12 Habits of Genuinely Courageous People - part 1 of 2

How many do you possess?

BY JEFF HADEN

Think of courage and you may first picture physical bravery, but there are many other forms of courage. After all, "Courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it." (Who should know better than Nelson Mandela?)

That means bravery--sometimes an extraordinary level of bravery--is required in business and entrepreneurship. Like taking a chance when others will not. Or following your vision no matter where it leads. Or standing up for what you believe in even though those beliefs are extremely unpopular.

Or simply doing the right thing, even though the right thing is definitely the hardest thing.

(Think of courage that way and you may be surprised by just how brave you really are.)

Here are ways otherwise ordinary people display extraordinary courage:

1. They're not afraid to believe the unimaginable.

Most people try to achieve the achievable. That's why most goals and targets are incremental rather than massive or even inconceivable.

Incremental is safe. Believable is safe. Why? When you play it safe you're less likely to fall short. You're less likely to fail. You're less likely to lose credibility and authority.

Don't be afraid to expect more from yourself... and to expect more from others by showing--and helping--them strive for "unsafe" heights.

2. They're not afraid to be patient.

When things go poorly, changing course or simply giving up is often the easiest way out.

It takes more courage to be patient, to believe in yourself, and to show people you believe in them.

Showing patience in others also shows you care. And when you show you truly care about the people around you, they find ways to do things that amaze everyone--including themselves.

Don't be afraid to give other people the gift of patience; it costs you nothing, but could mean the world to the recipients.

3. They're not afraid to say no.

Turning down huge requests is somewhat easy, but can you say no to requests for favors or demands on your time?

In those cases, saying yes is usually the easiest move. Saying no, even when you know you'll later resent or regret having said yes, is much harder. Yet it's often the best thing to do, both for you and oftentimes even for the other person.

Don't be afraid to say no.

4. They're not afraid to take an unpopular stand.

Many people try to stand out in a superficial way: clothes, or interests, or public support for popular initiatives. They're conspicuous for reasons of sizzle, not steak.

It takes genuine courage to stand out by taking an unpopular stand.

Don't be afraid to take risks not just for the sake of risk but for the sake of the reward you believe is possible... and by your example to inspire others to take a risk in order to achieve what they believe is possible.

5. They're not afraid to ask for help.

No one does anything worthwhile on his or her own. Even the most brilliant, visionary, and fabulously talented people achieve their success through collective effort.

Yet it takes courage to sincerely and humbly say, "Can you help me?" because asking for help shows vulnerability.

Don't be afraid to ask for help; not only will you get the help you need, you'll also give the gift of respect.