Courage is more complicated than you think. That’s why it’s so hard to build. Recent research delves into this universally admired trait and what makes someone courageous. It turns out, your personality traits – your levels of extraversion, agreeableness, open-mindedness, emotional stability and resilience – can influence your courageous behaviours. And it doesn’t just stop at you. Courage is also intertwined with altruism, urging you to take risks that go beyond self-interest to benefit your community or group.

Sounds intriguing, right? But here’s where it gets even more fascinating. What if you generally shy away from risks? Does this mean you lack courage? Not necessarily, according to a study that examined self-reported courage. The research found that those with a low propensity for risk often reported less courage. However, when faced with real-life situations that demanded action, those same individuals were just as likely to step up and show courage.

This means that the true measure of courage may not lie in what you say about yourself, but in what you do when the stakes are high. Now, let’s add a twist. The research theorises that courage could be an evolved trait, developed over generations to encourage us to take calculated risks for the good of our tribe or group. In essence, your courage could be an ancestral gift, a vital trait that helped shape the course of human history.

Thus, if you want to nurture your inner courageous hero, start by cultivating your outgoing, open-minded and resilient self. Embrace the fact that taking risks is part of our evolutionary heritage. Remember, being courageous isn’t just about personal glory. It’s about making a positive impact on those around you.

So, next time you’re faced with a challenging situation, remember this: courage is more about action than self-description. Don’t shy away from risk – instead, embrace it as a chance to show your courage, to demonstrate your altruism and to make a difference. Unlock your inner hero and let your courage shine through. Who knows? You just might change the world.

More of the article here.

This article summary was created by Eleanor Shakiba

Eleanor is a leadership trainer, success coach and people skills expert. She helps managers and business owners build thriving teams and organisations, using tools from Positive Psychology. She's trained more than 60,000 people during her career as a corporate trainer and professional development consultant. Her mission is inspiring talented people to become leaders who make a difference.