Courage: An Essential Virtue for Authentic Living

Key Insights

9 minute read
  • Courage is about facing fear & discomfort. Living a fully engaged & authentic life.
  • There are 5 types of courage: physical, moral, social, intellectual, & emotional.
  • Courage leads to happiness by fostering personal growth, building resilience, and improving relationships through vulnerability and honesty.

CourageBrené Brown’s (2012) book Daring Greatly is a sensation. Its title, however, could be seen to highlight a common misconception about courage: that it is all about overt acts of heroism.

Yet in the book you’ll find that Brown refutes this misconception by highlighting the nuances of courage and its link to vulnerability.

In my work with clients, I too find that courage is more than just physical acts of bravery; it is a complex and dynamic virtue that underpins authentic living.

Courage motivates us to face our fears, stand by our values, and pursue our true selves, even when the world seems against us.

I often help clients to contact, embrace and develop their courage so that they experience a fuller and richer life.

In this article, we’ll explore the virtue of courage, its related character strengths, and how fostering this quality can lead to a happier, more authentic life.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Strengths Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help your clients realize their unique potential and create a life that feels energizing and authentic.

Understanding the Virtue of Courage

Courage is often misunderstood as a grand gesture, such as rescuing someone from danger or publicly speaking out against an injustice. While these acts are undoubtedly courageous, the essence of courage lies in our everyday actions and decisions (Pignatelli, 2010).

Courage is the ability to tolerate and be with the discomfort of fear, to move forward and live a fully engaged life despite our fear (Rate, 2010).

At its core, courage is about being true to ourselves (Numminen et al., 2017). It’s about making choices that align with our deepest values and convictions, even when it’s uncomfortable or risky to do so (Yang et al., 2024).

Courage requires us to stand up for what we believe in, to express our true thoughts and feelings, and to pursue our passions, even when faced with opposition or potential failure.

5 types of courage

There are five types of courage, and each is essential for personal growth and authentic living. Courage manifests in various forms:

1. Physical courage

Physical courage involves facing physical danger or adversity, often seen in acts of bravery, like rescuing someone from harm, enduring physical hardship, or putting your life at risk for a cause, as soldiers do (Howard & Reiley, 2020).

2. Moral courage

This type of courage is seen when we have the strength to stand up for what is right, even in the face of social pressure, ridicule, or personal risk (Lachman, 2010). Moral courage is about acting in alignment with our values and integrity, even when it is difficult to do so.

3. Social courage

Advocating for others, standing up against injustice, and challenging societal norms all entail taking risks in relationships and social settings and are examples of social courage (Howard et al., 2017).

4. Intellectual courage

Intellectual courage is the willingness to challenge your own beliefs, explore new ideas, and engage in critical thinking, even when it’s uncomfortable (Kraemer, 2018).

5. Emotional courage

Emotional courage involves facing our inner fears and vulnerabilities, such as confronting difficult emotions, expressing feelings honestly, or coping with loss (Bregman, 2018).

Susan David put forward an interesting perspective of emotional courage in her TED Talk.

The gift and power of emotional courage - Susan David

Why Courage Can Lead to Happiness

Courage can lead to happiness because it enables us to face our fears, show up in our relationships, embrace personal growth, and live authentically (Santisi et al., 2020). These qualities are essential to happiness.

In facing and overcoming our fears, we can diminish their control over us, building confidence and resilience in the process (Frankland & Josselyn, 2018). This reduces anxiety, stress, and regret.

Courage also plays a crucial role in relationships, allowing us to be vulnerable and honest, fostering trust and intimacy (Kohlenberg et al., 2015). This openness leads to deeper, more meaningful connections, which are essential for long-term happiness.

Finally, courage is necessary for personal growth, pushing us to pursue our goals by taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones (Ramalingam-Iyer, 2022). The resulting sense of accomplishment and pride further contributes to our overall wellbeing.

When we live authentically with courage, we experience greater satisfaction and inner peace, as there is no ongoing conflict between our true selves and the persona we might otherwise present (Kreber, 2010).

By developing and growing their courage, your clients can learn to live full and rich lives aligned with their core values and their true selves.

Ron West’s TEDx Talk illuminates the intricacies of “Finding the Courage to Be Yourself.

Finding the courage to be yourself - Ron West

Courage is not a standalone virtue; it is supported by several character strengths that enable us to act courageously in different situations. Here are some of the key Values in Action (VIA) character strengths that have been found to be related to courage (Pury & Kowalski, 2007):

1. Bravery

Bravery describes our ability to act despite our fear, rather than in the absence of it. It is about confronting challenges, speaking up when we need to, and defending what is right, even in the face of opposition.

