Courage
In modern terms, Stoic courage is the resilience to face your fears and act with integrity, even when you feel afraid. It means choosing to do the right thing despite discomfort or difficulty, and having the inner strength to persist in the face of adversity. It is not about being fearless, but about acting despite fear to achieve progress, pursue your values, and uphold your principles.
- Embracing fear instead of avoiding it: Courage isn't the absence of fear, but acting in the face of it. It means recognizing your fears and anxieties but not letting them dictate your actions.
- Doing the right thing: This involves facing challenges directly, standing up for your beliefs, and making difficult decisions, even when it's not popular or easy. It's about aligning your actions with your values and principles.
- Persistence and endurance: Stoic courage is also the strength to keep going when things are tough—the ability to show up and do your best, even when you don't feel like it.
- Facing discomfort: It means being willing to get out of your comfort zone to grow and develop, and to resist the easy path when it compromises your values.