THERE ARE MANY definitions of courage on the Web such as: “Courage, also known as bravery, will and fortitude, is the ability to confront fear, pain, risk/danger, uncertainty” or “the quality of a confident character not to be afraid or intimidated easily but without being incautious or inconsiderate; the ability to do things which one finds frightening” (http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/courage). These definitions narrow courage to facing and dealing with danger and fear. Courage is much more complex than spontaneous reactions to traumatic events.

In my thirteen years of original courage research, I return to the etymology of courage based on the Old French corage, meaning “heart and spirit.” There is a big difference between physical bravado versus generic heart and spirit. This is where the power of personal courage lives—a quality so important that it qualifies as one of the four cardinal virtues.  This distinction empowers people to realize their full potential as courageous human beings.

Pulp fiction, comic books, action-oriented television programs and films have all contributed to the limiting, male-oriented view of courage. For women, it may be even more important because the more they recognize the essence of their courage, the more society will break from its stereotypical understanding of courage as physical daring or bravado.

To fully understand this concept of courage, it might be best to start with a foundation that reveals a few perspectives about what courage is and is not. Join me next time to learn what “impoverished courage” looks like.

I would love for you to share your courage comments by posting them below.

Sandra Ford Walston is known as The Courage Expert and innovator of StuckThinking™. She is an organizational effectiveness consultant, speaker, internationally published author of bestseller COURAGE, trainer and courage coach. She is certified in the Enneagram and MBTI®. www.sandrawalston.com.

Sandra Ford Walston, The Courage Expert

Innovator, StuckThinking™

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

© Sandra Walston

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“Courage can’t see around corners, but goes around them anyway.” ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic’s Notebook, 1960

Everyone can learn to practice courage regardless of career or position. It does not matter if you are a sales associate, graphic designer, project manager, photographer, accountant, administrative assistant, CEO, entrepreneur, journalist, construction worker, electrician, mechanic or stockbroker, you can learn to manifest courage in your work.

What would motivate you to explore where the components of this ancient virtue fit in your work life today? Review the list of “12 things to love about courage” and assess if you come from a reservoir of courage in your work and personal life.

1.         I love that my courage allows me to spread my wings and be all I can be. I am driven by an internal courage-fueled energy field that magnifies my spirit’s fulfillment. My courage is my antitoxin that I apply to setbacks, hurts or duties. How did I start this process? I gave myself permission to express my individuality! Did someone clip your wings?

2.         I love that my courage supports me to exit bad situations quickly. Knowing my personal courage mindset allows me to embrace the courage opportunities I face on my journey. I am no stranger to my courage. I also know that I may feel unjustly punished when I stand in my courage, but courage provides the inner strength to rise above the “victim” mindset. Are you a stranger to your courage? My actions become consistently balanced with my courage consciousness. I love my courage!

3.         I love that my courage sustains me to design a life diminished of regrets. My courage centeredness defines my intentions. Each step (large or small) is an achievement. When my time comes to leave this life, I want to be able to say and feel in my heart, “I have no regrets. I did it my way.” Do you remain deeply consistent with your intentions? If so, reach for the rainbow!

4.         I love that my courage requires me to hold myself one hundred percent accountable for my life’s experiences. I knowingly design those happenings each moment. Courage consciousness supports me as I strive to live in the vibration of my true Self. What life mosaic are you designing? With courage, humility and gratitude merge to dissipate all illusions of self-importance.

5.         I love that my courage competencies expand as I step up the ladder called life. Stepping up reinforces my reservoir of courage, which sustains me until I am ready to take the next exciting step. That next step may be asking for a tough project or changing my hair color. Is your range of courage expanding? I focus on the ancient Chinese proverb: “He who hesitates before each step spends his life on one leg.” Living in courage is economical—it cuts out a myriad of missteps.

6.         I love that my courage self-differentiates me, defining my “brand value.” The driver behind courage is the meaningfulness of my life. These qualities are portrayed through my convictions. My courage allows me to reflect. Choosing some form of reflection, I can learn to be more present to the truth of my personal branding distinction. What is your brand value? Herein lies the courage paradox: stay present, and you will do what is best for you!

7.         I love that my courage guides me to focus on best results. Combining intention with action, courage arms me for success. The power of my spirit illuminates the steps that correlate my success quotient with my courage quotient. Are you willing to sacrifice the external world to find your internal world? It takes courage to design your personal blueprint.

