Courage: A Valuable Skill
Courage requires the willingness to take a stance on a particular position, and the tenacity not to give up in the face of discomfort. Emotional courage can be practiced and cultivated like any action-oriented skill. Personal values may serve as a foundation for emotional courage, upon which purposeful action may be developed. Those who struggle with feeling courageous might find that a period of self-reflection on their most important values can be used to identify what goals align best with their intention and purpose.
Courage takes some grit, and a little bit of confidence that one's efforts will yield desirable results. One way of building more confidence is to seek support in others. Surrounding oneself with positive people who believe in them can make the difference between the ability to stand strong, or to fall short, when faced with challenges that need courageous attention.
Displaying courage by taking a stand for oneself, or for others, in accordance with their core values can contribute to a person's sense of overall efficacy in the world, and employing assertive communication styles (being clear and firm) can positively impact a person's self-esteem.
Developing courage is a learnable behavior that can be strengthened through practice and applied focus.
Discussion Questions:
- Who is the most courageous person you know, and what have they done that has impacted you personally?
- Has there ever been a time where you took a risk that required courage, but it didn't pay off? If yes, what did you do regain your confidence?
@Elephi there are so many people on this site who has shown so much courage and bravery, there's way to many to name. All the people I have met here, I admire them all. This site is what has influenced my life the most ❤❤everyone who's ever said a kind word, been supportive of someone else, wrote about their true feelings, made someone smile. They are my hero's, 7 cups members/leaders/listeners your all my hero's ❤ thank you for helping me find my way, be free to be the real me, helped my confidence grow and my heart more loving. Thankyou ❤
@Tinywhisper11
This is so heartwarming! Thank you for sharing your experience and for valuing this community!
@Elephi ❤❤❤
@Elephi
i think the most courageous person i know is my sister she's up to challenges and she's trying new things so she inspired me to try new things and be more courageous
@Soelsawyer4901
Courage can be contagious! It's great to hear that you have someone close who inspires you. :) Keep on shining!
@Elephi So glad you shared this prompt.
Discussion Questions:
Who is the most courageous person you know, and what have they done that has impacted you personally?
I think the most courageous person I know is defitnley my mother. She always takes risks even if she is scared or uncomfortable she never lets that get in the way. She has always taught me that even if something does not go your way there is always a silver lining. I think that has impacted the way I not only see my own life but also the way I choose to live my life.
Has there ever been a time where you took a risk that required courage, but it didn't pay off? If yes, what did you do regain your confidence?
I think there have been a few times where it took alot of courage for me to take a risk and it was not the outcome I was hoping for. It is in these moments of reflection that I gently remind myself that if something does not work out it is because it was not meant too. Each decision that I have made that has not worked out has always led to something better. That in itself is my courage, it is the courage to keep going even if in a moment I do not want to.
@globalWillow3000
Great answer! Thanks for sharing! I feel like growing up with someone who exemplifies courage and boldness absolutely does impact how we both see the world and how we choose to participate in it. The courage to keep moving forward when life tries to cut us down to size is one of the most powerful ways that we can inspire others to keep putting one foot in front of the other, just as well.
@Elephi Thank you for this post. 🤗 The most courageous person I know is definitely my mom. She's the most amazing woman I know. She took a lot of risks in life for herself and me and she's a very brave person. I'm so grateful for her. She is always there for me as well I'm for her.
@helianthus19
It's great to hear that you're there for each other when you need a little bit of courage! Your mom sounds like a really special person. :) Thanks for sharing!
There was a time I took a big risk and it didn't pay off, which shook my confidence. To bounce back, I reflected on the experience, set smaller goals, leaned on supportive friends, and reminded myself that every setback is a stepping stone.😊
@CharisB21
This looks like a really balanced approach! Thanks for giving us a little window into what you did.
@ElephiElephi, your insights on courage are spot-on. I've personally learned that courage isn't about being fearless; it's about acting despite fear, especially when aligned with deeply held values. In my own journey, I've had to be my own courageous figure. Growing up with childhood trauma and facing ongoing adversity, I’ve had to make the difficult choice to constantly choose myself. This has meant facing my past, seeking therapy, and rebuilding my sense of self. It meant choosing to pursue education as a mature student, a decision that required immense courage. This journey has been a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to reclaim one's narrative.
As for taking risks that didn't pay off, my experience with mathematics immediately comes to mind. As a mature student returning to education, I faced the daunting task of passing my math requirements. I failed the exam not once, but five times. Each failure chipped away at my confidence, making me question my ability to succeed. However, I refused to let those setbacks define me. To regain my confidence, I sought extra tutoring, broke down complex concepts into manageable steps, and reminded myself that persistence was key. I reframed failure as a learning opportunity, a chance to identify my weaknesses and strengthen them. Ultimately, I passed, and that victory became a powerful symbol of my resilience. Now, I’m at university, something I never thought possible. That journey has demonstrated that even when risks don't initially yield the desired results, the courage to persevere and learn from setbacks is what truly matters.