Courage: An Essential Virtue for Authentic Living

Brené Brown’s (2012) book Daring Greatly is a sensation. Its title, however, could be seen to highlight a common misconception about courage: that it is all about overt acts of heroism.
Yet in the book you’ll find that Brown refutes this misconception by highlighting the nuances of courage and its link to vulnerability.
In my work with clients, I too find that courage is more than just physical acts of bravery; it is a complex and dynamic virtue that underpins authentic living.
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Courage motivates us to face our fears, stand by our values, and pursue our true selves, even when the world seems against us.
I often help clients to contact, embrace and develop their courage so that they experience a fuller and richer life.
In this article, we’ll explore the virtue of courage, its related character strengths, and how fostering this quality can lead to a happier, more authentic life.
Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Strengths Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help your clients realize their unique potential and create a life that feels energizing and authentic.