8.         I love that my courage is a friend during times of uncertainty or difficult transitions. There is no need for me to run from myself. My courage permits me to be innately motivated. In courage, my life expresses my heart’s core, reflecting the root meaning of the word courage: “heart and spirit.” Does your life express your heart, your core, your courage? With courage, you can say an absolute “yes” to whatever happens in your life.

9.         I love that my courage develops my success. I develop my success by declaring my intent. My self-esteem supports me during demanding times. I know that hard decisions come alive in the questions, not the answers. Questions inspire actions. I see events as opportunities rather than sources of anxiety. Wisdom often dawns in the midst of pain, providing words of encouragement that should be shared with others. Success is not elusive, and courage is not a barrier to a happy life. Both are venues for your light to shine. What is your definition of success?

10.        I love that my courage self propels me. I am able to reinvent myself as often as needed. I know that conformity is a courage killer. I focus on my accomplishments and maintain a tough measure of accountability. Self-discipline thwarts any mediocrity that might keep me stuck or in anguish. Are you powerfully passionate about who you are? Nothing is more valuable than deepening your sense of who you are. Self-reflection is the key to self-fulfillment.

11.        I love that my courage allows me to stand in my dignity. I do not need to manipulate situations. I know storms will enter my life. They offer opportunities for an honest assessment of my vulnerabilities. How frequently do you witness a mea culpa? Courage supports me to delve beyond my ego’s old behavioral scripts to uncover emotional pain and rewrite those scripts. Only I can choose to stop my suffering created by my ego.

12.        I love that my courage advances my voice. When I confront an uncomfortable truth, the essence of my authentic courage comes to light, and I claim this energy. In Latin, “virtue” means “energy.” Is courage your unsung hero? Are you willing to fall in love with your courage? Courage is the gift that lifts your spirit.

I would love for you to share your courage comments by posting them below.

Sandra Ford Walston is known as The Courage Expert and originator of StuckThinking™. She is an organizational effectiveness consultant, speaker, internationally published author of bestseller COURAGE, trainer and courage coach. She is certified in the Enneagram and MBTI®. www.sandrawalston.com.

Sandra Ford Walston, The Courage Expert

Innovator, StuckThinking™

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

© Sandra Walston

All Rights Reserved

Courage evolves through openly inviting and boldly seeking its cultivation (“Genius in Gray Areas”). ORGANIZATIONS THAT FOCUS on the value of continual learning commit and recommit themselves to their workforce to form productive and accountable relationships. Identifying setbacks provides one opportunity to identify patterns along with honoring each stage of courage recognition.  Start to monitor your organization’s recognition of the courage initiators below and verify whether you are encouraging courageous behavior:

• Face the facts: Denial is saying “no” to courage

• Quickly take action: Swift to review worst-case scenarios

• Keep stepping up: Always move forward

• Know the value of sacrifice and discipline: Specifically declare an intent about what you want to happen

• Value “courageous will:” If there’s a will there’s a Way

• Ask for the tough projects (the project no one wants): An esteem that allows you to take on a high learning curve project or high risk management aptitude

• Trouble shooting abilities: Invite positive dissent

• Express views in a timely manner: Sensitivity to introverts/extraverts

This process not only reveals the truth about your workforce, it also eliminates unwanted debris such as undermining scripts that stall progress.

One day’s courage often predicts the next day’s expansion in creativity, inspiration, dedication, deeper engagement to the task, intensity, innovation, and the willingness to share insights. Models of individual courage give others permission to grow. No longer immune to its energy, courage deposits allow your heart to exhibit genius.

“The challenge,” says Lou Marines, President of Advanced Management Institute, “is to move beyond the sometimes archaic and pedestrian thinking represented by such items as business myths and anecdotal observations that pass for wisdom.” Courage leadership emerges naturally when human spirits come from their hearts not their heads. These authentic moments reveal the truth about learning and growing!

I would love for you to share your courage comments by posting them below.

Sandra Ford Walston is known as The Courage Expert and originator of StuckThinking™. She is an organizational effectiveness consultant, speaker, internationally published author of bestseller COURAGE, trainer and courage coach. She is certified in the Enneagram and MBTI®. www.sandrawalston.com.

Sandra Ford Walston, The Courage Expert

Innovator, StuckThinking™

Follow me on Twitter and Facebook

© Sandra Walston

All Rights Reserved