Let’s look at the Definition of “Courage”

Courage - Noun

mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

For me, the first image that comes to mind about “Courage” is about a soldier facing grave danger, or death. Perhaps a sailor on a ship facing the ferocity of the ocean on a story night. Or perhaps the moment when faced with a robber - and then taking them down in a martial arts flurry.

But Courage comes in many forms. The mother who endures a tough job to feed her child. The cop on the street. The fireman charging into the flames of a burning building.

Every human being has experienced courage at one time or the other, small or large. From asking out a girl, to playing the accordion in the school talent contest, public speaking or confronting injustice against difficult odds.

Who Are Your Real Heroes?

A Hero is one who gives you courage to act against adversity on a mission. The mission that you are on personally, professionally, morally and enthusiastically. I am not talking about the Marvel Comics superhero nonsense, but real human Heroes and Heroines. Here are a few to inspire your thinking:

• George Washington Carver- Although born into slavery, Carver overcame many obstacles to become one of the most extraordinary botanists, inventors, and heroes in American history. His discoveries empowered farmers to unlock the power of the peanut, improve soil nutrients, and feed their families. His scientific advances have improved the lives of people worldwide.

• Clara Barton – Few organizations have the footprint of the American Red Cross. And Clara Barton founded the organization in 1881 after providing support to soldiers. Today, the American Red Cross is among the most prominent charitable organizations in the world! You can still help her cause when you book an appointment to donate blood to those in need.

• Thomas Edison– Edison only lasted three months in formal schooling, but that didn’t stop him from later becoming one of the greatest inventors of all time. By the time of his death, he had over 1500 patents and had founded 14 companies, including General Electric. Every time you turn on a lightbulb, you can thank Edison!

• Abraham Lincoln – To this day, Lincoln is considered one of the best presidents in American history. He led the country as President of the United States from March 4, 1861, until his assassination on April 15, 1865. Lincoln’s abolition of slavery stands as one of his greatest achievements.

• Mother Teresa – One of the most humble heroes in history, Mother Teresa started the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. She dedicated herself to serving the poor and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She was canonized by Pope Francis in 2016.

• Nelson Mandela – Mandela’s recent passing in 2013 may have seemed to unite the world. However, it was his anti-apartheid activism that led to his legacy. Mandela served as South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999, working towards civil rights and tackling racism and apartheid. 

• Susan B. Anthony– Her tenacity and passion for empowering American women with the right to vote are still inspiring us today. Her efforts paved the way for many future women in American politics.

Make a List of your genuine heartfelt and inspirational Heroes and Heroines. I read about Harriet Tubman in my youth. An extraordinary human being to me who endured, persevered and acted on her mission on so many levels.

Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross, c. March 1822[1] – March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist and social activist. Born into chattel slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 similarly-enslaved people, including her family and friends,[2] using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, she served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the movement for women's suffrage.

I bet you didn’t know much of this information about her. She also did all this work while suffering seizures from an assault in slavery.

Find and Read About Your Heroes & Heroines

When you read about your Heroes and Heroines, you may discover that they too are genuine humans - with faults and difficulties, even unkind or mean personalities, blind to certain issues and facets of modern humanity.

Mahatma Gandhi is regarded as one of the greatest humanitarians of the modern era with his continued inspiration to seek Freedom for India in a non-violent manner. He was inspired by Count Leo Tolstoy. Gandhi himself inspired Martin Luther King. Gandhi’s attitudes in race and sex have come under scrutiny especially in his early writings which were clearly racist.

But does that mean that his efforts and outlook is entirely discounted? You yourself will have to render your judgement on these matters in the context and needs of your own life and goals.

In 1962, when British filmmaker Richard Attenborough began researching what would become his 1982 Gandhi film, he asked Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, how he should portray his late colleague. Nehru famously replied that Gandhi was "a great man, but he had his weaknesses, his moods and his failings." He begged Attenborough not to turn Gandhi into a saint. He was "much too human," Nehru said.

But one takeaway on your Heroes and Heroines is that they are human with flaws - just like you, me and everyone in all of humanity - because we are on the Human Journey. Learn your intended inspiration from your Heroes and keep moving. If your Heroes are historic, then you will probably discover their outlooks at odds with the modern era and many sensibilities. Many people do not read history to gain context for various issues. I was quite surprised

Shift your perspective. You may find fault, shortcomings or a lack of resources time or money or whatever in your present life. But regarding yourself as all too human, much like your heroes and heroines, will demonstrate that you too can accomplish your state goal.

List Your Courageous Moments

Make a list of the moments where you have exhibited courage, large and small. Make it an ongoing list so you can build the list. Review it at least once a week to remind yourself that you do have courage, have embraced and lived in courage - and can do so again tomorrow to create a better life.

Grab the image below and put it on your phone either in your photos. Better yet as a screensaver for a week. Whenever you pick up your phone - which is 97 times a day - then take a moment to read these “Three Simple Rules in Life” to yourself. Within a week or certainly a month, you will embed these principles to Action for your Goals.