Bravery also includes the willingness to take risks for the greater good or for our personal growth. It could look like standing up to a bully, pursuing a dream that others doubt, or even admitting when we’ve made a mistake. This should not be confused with recklessness; it is a calculated willingness to take on challenges that matter.

2. Perseverance

Courage often requires sustained effort over time, especially when the road is long and difficult, so perseverance is another critical strength linked to courage. It is the ability to keep going despite obstacles, setbacks, and failures, maintaining a commitment to our goals, values, and principles, even when progress is slow or the outcome is uncertain.

3. Honesty

Honesty is about living with integrity and being authentic with ourselves and others. It is about living aligned with our values and principles, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult. It requires us to be truthful in our words and actions, and to take responsibility for our decisions.

4. Zest

Courage isn’t just about facing difficulties; it is also about embracing life’s opportunities with enthusiasm. Zest encourages us to try new experiences, pursue our passions, and engage with whatever life throws at us with a sense of adventure.

Download 3 Free Strengths Exercises (PDF)

These detailed, science-based exercises will equip you or your clients with tools to discover and harness their unique strengths.

How to Foster Courage and Live Authentically

Fostering courage is a continuous process that involves cultivating the character strengths we identified above (Lester et al., 2010). It requires intentionality and commitment. Here are some practical ways to help your clients develop courage and live more authentically:

Identify values

Start by helping your clients identify their core values. What truly matters to them? When we are clear about our values, it becomes easier to make courageous decisions that align with them (Stanislaw & McCreary, 2022). Try using this Core Values Worksheet to help your clients identify their values.

Practice vulnerability

Being vulnerable means opening yourself up to the possibility of rejection, failure, and criticism (Keay & Kirby, 2018). Learning to be vulnerable is a powerful way to build courage (Jordan, 2008). Encourage your clients to start sharing their thoughts and feelings with trusted individuals and gradually extend this practice to broader areas of their lives.

Set small, courageous goals

Encourage your client to begin setting small, manageable goals that require courage, such as speaking up in a meeting, trying a new hobby, or having an honest conversation with a friend. As they achieve these small goals, your client’s confidence will grow, making it easier to tackle bigger challenges.

Reflect on past successes

Reflecting on past courageous acts can boost confidence. Help your clients remember times when they were courageous and the positive outcomes that resulted from their courageous actions. Use these memories to fuel their current efforts.

Finding New Ways to Use Courage as a Strength

The inpiration to speak publicallyOnce you’ve helped your client develop courage, it’s important for them to continue finding new ways to use this strength in daily life. By consistently acting courageously, they can begin to build their “courage muscle.”

Take some time to discuss ways they may be able to do this. Here are some ideas to get them started:

Speak up

Encourage your client to identify opportunities to speak their truth. This doesn’t mean that they should be confrontational; it is about expressing their genuine thoughts and feelings in a respectful manner where appropriate.

Take calculated risks

Courage isn’t the same as recklessness; it is about taking calculated risks that align with our values and goals. Help your clients to consider areas of their life where they may have been playing it safe and think about how they can step out of their comfort zone.

Learn to advocate

Advocating for ourselves and for others can require a significant amount of courage (O’Connor, 2018). Help your clients use their courage to advocate for themselves and others, especially those who may not have a voice. Whether it’s setting personal boundaries, standing up against injustice, or supporting a friend in need, their courage can make a difference in the lives of others.

Embrace change

Change is often scary, but it’s also a necessary part of growth (Hudson et al., 2018). Encourage your client to embrace change as an opportunity to use their courage and explore new possibilities in their life.

4 Inspiring Courage Quotes

Quotes can be powerful motivators, offering wisdom and encouragement when we need it most. Here are some inspiring quotes on courage:

“Doing the right thing almost always takes courage, just as discipline is impossible without the wisdom to know what is worth choosing.”

Ryan Holiday, 2021, p. 9

“When we master the skills that are the competence of courage, we confidently enact bold leadership practices, translating the first human quality (courage) into effective and inspiring actions of true excellence.”

Gus Lee & Dianne Elliot-Lee, 2006, p. 3

“Courage is not the possession of the bravest or biggest but the choice to move toward the heart when the mind and body are separated by fear.”

K. J. Ramsey, 2023, p. 12

“Why should anyone bother to expand the ability to trust more deeply? Because when you trust wholeheartedly, it brings tremendous comfort and joy, even while you know it may not last forever.”

Cynthia Lynn Wall, 2005, p. 6

5 Books on Courage

Books on courage offer deep insights and provide practical advice for cultivating this virtue in our lives. Here are some recommended reads on courage:

1. Finding Inner Courage – Mark Nepo

Finding Inner Courage

Divided into three sections — finding our inner core, standing by our inner core, and sustaining the practice of living from that sense of core self — this gem invites you to explore your own inner core through the stories of ordinary people, from a variety of traditions.

