🧭 Getting Comfortable with Courage

Good Day, and welcome to The Growth Compass!

GREAT NEWS 🚨 We have given all subscribers access to our FREE Growth Compass Library that you can access HERE.

Here’s Where We Are Headed Today:

• Ryan Holiday on Courage

• Getting Comfortable with Courage

• Great Posts of the Week

• Free Mental Fitness Links 👇

Getting Comfortable with Courage

What is courage: Courage is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation despite feeling afraid. It means taking deliberate action after mindful consideration, motivated by a noble cause or a worthy goal.

Why it matters: We usually think of courage in big life steps with fear associated, but we have small tests of courage every day. The courage to have a difficult conversation, hold someone accountable, or just try something that will make us a bit uncomfortable. We don’t think of it as courage, but any act that gets outside of the comfort zone is a small courage test.

Courage is essential because it enables you to overcome obstacles and stand up for your beliefs.

• It leads to personal growth.

• It fosters resilience and empowerment.

• It allows you to make meaningful changes and inspire others.

So what does the science say about courage?

1. A study by Matt C. Howard conducted to identify the predictors of social courage explored various predictors of social courage by conducting surveys across multiple organizations. They found a few key predictors:

   • People with high levels of grit and proactive personalities were more likely to exhibit social courage.

   • Employees in complex and autonomous roles with strong social support networks showed greater social courage.

   • Older employees were found to display higher levels of social courage, indicating that age and experience contribute to courageous behavior.

   • The study showed that empowering leadership and less hierarchical organizational structures further encouraged social courage​.

2. The Circle of Courage was developed as a model for youth development. It outlines four essential needs for fostering resilience and emotional well-being in children.

   

   The Circle of Courage was developed by Dr. Martin Brokenleg, Dr. Larry Brendtro, and Dr. Steve Van Bockern.

   • Belonging: This component emphasizes the need for children to feel connected and accepted within their community, fostering emotional security and social growth.

   • Mastery: It involves providing opportunities for children to develop their skills and competencies, enhancing their self-esteem and motivation through achieving success.

   • Independence: This aspect focuses on nurturing a child's ability to make decisions and take responsibility, promoting self-discipline and autonomy.

   • Generosity: It encourages children to develop empathy and a desire to contribute to others' well-being, fostering a sense of purpose and interconnectedness.

So what can you learn from this?

Courage is a multifaceted trait that develops depending on where you are and the situation, but it’s clear that your support system, confidence in yourself, and mindset all drive whether you will be courageous in those moments. If you cultivate these aspects, you will be better prepared to act courageously when it matters most.

So how can you make courage a habit in yourself and others?

3 Habits to Build Courage in Yourself

1. Face Small Fears Regularly - Consistently tackle minor fears or discomforts, such as telling the truth, speaking up in meetings, or trying new things. Get comfortable with being a bit uncomfortable. This helps desensitize you to fear and builds confidence over time.

2. Think Growth and Development - Embrace a growth-mindset and a mindset of development. This helps you stay adaptable, boosts your confidence, and prepares you to face new challenges with courage and competence​.

3. Take Time to Reflect - Engage in mindfulness to manage anxiety and regular self-reflection to recognize and evaluate your courageous actions. These practices enhance mental resilience and prepare you for future challenges.

3 Habits to Build Courage in Others

1. Empower Others Through Support - Create an environment where people feel support and able to take ownership. Encourage decision making and responsibility at all levels because this boosts confidence, courage, and resilience.

2. Recognize and Celebrate Acts of Courage - Take time to celebrate courageous actions, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement encourages others to act bravely and builds a culture of courage​

3. Provide Opportunities for Growth - Offer training and challenging assignments to help others develop their skills and competencies. Mastery of new skills boosts confidence and prepares people for greater challenges.

Great Posts from the Week

That's a wrap for today. If you want to spread the joy, make sure to refer the newsletter to someone you think would benefit!