Bravery does not equal courage

There is no substitute for courage. Here’s why.

If you look up synonyms for courage, you’ll find words like: bravery, fearlessness and tenacity. And, without much consideration, you can easily settle on why these values and virtues would be in each other’s company.  They all point to determination and fierceness. They help a person push past challenges in pursuit of a desired outcome.…

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building confidence

9 Effective ways to build confidence

Confidence is a bit like money — everyone wants it. And luckily, everyone can have it. Where confidence and money differ, however, is in the fact that confidence always has to be built. You can’t get it from an inheritance or find it lying on the ground. You can’t borrow it from a friend or…

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habits to grow courage

3 Everyday habits to grow your courage

Wouldn’t it be great if you could prepare for courageous action like you cram for an exam — stuffing everything you need to know in your brain right before facing a test and recalling the information just in time to confidently answer. Unfortunately, growing and developing courage is not a one-time haul. The ability to…

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This is why you should take more risks

People who realize their potential make risk-taking routine.  Say the word risk. Yep, right now … Doesn’t it sound a little vulgar? Like a curse word. “Risk, please.”  Did you hear it? The -sk ending makes the word come off as both tough and a bit harsh. Add an “s” to make it plural, and…

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ready set go

10 Places and ways to go this summer

Summer is almost here, and several media sources are compiling their lists of top places to visit. I thought it would be fun to compile my own summer GO list for you.  Ready. Set. GO! Go For It. You won’t know until you try. Go slow. Don’t expect to get where you’re going overnight. Go…

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be ok with standing out

20 Lessons from travels in South America

Traveling abroad has taught me important lessons about courage, the super-virtue I champion in professional development. My recent trip to Perú, Chile and Argentina served up 20 “make-ya-say-hmm” life lessons with the theme of courage threaded throughout. I’m glad I didn’t miss the lessons, and I’m even more thrilled that I am able to share…

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courage over everything manifesto

Courage over everything manifesto

Maya Angelou famously said that “courage is the most important of all the virtues. Without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” Consistently is the key word. Courage is both foundational and foremost to helping an actor consistently choose honesty, tolerance, authenticity, integrity and every other virtue. If Maya’s quote was remixed and made…

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quote antidote

7 Powerful quotes on courage from powerful black women

Sometimes, a powerful quote is a perfect antidote to feeling sad, stuck or shaded. These quotes on courage from amazing black women provide a jolt of motivation to keep it moving. Happy International Women’s Day. When I dare to be powerful – to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes…

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courage does not equal fearlessness

Being courageous does not equal being fearless

Is being courageous the same as being fearless? It’s a question I’m asked often, most recently by a 16-year-old attendee at the Guide, Inc youth conference where I spoke. In short, the answer is no.  Here’s the longer answer. Both qualities support growth and adventure and help girls show up in the world with the…

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