The wide range of stories, people, traditions, and insights offers countless ways for you to relate to your own search for courage.

Find the book on Amazon.


2. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead – Brené Brown

Daring Greatly

Based on 12 years of research, this bestseller explores the importance of vulnerability and how embracing it can lead to a more courageous and fulfilling life.

It challenges the myth that vulnerability is a weakness and instead shows how it is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.

You can use this book to interrogate your own ideas about courage and vulnerability and forge a new path to more fulfillment.

Find the book on Amazon.


3. Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave – Ryan Holiday

Courage Is Calling

Drawing on ancient wisdom and examples across time and place, Holiday highlights the importance of courage and how to cultivate it in our own lives.

Courage Is Calling underscores the fact that courage is a complex phenomenon that requires moral bravery, creativity, generosity, and perseverance. It espouses that this is the only way to live an extraordinary, fulfilled, and effective life.

Find the book on Amazon.


4. The Courage to Be Disliked – Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga

The Courage to Be Disliked

This book explores the philosophy of Alfred Adler, focusing on how we can gain the courage to live free of others’ judgments and expectations. It provides simple, meaningful insights about how to harness our inner power and become the person we would like to be.

Written as a dialogue between a philosopher and a young man, Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga share practical guidance on how to identify the patterns and beliefs that hold people back from achieving their full potential.

Find the book on Amazon.


5. Choosing Courage: The Everyday Guide to Being Brave at Work – Jim Detert

Choosing Courage

Providing a roadmap for everyday acts of courage, Choosing Courage shows us how to stand up for what is right and take calculated risks that can lead to personal and professional growth.

Focusing on the workplace, world renowned expert on courage in the workplace Jim Detert explains that courage is a virtue that can be developed through practice.

Full of stories of ordinary people who’ve acted courageously, Choosing Courage will give you a fresh perspective on the power of voicing your authentic ideas and opinions. Whether you’re looking to make a mark, stay true to your values, act with more integrity, or simply grow as a professional, this is the guide you need to achieve greater impact at work.

It will help you to learn to hone and incorporate courage into your everyday life, like any other skill.

Find the book on Amazon.

17 Exercises To Discover & Unlock Strengths

Use these 17 Strength-Finding Exercises [PDF] to help others discover and leverage their unique strengths in life, promoting enhanced performance and flourishing.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

More Resources From PositivePsychology.com

PositivePsychology.com offers a wealth of resources for therapists and coaches looking to help their clients to grow their courage.

Recommended reading

Character Strengths & Virtues: The Classification Explained discusses the six classes of virtues that are outlined in the Character Strengths and Virtues Handbook: wisdom and knowledge, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence.

Healthy Coping Mechanisms: 9 Adaptive Strategies to Try explores healthy coping mechanisms and the strategies needed to cope effectively with adversity and challenges.

How to Be Vulnerable in Life and Therapy discusses why vulnerability is not about weakness, but rather confidence and inner strength. It also provides tools, exercises, and techniques that offer help in therapy and beyond.

Explore some of our tools and resources

  • Knowing When to Speak Up provides a series of questions to help your clients determine when it is appropriate to speak up. This will give them more confidence when it comes to speaking up.
  • The Wants Into Words worksheet will help your clients mentally prepare for putting their requests into words. This will help them be more courageous in asking for their needs and setting boundaries.
  • The Maximizing Strengths Masterclass© is a six-module coaching package that will give you the skills and confidence to help clients maximize their strengths, including courage.

If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others develop their strengths, this collection contains 17 strength-finding tools for practitioners. Use them to help others better understand and harness their strengths in life-enhancing ways.

A Take-Home Message

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to move forward in spite of it.”

There are many versions of the above quote, and although its origin and provenance are not verified, various versions of it have been attributed to great leaders and philosophers such as Nelson Mandela, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and M. Scott Peck. This and the research regarding courage all speak to its veracity.

Courage is a key part of authentic living. It empowers us to be true to ourselves, even when the path is challenging. By cultivating the character strengths related to courage, we can foster a more courageous way of being and navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and resilience.

Courage is a virtue we all possess, and it is up to us to nurture and use it to live our most authentic and meaningful lives. We have to be courageous to feel courageous.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Strengths Exercises for free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Courage is seen as a virtue because it requires us to confront fear, danger, or adversity with resolve and integrity, allowing us to uphold our principles and pursue what is right.

A person is courageous when they choose to act in spite of their fear, uncertainty, or pain to remain true to their values, protect others, or pursue a meaningful goal.

The opposite of courage is cowardice, the inability or unwillingness to face fear, difficulty, or pain, often leading to avoiding situations that require moral, emotional, or physical bravery.

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