is not a bad thing. In fact, in some ways fear is healthy. For instance, fear triggers your nervous system and your survival instincts that are designed to keep you safe. For this reason, you might feel fearful when approached by a stranger in a dark alley or you might feel fearful during a tornado.
Consequently, rather than minimising your fear or denying that it exists, recognise what is holding you back. By acknowledging your fear—either by writing it down or by sharing it with a supportive person—you are empowering yourself to be courageous in spite of feeling fearful.
Identify Your Strengths
When it comes to living a life filled with courage, it helps to begin by identifying what you’re good at as well as where you have been successful. In fact, research shows that people who recognize and develop their strengths not only feel happier and less depressed but are also more resilient.
Additionally, knowing what you’re good at helps boost your confidence, which makes it more likely you will take risks and be courageous. Likewise, when you’re confident in your abilities, you’re much more willing to go all-in when an opportunity presents itself.
What’s more, when you are struggling with fear and want to incorporate more courage in your life, it’s natural to focus on your shortcomings and your weaknesses. But, doing this just makes it less likely that you will feel courageous. For this reason, it’s important to think about what you’re good at as a way of building your confidence and your courage.
Examine Different Scenarios
When it comes to being courageous, it’s helpful to imagine not only the worst thing that could happen if you take a risk but also what would happen if you didn’t act at all. Many times, comparing the two extremes is all you need to move beyond your fears because most of the time, the worst thing that could happen is often minimal in comparison to what you could gain by acting. If you regularly use comparisons like these, you will build an immunity to letting your fears control you over time.
Additionally, you can create scenarios where you envision yourself doing something that you’re afraid of. Imagine how you will handle each possible scenario including how you might respond or what you might say. These exercises are a way for you to practice being courageous without having to put yourself out there until you feel ready.
Practice Leaving Your Comfort Zone
When you let fear keep you from doing something fun, going after something you want, or expressing who you are at your core, it can result in a life that is not truly lived. And if you want to change that aspect of your life, it’s going to take being intentional about your life.
Building your courage muscles requires that you push yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Consequently, choose some scenarios that make you uncomfortable, but where the stakes are not as high.
Reduce Your Stress
Sometimes people experience fear or feel like they lack courage simply because they are exhausted and the thought of doing anything more just seems too overwhelming. If you find that you’re feeling overwhelmed, frazzled, or bogged down, look for ways to relieve stress. It’s hard to feel courageous when you are stressed out.
Consequently, look for ways to reduce the stress in your life. In addition to taking care of yourself, look for ways to unwind and decompress. In some instances, that might mean taking a short break or some much-needed time off schoolwork. Everyone needs a break now and then. So, if you feel too overwhelmed with the thought of trying to be more courageous, it could be that you first need to reduce the stress in your life.
Celebrate Courageous Actions
Every courageous act should be celebrated—especially if living courageously is something new for you. So, don’t fail to acknowledge the times when you acted with courage despite feeling fearful. It’s important to pat yourself on the back and recognize the effort it took to overcome your fear. In fact, experts acknowledge that those who celebrate small wins tend to be more successful in the long run.
Of course, you don’t have to shout it from the rooftops or blast it on social media, but make a mental note of what you accomplished and allow yourself to feel good about that. You may even want to keep a journal of these little acknowledgments to reflect on at times when you’re feeling discouraged or like your life lacks courage. Doing so will keep you from engaging in negative thoughts or assuming that you will never be courageous.
Welcome Failure
Most people are afraid of failure, which often keeps them stagnate or stuck in the same place. In fact, the fear of failure can lead people to develop rigid standards and become in an effort not to experience embarrassment or shame that comes with failure.
But failure is an experience that should be embraced. Remind yourself that failure is not a bad thing, especially if you took risks or stepped outside of your comfort zone.
After all, failure is an opportunity to grow as a person. It allows you to learn something new, change directions, and see what you’re made of. And if viewed as a welcome experience instead of a worst-case scenario, it stretches you to try new things in spite of the risks involved.