There’s a profound distinction between simply being brave and being admired for your courage.

This distinction comes down to principles. Those admired for their courage aren’t just reacting on impulse; they’re guided by a set of strong values and beliefs.

Courageous people, the ones we look up to, live by certain principles that help them face fears and overcome obstacles.

In this article, we’ll delve into these guiding lights, the 9 principles that those we admire for their courage swear by. So, if you’re looking to become a beacon of bravery yourself, read on.

1) Embrace uncertainty

Courage isn’t about having all the answers.

Those admired for their courage understand this principle very well. They aren’t afraid of stepping into the unknown, of navigating uncharted territories.

They realize that life is full of uncertainties and surprises. Instead of recoiling from these, they embrace them. They see them as opportunities for growth and learning, rather than obstacles to be feared.

This principle allows them to take risks, to venture where others might hesitate. And while uncertainty might make the average person anxious, these courageous individuals find excitement in it.

So, if you aspire to be admired for your courage, learn to embrace uncertainty. Remember, it’s not about the destination but the journey. And often, the most thrilling parts of the journey lie in its unexpected twists and turns.

Just remember, embracing uncertainty doesn’t mean being reckless. It means having the audacity to face the unknown while staying grounded in your principles and values.

2) Maintain composure under pressure

One thing I’ve noticed about people admired for their courage is how they handle pressure.

I’ll never forget this one time when I was part of a mountain climbing expedition. We were in the middle of a difficult ascent, and an unexpected storm hit us. Everyone was panicking, and the situation was chaotic.

But our team leader, a seasoned climber admired for his courage, was the epitome of calm. Despite the raging storm and the very real danger we were in, he maintained his composure.

He calmly assessed the situation, made decisions, and gave us clear instructions. His calm demeanor had a ripple effect. We all felt a little less panicked and a little more in control. In that moment, our leader’s courage shone through not because he was fearless but because he could keep his cool under intense pressure.

This principle taught me that courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about managing your fears and maintaining your composure even when things go haywire. It’s about stepping up when others are stepping back. It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day.

3) Practice empathy

People admired for their courage showcase a deep sense of empathy. They have the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others, which in turn drives their courageous actions.

Take, for instance, the story of flight attendant Neerja Bhanot. During a 1985 flight hijacking, Neerja risked her life to save passengers, shielding three children from gunfire. Her actions weren’t driven by a desire for personal glory but by her empathy for the passengers, especially the children.

Neerja’s story is a testament to how empathy fuels courage. It’s not just about standing up for oneself but also standing up for others, especially when they can’t do it themselves. When we empathize with others, we’re more likely to act courageously on their behalf.

Embracing this principle of empathy might just be the key to unlocking your own courage.

4) Demonstrate resilience

Resilience is a cornerstone principle for those admired for their courage.

Life doesn’t always go as planned. We face setbacks, disappointments, and failures. However, what sets courageous people apart is their ability to bounce back from these adversities.

They understand that failures are not the end but stepping stones towards success. They don’t let setbacks define them; instead, they learn from these experiences and use them to grow stronger.

Take any renowned figure admired for their courage – Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, or even fictional characters like Harry Potter – they all exhibit immense resilience in the face of adversity.

So, if you want to be admired for your courage, remember that it’s not about never falling down but about getting back up each time you do.

5) Stay committed to their values

People admired for their courage have a strong sense of integrity. They have defined their values and stay committed to them, even when it’s challenging or inconvenient.

Mahatma Gandhi, for example, was a staunch believer in non-violence and peace. Despite the trials he faced, he never compromised on these principles. His commitment to his values was unwavering, even when it meant personal hardship or sacrifice.

Sticking to your values when confronted with adversity is a true test of courage. It’s easy to sway from your principles when the going gets tough, but those we admire for their bravery stay true to their beliefs.

So remember, your values define who you are. And standing firm by them, especially in the face of adversity, is one of the hallmarks of true courage.

6) Show kindness even in adversity

One of the most beautiful aspects of those we admire for their courage is their ability to show kindness, even in the face of adversity.

True courage isn’t about being tough or unyielding; it’s about showing compassion and understanding. Even when life throws its worst at them, these courageous souls continue to spread love and positivity.

Consider Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poorest of the poor. Despite the hardships she faced, her heart remained full of kindness. She once said, “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”

In a world that can often seem cold and harsh, choosing to be kind is a courageous act. So remember, no matter what life throws at you, never let it harden your heart. Keep spreading love and kindness – it’s one of the sincerest forms of courage.

7) Embrace their fears

One common misconception about courage is that it’s the absence of fear. In reality, it’s not about being fearless but acknowledging your fears and facing them head-on.

I used to be terrified of public speaking. The thought of standing in front of a crowd would make my knees shake and my heart pound. But I knew I had to face this fear if I wanted to grow personally and professionally.

So, I started taking small steps. I volunteered to speak at small gatherings, joined a public speaking club, and slowly pushed myself out of my comfort zone. It was scary, but each time I faced my fear, it seemed a little less daunting.

Like me, those admired for their courage don’t run away from their fears; they confront them. They understand that bravery isn’t about being fearless; it’s about embracing and overcoming your fears.

So remember, don’t shy away from what scares you. Embrace your fears, face them head-on, and watch as your courage grows.

8) Believe in themselves

People admired for their courage have an unwavering belief in themselves. They trust their abilities and do not let doubts or insecurities hold them back.

Consider Thomas Edison, who failed countless times before he successfully invented the light bulb. While others doubted him, he never doubted himself. He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

Believing in yourself is a key principle of courage. It gives you the strength to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

So remember, your self-belief can be your most powerful tool. Trust in your abilities, believe in yourself, and let your courage shine through.

9) They never stop learning

The most courageous individuals understand that learning is a lifelong journey. They’re always inquisitive, always open to new experiences and ideas.

From each success and failure, they learn something new, and they use these lessons to grow and evolve. They’re not afraid to ask questions, seek help, or admit when they don’t know something.

Remember, the pursuit of knowledge is a brave endeavor. So keep learning, keep growing, and let this continuous evolution be the epitome of your courage.

Final thoughts: Courage is within us all

At the heart of it all, courage is an intrinsic human quality. It’s not exclusive to heroes in novels or figures in history books. It is within each one of us, waiting to be awakened.

In the words of the renowned author, Maya Angelou, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”

From embracing uncertainty to continuously learning, applying these principles can awaken the courage within us. It’s about making choices that align with our values, even when they’re difficult. It’s about showing kindness and empathy in the face of adversity.

Remember, every small act of bravery contributes to your courage. It’s a journey, not a destination. So keep taking those steps, keep growing, and let your courage shine through.

You are stronger and braver than you think. The world needs your courage. So go out there and make your mark. Because true courage is not just about facing fears; it’s about overcoming them and inspiring others to do the same.