The Courage Map

Courage is a vital life skill. It is not recklessness.

You need courage for many aspects of crafting a meaningful life – a life that embodies your personal values and has a positive effect on other people. Courage is not the opposite of fear. Rather, courage allows you to face your fears and react mindfully in ways that serve your interests and those of the people you encounter. Building your capacity for courage will help you stay true to yourself. The actions of the crowd won’t sway you. You will know what you believe and feel enabled to stand up for your convictions, even when doing so is uncomfortable. Courage helps you pursue grand, risky goals and try new things.

Recklessness means taking a risk that is not worthwhile or responsible. Often, reckless behavior springs from a desire to prove something to someone else. Courage means taking worthy risks – risks with a purpose. For example, when author Franziska Iseli quit her corporate day job to start a new business, Basic Bananas, the move took courage, but it wasn’t a pointless risk. Courageous living means building a life that reflects your essential values and helps...